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Brigstowe’s vision is a world in which people living HIV live long and healthy lives, free from poverty, stigma, prejudice and discrimination and our mission is to enhance the quality of life for people living with HIV
Why the community needs us
Whilst great strides have been made around HIV treatment, positive people remain a stigmatised and marginalised group. HIV continues to be linked in people’s minds with gay men, intravenous drug use and the tombstone adverts of the 1980’s. For most clients the shock of diagnosis is huge. Depression, guilt, shame, worthlessness and feeling dirty are all common and prevent them from asking for help at the time they most need it. Our clients still face discrimination and stigma in the work place, health care settings and in their personal life. Research shows that inequalities are growing as the long-term effects of the disease and medication are affecting physical and mental health. A third of HIV positive people are now over 50, of whom more than half are living in poverty (double the levels seen in the general population). Clients also often face additional stigma due to their sexuality and/or immigration status. A lot of the time we are working with clients who are experiencing poverty, mental health, and immigration issues. They have higher levels of long-term unemployment and ongoing financial and housing difficulties, including dependency on welfare support. The HIV prevalence in Bristol is high and above the national average and we are seeing a growing number of people coming to us for specialist HIV support.
Our impact on the community
Our Advice and Support Service has achieved the Advice Quality Standard accreditation in disability, housing, welfare benefits and community care. In the last year we supported numerous clients with housing and tenancy issues, finance and debt issues (securing over £90k for clients), access to immigration and health & community care services, travel cards, HIV retreat placements, employment, and much more. “For the first time I feel safe in my own home and financially secure. I have received all the support I needed.” Over the last year, 90% of clients “strongly agreed” with being pleased with the service and 10% “agreed”. Another example is the recent evaluation of our One-to-One Peer Mentoring and Recently Diagnosed Workshops. This revealed that of the 67 participants 89% experienced an increase in confidence and self-esteem, 67% reported better knowledge of available services and confidence to access them, 78% reported more close supportive relationships, 80% reported feeling more integrated and able to contribute to their local community, and 82% reported an increase in understanding and knowledge of HIV and related issues.
Why the community needs us
Whilst great strides have been made around HIV treatment, positive people remain a stigmatised and marginalised group. HIV continues to be linked in people’s minds with gay men, intravenous drug use and the tombstone adverts of the 1980’s. For most clients the shock of diagnosis is huge. Depression, guilt, shame, worthlessness and feeling dirty are all common and prevent them from asking for help at the time they most need it. Our clients still face discrimination and stigma in the work place, health care settings and in their personal life. Research shows that inequalities are growing as the long-term effects of the disease and medication are affecting physical and mental health. A third of HIV positive people are now over 50, of whom more than half are living in poverty (double the levels seen in the general population). Clients also often face additional stigma due to their sexuality and/or immigration status. A lot of the time we are working with clients who are experiencing poverty, mental health, and immigration issues. They have higher levels of long-term unemployment and ongoing financial and housing difficulties, including dependency on welfare support. The HIV prevalence in Bristol is high and above the national average and we are seeing a growing number of people coming to us for specialist HIV support.
Our impact on the community
Our Advice and Support Service has achieved the Advice Quality Standard accreditation in disability, housing, welfare benefits and community care. In the last year we supported numerous clients with housing and tenancy issues, finance and debt issues (securing over £90k for clients), access to immigration and health & community care services, travel cards, HIV retreat placements, employment, and much more. “For the first time I feel safe in my own home and financially secure. I have received all the support I needed.” Over the last year, 90% of clients “strongly agreed” with being pleased with the service and 10% “agreed”. Another example is the recent evaluation of our One-to-One Peer Mentoring and Recently Diagnosed Workshops. This revealed that of the 67 participants 89% experienced an increase in confidence and self-esteem, 67% reported better knowledge of available services and confidence to access them, 78% reported more close supportive relationships, 80% reported feeling more integrated and able to contribute to their local community, and 82% reported an increase in understanding and knowledge of HIV and related issues.