News: 11/2024 | Page 12 | George House Trust
News: 11/2024
17 Jul

Rapid HIV Test and Talk Service at George House Trust

By Neal Sharpe 0 Comments

RAPID HIV TEST AND TALK SERVICE AT GEORGE HOUSE TRUST

RAPID HIV TEST AND TALK SERVICE AT GEORGE HOUSE TRUST

 

Monday July 23rd 3pm to 7pm at George House Trust

 

Do you have a partner, friend or family member who identifies as a man who has sex with other men?

 

Our PaSH partner LGBT Foundation will be running a rapid HIV test & talk service on Monday 23rd July between 3pm and 7pm at George House Trust.

 

Each appointment takes approximately 20-30 minutes and requires a small amount of blood from a finger-prick.  You’ll get the result in the session.

 

Whilst you’re in the appointment, members of the Sexual Health Programme will have a confidential, non-judgemental chat about HIV exposure and risk as well as giving you an opportunity to chat about how you can have pleasurable and fulfilling sex and relationships.

 

There will be eight available appointment slots on the day – the first at 3pm and the last at 6.30pm.

 

If somebody you know would like to make an appointment, they should email info@ght.org.uk with a name and contact telephone number.  We will then make contact with them to give them their appointment time.

 

Tuesday, 17 July, 2018
17 Jul

Thank You Matt!

By Neal Sharpe 0 Comments

THANK YOU MATT!

THANK YOU MATT!

 

For a first at George House Trust, we had someone fundraising for us by taking part in the London Night Cycle.

 

Matt Thornton took on the challenge and used his own story to garner support and tell people about the vital work we do at George House Trust. Before the ride, Matt had said

 

“anyone who lives with HIV will know, support is one of the key things to get you through the early months of diagnosis and George House Trust do such an amazing job of helping people that I felt compelled to try to raise as much money for them and their amazing work as I can”

 

Matt managed to absolutely smash his fundraising target and afterwards gave us a bit more information on the event and an update on his experience:

 

“The London Nightrider Challenge is a 100km circular route around London, starting and ending at the Lee Valley Velodrome, where the likes of Victoria Pendleton won Gold in the 2012 London Olympics.  Now I’m not saying I’m anything like Victoria Pendleton, but to do the Nightrider Challenge, you certainly need alot of stamina to cope with the fact that you’re riding through the night and there are some pretty steep hills throughout the route!  So my training for the event started back in the dark days of February, when it was cold, wet and miserable.  The promise of better weather ahead and the fact that so many wonderful friends and family had sponsored me, got me through those early dark days to complete the Challenge on the 9/10th June 2018.  It’s a fantastic event, that’s well organised, fun and there’s an enormous sense of achievement once you’ve finished it!  The picture featured in this story is taken of me at the 95km mark in the Challenge…I can’t actually believe I have a smile on my face, considering I felt like I wanted to throw up by that point!”

 

 

If you want to follow in Matt’s footsteps and raise money to help support people living with HIV then check out the fundraising section of our website or request one of our brand new Fundraising Packs to get hints, tips and ideas to really kickstart your fundraising efforts!

Tuesday, 17 July, 2018
06 Mar

April is "Listening and Learning" Month at George House Trust

By Farrell Ian 0 Comments

APRIL IS "LISTENING AND LEARNING" MONTH AT GEORGE HOUSE TRUST

During April we will be carrying out our “Real Time Survey”, where we ask everyone who uses services during April to give us feedback on how we are doing. We will have volunteers on hand to assist if needed.

 

For those who do not attend or use services during April we will be sending out an electronic survey to get feedback on how we are doing.

 

We will use the feedback to celebrate and share our successes and to also look at how we can improve the services we offer to people living with HIV in Greater Manchester. We will share the feedback with both the Board an also service users. We will also look to use feedback as evidence to strengthen our funding applications so it’s really important that we get as much information as possible so we would urge everyone to get involved and give us feedback.

 

Tuesday, 6 March, 2018
06 Mar

Meet the CEO at Saturday Drop In

By Farrell Ian 0 Comments

MEET THE CEO AT SATURDAY DROP IN

MEET THE CEO AT SATURDAY DROP IN

Saturday 21st April

10.30 am - 4.00 pm

As part of our ‘listening and learning’ month, Steph Mallas, George House Trust CEO will be offering 10 minute one to one sessions at this Saturday Drop In for service users to share their experience of George House Trust - both the good bits and suggestions for improvements. The sessions will be on a first come first seen basis.

 

The feedback will be collated and shared with the staff and Board, and can be anonymised at the request of the service user. Feedback may also be used to help support funding bids for new projects and developments at George House Trust.

 

Steph will be available from 11.00 until 3.00. If you can’t make it that day, please feel free to email your feedback to Steph on stephanie@ght.org.uk.

Tuesday, 6 March, 2018
06 Mar

New Sessions and Events Calendar 2018/19

By Farrell Ian 0 Comments

NEW SESSIONS AND EVENTS CALENDAR 2018/19

 

We are currently finalising the sessions and events calendar for 2018 /19.

