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Mental health\, the very poor relation to our physical health\, is quite widespread within society generally. \; It carries with it much stigma.
We know that employers are reluctant to employ someone with a history of mental health let alone any other disabling condition. \;
We also know that when we engage with the state for disability benefit entitlements or access to any form of social care. Mental health can be &ldquo\;passed over&rdquo\; in the assessment process.
HIV/AIDS can lead to problems with mental health\, either because of the effect of the virus on brain chemistry or medication taken\, maybe in some cases both.
The issues around being diagnosed and the stigma faced from having the illness also contribute to mental well-being. \; Disclosure to loved ones\, employers\, friends can heighten anxiety given the fear of the reaction to this news. \;Changes to appearance\, wasting for example\, low self-esteem\, etc.
So here we want to achieve a few things. \;
As always we want to share personal experiences and stories. \; Build the picture as it is.
This is a big subject. \;
We want to campaign on more recognition of the mental health issues faced by those living or affected by HIV/AIDS. \; We will also do our best to gather information you may find useful. Of course your contributions as always\, are very welcome and matters the most. \;You can find out how to post by clicking here.
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The Citizen Advice Bureau at http\://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ offers advice on all benefit matters. You may need to make an appointment to attend your local office. Some Local Councils that provide HIV support Services. Also engage the CAB![](\\"//sites/all/modules/glossary/glossary.gif\\")
to meet with their HIV clients once a week usually by appointment. \;
Look to your local council website to see if they provide HIV services in your area.
Benefits &\; Work found at http\://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/ is a site maintained by someone who was a welfare rights worker. It is a good repository for all benefit advice.
Justice for All http\://www.justice-for-all.org.uk/Get-advice - Free legal advice\, because your rights matter.
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See the forum I have started on Benefits &\; Work on this issue.
The Disability Alliance UK can be found at http\://www.disabilityalliance.org/. With an explanation of the "\;Special Rules"\; exercise found by clicking here.
For HIV specific welfare advice see the Support Agencies links page.
HIV/AIDS
AIDS helpline (Northern Ireland) Freephone
Tel\: 0800 137437
Monday - Friday 10am to 5pm and 7pm to 10pm
Saturday 2pm to 5pm
AVERT
www.avert.org
Produces a range of leaflets for young people and adults on HIV and AIDS.
Body and Soul
www.bodyandsoul.demon.co.uk
Body and Soul is a self help organisation supporting women\, heterosexual men\, children and their families living with or closely affected by HIV and AIDS. Ongoing services include a women only support evening\, a family support day\, a monthly support evening for women and heterosexual men and TEENSPIRIT\, the UK'\;s only support group for teenagers from the age of 13 years and upwards\, who know of their\, or their family '\;s HIV status.
Brook Belfast
www.brook.org.uk
Provides information\, advice and contraceptive supplies for young people up to the age of 19.
Tel\: 028 9032 8866
Crusaid
www.crusaid.org.uk
The leading fundraising charity for AIDS relief in Britain. Crusaid is dedicated to maintaining the dignity and improving the quality of life of people with HIV.
Dublin AIDS Alliance
www.dublinaidsalliance.com
This charity is responsible for organising Irish AIDS Day.
fpaNI
www.fpa.org.uk
Provides information and advice on contraception and general sexual health and details of local family planning clinics.
Tel\: 028 9032 5488 Belfast
Tel\: 028 7126 0016 Londonderry
Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinics in Northern Ireland
Click Here for contact details and opening times
Health Development Agency
www.hda.org.uk
The Health Development Agency'\;s role is to raise standards in public health. Its main functions are research and evidence\, standard setting and capacity development.
Health Education Board for Scotland
www.hebs.com
The Health Education Board for Scotland is Scotland'\;s national agency for health education\, health promotion\, health advice and health information.
Department of Health (England and Wales)
www.doh.gov.uk/sexualhealthandhiv
Health Promotion Division of the National Assembly for Wales
www.hpw.wales.gov.uk
International AIDS Vaccine Initiative
www.iavi.org
Love Life (developed by the former Health Education Authority)
www.lovelife.uk.com
National AIDS Manual
www.aidsmap.com
Europe'\;s leading provider of information on HIV and AIDS. Publisher of the National AIDS Manual and AIDS Treatment Update (free to people affected by HIV). Information on local groups also available.
National AIDS Prevention Information Services (NHPIS)
www.hda-online.org.uk/html/nhpis/
Free\, specialist information service on HIV health promotion\, serving anyone with a professional interest in HIV prevention or education across England.
National AIDS Trust
www.nat.org.uk
For information on World AIDS Day press\, publicity and research.
NAT have a section for people living with HIV/AIDS and that can be found here http\://www.nat.org.uk/LivingWithHIV.aspx
Sexwise
Tel\: 0800 282930
A confidential and free helpline for young people provides information\, advice and guidance on all issues related to sex and relationships. Makes referrals to services where appropriate.
Terence Higgins Trust
www.tht.org.uk
Produces information and educational materials including leaflets\, posters and videos about HIV and AIDS. Runs training courses and provides speakers and the CHAPS Project.
UNAIDS
www.unaids.org
Provides international statistics\, information\, publications and UNAIDS Best Practice Collection Technical Update(s) 1-22.
World AIDS Day
www.worldaidsday.org/
Coordinated by the National AIDS Trust and funded by the Department of Health.
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