Summer trip for people living with HIV in London

We want to give people living with HIV and their families an opportunity to go to the seaside, to escape the daily challenges and huge social stigma of being HIV positive, to relax and feel happy together for the day.

Living with HIV can be really tough

There are more people living with HIV than ever before, 100,000 in the UK, 42% of which are living in London. Black Africans in the UK are disproportionately affected by HIV; the community also suffers from other inequalities, such as poverty and poor housing. 

Being diagnosed with HIV can be devastating, putting people in a state of despair and crisis. People living with HIV face being ostracised from their relationships, families and communities and can lose their employment and accommodation due to the prejudices. Diagnosis may also lead to further complications of underlying mental health issues.

Positive East creates a safe space for people

Positive East is one of the very few places where people living with HIV can be open and honest about their fears. Our culturally friendly African support groups create an essential safe space where people receive professional and peer support, up-to-date information on HIV, sexual health, relationships, nutrition and welfare rights. They can also build up self-esteem and create social networks, ultimately gaining the skills, knowledge and confidence to live well with HIV.

A day out

Living in a busy city, often in poor and overcrowded accommodation and struggling to make ends meet, can exasperate the challenges of living with HIV and make people feel isolated and like there is no escape. We want to give people living with HIV and their children an opportunity to go to the seaside, so they can feel great about themselves, they can feel happy, just like everybody else, just for one day.

£550 will cover the cost of train travel, from London to the seaside, for approximately 40 adults and 20 children who wish to go on the trip. Any additional funds raised will contribute towards the cost of refreshments on the day for the most disadvantaged families. 

Please donate, it will really mean a lot to our clients and will give the children something to look forward to and a day to remember. 

 "We are at the beach my brother and I. We would like to be happy children, thank you for your kind support."

Thank you!

Positive East is relying on the generosity of individuals to fund the summer trip. Positive East, and our clients, sincerely appreciates your support! We have special rewards to match your donations and we will keep everyone informed of the success and impact of the day.

"We want to keep our family happy. We don't want our parent's conditions to affect the love of the family."

"Our parents are waiting for your help, please support them! We don't like lonely parents." 

FAQ

Where I can find out more information?Visit our website: www.positiveeast.org.uk Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/PositiveEast and @PositiveEastEmail [email protected]

How can I attend a support group?For full details of the support groups click here or call 020 7791 2855 / email [email protected]

Where can I get a HIV test?For full details on the testing venues click here or call 020 7791 2855 / email [email protected]

How else can I fundraise?Click here to see the many ways you can fundraise through challenges and events or call 020 7791 9353 / email [email protected]

If you would like to make a one off or regular donation go to www.donate2positiveeast.org.uk 

How can I volunteer?For full details on Positive East’s volunteering opportunities click here or call 020 7791 2855 / email [email protected]