 

Because of the relatively low take up for some events there will be some changes to the sessions that we plan to run.

 

We are pleased to announce a new monthly event – ‘Meet and Eat’. This will be a social space with a catered lunch and will be an opportunity for people to meet up in a relaxed atmosphere.

 

We’ll also be increasing the number of relaxation therapy days to four over the course of the year following feedback from service users.

 

The full events calendar will be on the website soon so keep a look out for more details.

Tuesday, 6 March, 2018
03 Dec

8 things to consider before starting HIV medication

By Samuel Clarke 0 Comments

 

8 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE STARTING HIV MEDICATION
 

YOUR HIV DOCTOR OR SPECIALIST NURSE ARE THE PEOPLE TO TALK TO

Have an honest conversation with your HIV doctor or specialist nurse – they’re there to advise and support you. There are lots of options around starting treatment, and the people involved in your clinical care will be happy to discuss this with you.

 

CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS AND THINK ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF STARTING TREATMENT

Make sure that you properly understand the benefits, for you, of starting HIV treatment and take time to consider the pros and cons. George House Trust Services Advisers can offer you a space to talk and think things over.

 

START TREATMENT AT THE RIGHT TIME FOR YOU, ONCE YOUR HIV DOCTOR RECOMMENDS THAT YOU START

It’s a good idea to have a clear understanding of why it’s the right time to start treatment. Being ready and prepared before starting treatment means you will be better informed and more confident as you start your treatment journey.

 

IT’S A LIFELONG COMMITMENT

But it’s a commitment that’s entirely possible to fit into your daily routine. Many people are taking HIV meds daily, doing the things they’ve always done and getting on with their lives.

 

TAKING TABLETS EXACTLY AS PRESCRIBED MEANS THEY’LL WORK AS THEY SHOULD, AND REMOVE THE LIKELIHOOD OF DEVELOPING RESISTANCE

You’ll need to make sure that you take your medication regularly without missing any doses. Missed doses can mean that your HIV develops resistance to the particular drug you’re taking. Think about how you’ll get into the right routine to make sure that you don’t miss a dose.

 

THE BENEFITS OF AN UNDETECTABLE VIRAL LOAD ARE MASSIVE

Adhering well to your treatment means that the amount of the virus in your body will come down to levels which are undetectable. Research shows that someone with an undetectable viral load has a negligible chance of passing HIV on to someone else. That’s got to be a good thing. 

 

TREATMENT MAKES YOU BETTER, AND SIDE EFFECTS ARE BECOMING A THING OF THE PAST 

Your body may need to adjust to taking new, regular medication, but many of the side effects that people experience are manageable and often short lived.

 

HIV MEDICATION IS BETTER NOW THAN IT’S EVER BEEN

HIV drugs - and their effectiveness – have improved massively over the years. Undetectable is the new HIV status – you’re only going to get there if you’re on treatment and adhering well. 

Friday, 3 March, 2017
01 Dec

8 things you should know if you’ve just found out you’re HIV positive

By Samuel Clarke 0 Comments

 

8 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW IF YOU'VE JUST FOUND OUT YOU'RE HIV POSITIVE 
 

IT REALLY IS BETTER TO KNOW

It may not feel like it right now, but it really is. Now that you know you’re living with HIV, you’re in a much better position to manage your health and your long term future than if you didn’t.         

 

YOU DON'T NEED TO TELL ANYONE YET

Take your own time to think about who you want to tell about your HIV status. You may need support and a listening ear at some point – but remember, once you’ve told someone, you’re never going to be able to take the information back.

 

HIV IS A MANAGEABLE MEDICAL CONDITION

You’re living with a virus and you’ll need medication to keep it under control – but, with early diagnosis, people with HIV are living normal lives and doing exactly the same things that everyone else is doing.

 

SOME PEOPLE JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND

Unfortunately, for some people, HIV stigma is still an issue. Remember, it might be hard to take but, if people reject you or discriminate against you just because you’re living with HIV, that really is their problem, not yours. 

 

YOU CAN HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT WHEN TO START TREATMENT

Talk to your consultant about the pros and cons of starting treatment. They will help you decide the best time for you to start.

 

SEX CAN STILL BE FANTASTIC

Just because you’re living with HIV doesn’t mean that you can’t – or shouldn’t – enjoy great sex. It’s just that there’s some extra things to consider now. George House Trust Services Advisers can help you think things through.

 

YOU'RE PROTECTED BY THE LAW

The Equality Act 2010 protects people living with HIV from being treated less favourably than other people. Whether it’s at work or in other areas of your life, the law says you can’t be treated differently.  

 

SUPPORT IS THERE FOR YOU

It’s not all going to be plain sailing and there’ll be times when you might need someone to talk to or take advice from. George House Trust offers support, advice and information about all aspects of living with HIV. Just call us.  

Friday, 18 November, 2016
12 Oct

BUY GEORGE A DRINK

By Samuel Clarke 0 Comments

BUY GEORGE A DRINK AND HELP SUPPORT PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV

BUY GEORGE A DRINK AND HELP SUPPORT PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV

 

George House Trust is launching a new fundraising campaign and inviting people to Buy George a Drink.

