Due to Government cuts, the Terrence Higgins Trust ‘THT Direct’ helpline is in urgent need of funds to keep its vital work going. Xav Judd takes a look at a much-underrated lifeline for many LGBT people…
In July 1982, Terry Higgins was one of the first people in the UK to die with AIDS. He was only 37 and, tragically, as the virus was an unknown entity at that time, suffered greatly in his final days. Consequently, his partner (Rupert Whitaker) and some close friends created the eponymous trust, in an attempt to humanise AIDS in a very public way. Also, there was an aspiration that no one should endure the same agony as their aforementioned beloved.
From the outset, this charity focused on raising funds for research and awareness of AIDS, which was then known as Gay-Related Immune Deficiency (GRID). Such work continues today, with Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) steadfast in its desire to: try and cut down the spread of HIV and encourage good sexual health (including safe sex); administer services on a local and national level to individuals with, affected by, or at risk of becoming infected with HIV; campaign to increase public comprehension of the effects of HIV and AIDS.
Unfortunately, the 2008 financial crisis and the ongoing recession it gave rise to have meant that THT has had dramatic cuts in its funding that relate to all of its services.
According to Paul Ward, the organisation’s Deputy Chief Executive: “The axe has been wielded both at state and local levels. Indeed, one example of a severe cut we experienced just this year was that half of the funding for city-wide HIV prevention work was abolished.”
In particular, THT Direct – the charity’s helpline and the only type of this kind of specialist service dealing with HIV in the United Kingdom – has had its monetary backing completely removed. With the daily cost of this operation being £744 (to cover paid staff, volunteers and a Freephone number inter alia), such a withdrawal of financing has resulted in some vital procedures having to be reduced.
This will undoubtedly affect London’s LGBT community and its general populace as a whole. Why? Because over 20,000 people annually benefit from THT Direct’s advice, support and information on a wide range of sexual-related issues: HIV testing; STI screening and accessing PEP; prevention and transmission of HIV; and reproduction, puberty and contraception.
“Over 20,000 people annually benefit from THT Direct’s advice.”
In fact, arguably, this type of telephone advocacy is required now more than ever considering that over 6,000 men and women are still diagnosed with HIV every twelve months, and due to too many gay males still practising unsafe sex.
“We are determined to avoid losing our helpline,” exclaims Paul. Hence, his organisation has taken various steps to try and increase funding.
One includes approaching wealthy individuals for contributions. Another money-raising effort is one where the general public can assist directly, as THT has launched an appeal. Indeed, the charity is hoping that a lot more people will make donations on a regular basis – one-off payments are also accepted. Even small monthly amounts can be of great benefit.
For instance, £10 could buy a HIV testing kit – if someone finds out they have HIV in good time, they can access medicine when they need it, giving them the best chance of living a normal lifespan; and £25 could pay for a community support volunteer’s travel for four weeks of visits to someone who may be feeling isolated and lonely after their HIV diagnosis.
• Click onto this link to donate www.tht.org.uk/Donate. Or, if you’d rather give over the phone or have any queries call their donation line: 020 7812 1612.
