Huggy Bears

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Now 1,600 families benefit from Body & Soul.
Robert is the father of three children and also a full-time carer for his partner who is positive and has been very ill from combo side effects. He started attending B&S three years ago. "I get my peace here on Thursdays, and I can bring the whole family. What's important is the really warm family atmosphere. There's often music and it's just very homely."
Robert's eldest girl is 13 and HIV negative; his youngest son is six, HIV positive and on treatment, though he doesn't know about HIV as yet. "What I like about B&S is that my children can go up through the various groups; Under Fives, the Base and Teen Spirit and get support all the way. For example, the staff have helped my children with learning difficulties and they've really benefited from the homework club too."
Pauline is a single African mother, diagnosed in the UK unexpectedly in pregnancy. She is now living here as an asylum seeker with a 10-month-old child. Her partner 'disappeared' when he discovered her condition. "I didn't have many friends here and no one to help me with the baby. I felt desperate and incapable. I come to B&S whenever they're open, for a break, really, and also because it gives me a sense of belonging. They're so welcoming."

B&S is one of the few - if not the only - organisation to pay for taxis for service users who need them. This is a real help for single mothers with small