Midweek, a group for positive gay men living in and around London, is going
from strength to strength. Supported by UKC, it aims to provide information
about living with HIV and enable members to meet other positive men and learn
from their experiences. The group caters for all, from the recently diagnosed
to those who have lived with the virus for many years. More than 50 men have
so far attended. Bernard Forbes, the group co-ordinator, said: “We want
to ensure everyone will feel better for coming, and make many new friends.”
Midweek meets at UKC's offices, 250 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5RD, at
7pm on Wednesdays. A free buffet is provided, usually followed by a speaker
or discussion. Purely social events are also planned. Pointers can be given
for further confidential advice and support. More details from midweek@ukcoalition.org
or call 020 7564 2180.
Problems with relationships, drugs, or with your sexuality generally? If you
feel you could benefit from some counselling there are several centres in
London where gay and bisexual men can get free advice from trained professionals.
Call THT on 020 7835 1495; Naz Project on 07834 328 239; PACE on 020 7700
1323 or HGLC on 020 7407 355.
The National Long Term Survivors Group wants to apologize to people trying
to access information about the self-help group. Organiser Tom Matthews said
the group was struggling to keep up with demand but all enquiries would be
answered eventually. Meanwhile visit
www.nltsg.org
Teen author Lynda Waterhouse worked closely with the HIV group Teen Spirit
to develop the character of a young person living with HIV for her latest
novel Soul Love. Copies of the book, published late last year, can be obtained
through various bookshops or on-line at www.amazon.co.uk
Soul Love by Lynda Waterhouse, Piccadilly Press, ISBN 1853408603.
and finally
PN is planning an article on medics and healthcare workers living with HIV.
We would like to hear from any readers happy to share their experience and
stories of working with HIV in the health service. Perhaps you have faced
discrimination from colleagues? Perhaps you struggle to keep your status a
secret? Or maybe you have a good experience of disclosure? We are keen to
hear from doctors, GPs, nurses, midwives, paramedics or people from associated
professions. We fully appreciate disclosure may be an issue, so we would still
like to hear from you, even if you do not want to have your identity disclosed
in the magazine. Please contact editor@positivenation.co.uk or ring 020 7564
2121.
