A consultation on the future of HIV and STI prevention and support services in Greater Manchester is currently running and we need you to take part. 
The consultation runs until 30th November 2016.

This is YOUR opportunity to have YOUR say about the kind of support services YOU want.
Your views and comments will help to shape the future of HIV support in Greater Manchester.  
We are encouraging all George House Trust service users to make sure their voices are heard in this important consultation.

What you can do:

• Click on the link below to start the survey
• Use one of the George House Trust reception computers which are set up with the consultation as their home page when you visit us
• Look out on this website for the dates of the group sessions we will be running to give some background to the consultation
• Ask a Services Adviser or any other member of staff about the consultation and other ways you can take part

Remember – this consultation is about you and the HIV support services you want to see in Greater Manchester.  

Don’t miss your chance to have your say!  

START THE SURVEY HERE

To read more about the consultation, via Salford City Council's information page click here.

1^st DECEMBER IS WORLD AIDS DAY

Read on to see how you can be a part of World AIDS Day and help support our work.

FUNDRAISE FOR US

Holding a fundraiser is not only a great way to raise cash for a great cause, but also raises awareness of HIV.  Could you hold a cake sale or a non-uniform day at work?  Are you a local bar or restaurant that wants to host a fundraising night?  If so, get in touch.  We can provide collecting tins and red ribbons to support your fundraising efforts.  Email jeremy@ght.org.uk or call 0161 274 4499.

SELL RED RIBBONS

If you would like to sell red ribbons in aid of George House Trust in your place of work or study, get in touch.  Email jeremy@ght.org.uk or call 0161 274 4499.

MANCHESTER WORLD AIDS DAY PARTNERSHIP EVENTS

There are numerous events happening across Manchester organised by the Manchester World AIDS Partnership in the lead up to and on 1st December

• Face to Face Fundraising - Volunteers from George House Trust and LGBT Foundation will be out in the City Centre on 26th & 27th November, 30th November and 1st December selling red ribbons and raising awareness. Get involved here

• LGBT Foundation World Aids Day Craftivism Workshop - Design your own slogan and template, then screen print it on posters, t-shirts, postcards and tote bags. Sunday 27th November 12-3pm, People's History Museum

• Screening of 'How to Survive a Plague' - LGBT Foundation is proud to present a free screening of ‘How To Survive A Plague’ in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University’s School of Arts and Humanities. How to Survive A Plague is the story of two coalitions whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition.  Post-screening, staff from LGBT Foundation, George House Trust and BHA will lead a panel discussion on activism, diagnosis, treatment and how we collectively support those living with HIV. Please note that tickets must be reserved at http://WADfilm.eventbrite.com. Monday 28th November 6:30 - 9pm. Number 70, 70 Oxford Street, Manchester M1 5NH

• World Aids Day Solidarity Space - Join LGBT Foundation for an informal social space for anyone affected by HIV, including friends, family members and supporters. Wednesday 30th November 6-8pm, LGBT Foundation, 5 Richmond Street

• World Aids Day Church Service - A church service remembering and celebrating the lives of friends and loved ones living with HIV and those who have lost their lives as a result of HIV. Thursday 1st December 12pm-1pm, St. Ann's Church, St. Ann's Square, M2 7LF

• Candlelit Vigil and Procession - Join the Manchester World AIDS Day Partnership in Sackville Gardens for this year's Candlelit Vigil and Procession, including performances and speeches. Thursday 1st December 7pm, Sackville Gardens, Sackville Street, M1 3HB

• Here Is My Face: Autobiographical Portraits of HIV - Join George House Trust for this photographic exhibition created by a group of men from Santiago, Chile which provides an insight into their experiences of living with HIV. Open 2nd December 6-8pm, 3rd December 12-3pm and 4th December 12-3pm at George House Trust, 77 Ardwick Green North, M12 6FX.

• BME Health Event - A market place event with workshops that promotes the health and wellbeing of BME individuals and communities in Manchester.  The event will take place on Saturday 3^rd of December 11am-4pm at St. Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North

VOLUNTEER

As part of the Manchester World AIDS Day Partnership, our team of volunteers sell red ribbons on the streets of Manchester in the lead up to World AIDS Day.  You can register to volunteer by clicking on this link

International Day of Older Persons is celebrated on 1st October each year and its aim is to raise awareness about the issues affecting older people.  This year’s theme is 'Take a Stand against Ageism'.  For older people ageism is an everyday challenge and for older people living with HIV the challenge is even greater.

People over 50 and living with HIV in the UK are just as likely to experience age discrimination as HIV discrimination.  Compared to their peers, they may have poorer physical and emotional health, are financially less secure, and are less economically active.  In addition to this they are less likely to be homeowners and are worried about their future health and social care.

The Health, Wealth and Happiness Project works in partnership with Terrence Higgins Trust and supports people ageing with HIV.  We offer group work and workshops that help people develop new skills, support healthy choices and improve financial and emotional wellbeing.  We also provide a peer support service to help people lead more fulfilling lives and give people the opportunity to volunteer within the service.

Additionally, the project also aims to inform age-relevant services about some of the key issues related to ageing with HIV and support with best practice.  One of our partners is Age-Friendly Manchester and we have signed up to their Older People’s Charter and made a pledge to run the Health Wealth and Happiness Project.  To find out more about Age-Friendly Manchester click here.  If you would like more information about the Health, Wealth and Happiness Project or to get involved, please contact Sharon Summers sharon@ght.org.uk

Our fantastic friends at Home Retail Group have been celebrating Pride season by fundraising in aid of George House Trust.  Check out this thank you video from the team at George House Trust.

Activities included cake baking, bucket collections in participating stores and a raffle. Thank you to everyone who helped organise the fundraiser and those who donated.  A special thank you to Dave, who bravely waxed his back as part of the festivities!  You can still sponsor him via his Just Giving page.