 

We want to make it easy to support the work of George House Trust by enabling one off text donations.

 

The campaign encourages everyone to include George when buying a round of drinks by texting ‘DRINK’ to 70660, which will automatically donate £3 to George House Trust.

 

Posters will be going up in pubs, clubs, juice bars, tea rooms and coffee shops across the city centre and we want absolutely everyone to get involved, so if you see our posters, whether you’re out for your regular drinks, brunch cocktails or afternoon tea, please text and include George when getting a round in.

 

Buy George a DrinkBuy George a DrinkBuy George a DrinkBuy George a DrinkBuy George a DrinkBuy George a Drink

 

We want to increase awareness of the work we do and the more people engage with George House Trust, the more we can educate people about our vision - for all people to know their HIV status and to be HIV aware.

 

The ultimate goal for the campaign is to increase the overall fundraising total and expand presence and awareness of George House Trust so we can ensure all people living with HIV can live happy and healthy lives, free from stigma and discrimination.

 

CEO of George House Trust, Stephanie Mallas said

“Buy George a Drink is a great, simple way for people to engage with George House Trust and support the work we do. We hope that everyone will include George when they’re out enjoying a drink and we want as many venues as possible to promote the campaign with the aim of making everyone HIV aware.”

For further details email Samuel Clarke, Community Fundraising Organiser, or call 0161 274 5565

 

Thursday, 12 October, 2017
13 Sep

8 Things To Say If Someone Tells You They're Living With HIV

By Samuel Clarke 0 Comments

 

THANKS FOR TELLING ME

Someone has told you this because they want you to know and they think they can trust you – give a reassurance that it will stay confidential. You’ve been given some powerful information that may have been difficult to disclose - ‘thanks for telling me’ acknowledges that.      

 

HOW ARE YOU DOING? 

Asking a simple question like ‘how are you doing?’ gives someone the chance to tell you as much or as little as they want to. Don’t probe too much – just asking this is probably enough right now.    

 

IT’S OK…

It really is OK. HIV today, with early diagnosis and proper adherence to treatment, is a long term manageable health condition. It’s the stigma and negative attitudes that sometimes get in the way of people who are living with HIV getting on with their lives.    

 

WHAT CAN I DO?

Think about why someone has chosen to tell you – it may be that a bit of extra support or just someone to talk to is what’s needed. Ask what you can do and be led by what the person tells you they need. 

 

LET’S TALK ABOUT U=U

If you aren’t aware of the U=U message, you need to be. We now know that someone on HIV treatment and with an undetectable viral load can’t pass on HIV to someone else. Talk about it, not just to the person who’s disclosed to you, but to anyone else who’ll listen.      

 

NOTHING CHANGES 

For some people, fear of rejection after disclosing HIV status means never feeling able to tell anyone. Be reassuring that nothing is going to change just because someone’s told you that they’re living with a virus.    

 

ARE YOU ON TREATMENT?

Showing an interest in someone’s health can be supportive. If you don’t know anything about HIV treatments – make it your job to find something out. Educate yourself about HIV so that you have all the information you need. 

 

DRINKS ON FRIDAY?

Keep things normal. The person who told you wants to keep things normal too. If Friday night is drinks night there’s no reason why your plans should change – and every reason why they should stay the same.

Wednesday, 13 September, 2017
12 Sep

TOUGH MUDDER

By Samuel Clarke 0 Comments

TOUGH MUDDER

GHT Tough Mudder Team showed their strength for people living with HIV

 Tough Mudder

 

After 6 weeks of ‘training’, 5 amazing people took on 26 gruelling obstacles over a 12 mile course to raise much needed funds for George House Trust. The team of mudders included our regular giving manager Leroy and brave volunteers Liam, Stephen, Meg and Natasha.

 

 

The challenge took place on Sunday the 10th September at Cholmondeley Castle where the team had to face iced waters, overcome big heights, power through electric volts and of course fight their way through lots and lots of mud!

 

Liam, one of the participants said

"It was the hardest but most amazing experience of my life, I've hurt my ankle and every muscle in my body hurts but I would do it all again in a heartbeat if it made just a small bit of difference to somebody’s life."

Collectively the team have so far raised £2,483.00 from the generosity of friends, family and supporters but there’s still time to show your support and reward the team for all of their hard work by making a safe and secure donation on the participants pages - Leroy, Liam, Stephen, Megan and Natasha - via Just Giving.

 

Regular Giving manager Leroy said 

"Thank you to everybody who has supported so far and is making a positive difference to somebody’s life with HIV. The course was tough but there are people we support that are facing bigger battles and although I’m in pain, I’m happy that with your help we are all standing strong together and improving lives in our community here in Manchester."

Thank you to Tony Molloy at CorptelUK for his continued support to GHT, he sponsored the team to take part and made this muddy fundraiser possible.

Tuesday, 12 September, 2017

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Living with HIV? Want to talk to us?
Call 0161 274 4499 or email: talk@ght.org.uk