Your readers may be aware of worries about the Government’s changes to
the way benefits are paid. Since April, some people have been unable to collect
their benefits in cash at local post offices. They have to have the money paid
into a bank account, or to open a Post Office Card Account and then withdraw the
cash. But the Government has made it too difficult for people to open these Post
Office Accounts. So far, almost 40 per cent of those asked by the Government to
move to the new system have not done so. It is not clear what is to become of
them when their order books are withdrawn. It should be made easier to open a
Post Office Card Account and special arrangements should be in place to meet the
needs of vulnerable people. If your readers are concerned about this issue, I
would ask them to please write to me at Conservative Central Office, 32 Smith
Square, London SW1P 3HH
Oliver Heald MP, Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions, House of Commons
Further to the news article in last month's PN, I wanted to clarify that Lighthouse East London will be very much locally based. We're working in partnership with LEAN, Caress and other local organisations to provide a number of services. These include an assessment and referral worker, an African communities worker, counselling, African emotional support and recently diagnosed courses. All of these services will be offered at venues across Barking & Dagenham and Havering. For more details contact THT Direct on 0845 1221 200.
Adam Wilkinson, Regional Manager, Lighthouse West London
I am an admirer of the magazine, but on receiving May's issue was angered by your front cover. Saying "The strong survive" implies that those who do not are weak. This is a huge slur on all who have been less fortunate and died. There are many people failing on combination therapy, not because they are not strong, but because these toxic chemicals do not suit their chemical makeup. It is always marvellous to hear tales of people's successful struggles with coping with this disease. That doesn't make them strong, but fortunate.
Jonathan Blake, London SE24
I refer to your letter headed "Sort
yourselves out, saunas" published in issue 91. I would like to reply to some
points. Chariots spend in excess of £60,000 a year on condoms and lube. If they
are not being used by the customers, then the tooth fairy must be taking them!
A member of our management team designed the condom dispensers. They were approved
by the Healthy Gay Living Centre and were designed to reduce waste, not to limit
supplies to customers, and are positioned outside every rest room. To imply that
we would limit supplies of condoms to our customers is downright insulting. Finally
as to your comments about "the hypnotic heat, the scent of steam", I've got news
for you, Mr Ibrahimi - it's a SAUNA!
Mark Crossey, Chariots Health Clubs Ltd, Fairchild Street, London EC2A 3NS
I was so offended by Allan Morris's column 'Daydreams of a Dose Drifter' (PN 90). I have been on medication for the last four years, but I manage to work part-time and to study part-time for a degree. It's astonishing that somebody who is fortunate to be given free medication, to treat an illness that millions of people around the world cannot access, has the audacity to write a column moaning about how he keeps forgetting to take it!
Is this what all those brave people who, sadly, are not with us, fought so hard for? Instead of Allan complaining that he does not have reminders to take his meds on time, maybe he should organise his life better. If he feels that he does not have enough information about his meds and how to store them, he should ask his HIV consultant or any of the plethora of advice services available.
Simon Farris, London
I cannot believe that Allan Morris can remain so ignorant and glib about his own drug adherence. Firstly, how dare he pigeonhole adherent people as having 'no life' in the first place. It is perfectly possible to have a vibrant and varied lifestyle and remain adherent. All it takes is commitment and a bit of creative thinking. Allan, stop whingeing and take responsibility before your complacency kills you!
Steven Young, synot@ntlworld.com
Pass on my thanks to Allan for a very interesting article ('Desperately
seeking Straight Mate', PN 89). Good to know others around feel the same.
I too find it difficult to find good heterosexual resources especially in the
UK. Being female makes it even harder, because I am always a little cautious with
electronic friendships and meeting others. If you do find any further heterosexual
support groups or other websites, I would be interested in knowing more.
Robin, by email
I read Simon Mwendapole's column 'African
Activists Awaken' (PN 91). The UK NHS could not exist without Africans, Indians,
and so on. Can the Government do without those people? Testing entrants for HIV
will affect them intensively. Why is the government not thinking of testing them
for infections like multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is often passed
on in hospital without people having any sexual relationship or blood transfer?.
This will be total discrimination at its highest.
Slimali, by email
I couldn't agree more with Simon Mwendapole when he says 'we need to see more Africans involved'. I am the patients' representative at the Lawson HIV clinic in Brighton and I bring the views of patients into regular management meetings. Several people have contacted me about the service we receive at the clinic, but they are almost entirely gay men, and I am keen to hear from African people too, so that I can accurately represent their views regarding the clinic. I can be contacted easily in person or in writing at the Lawson, or through Brighton Body Positive. I look forward to hearing from you.
Paul Clift, Patients' Representative, Lawson Unit/EJC, Brighton
