+me

Mayor unveils the sculpture

2010-02-01T05:02:00.000-08:00

BARNSLEY
CHRONICLE
December 4, 2009
Yorkshire’s leading weekly newspaper
Art work: The Mayor Coun John Parkinson, Liz Grundy and Karl Cooper, Chairman of +ME at sculpture unveiling.

Support group handed £5k

By Ian Thompson:
The SUPPORT group for people living with and affected by HIV has had a boost. +ME, which is based at The Core on County Way, Barnsley, has been awarded £5,000 from pharmaceuticals company Gilead. The money will be spent on supporting local services, trips, newsletters and art classes. Meanwhile, Mayor Coun John Parkinson unveiled a sculpture on Tuesday 1st December World Aids Day. The work of art by Liz Grundy depicts a hand holding a ribbon. It was unveiled at an empty shop in the Metropolitan Centre which has been turned into a makeshift art gallery.
Please call us on 01226 320 148 or check out our new website by clicking onto http://www.plusme.org/ contact us on info@plusme.org

News UPDATES - The world strives forward with barak at the helm.

2009-11-13T14:09:00.000-08:00

The Government’s consultation on the Green Paper No one written off: reforming welfare to reward responsibility.

Like other organisations +me commends the Government’s commitment to ensure disabled people have the additional support they need to get back into employment if they are sufficiently well to do so.
However, concerns about the new conditionality that accompanies this additional support, particularly because of the unique difficulties faced by people living with HIV. It is important to consider these difficulties within the disability framework as the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 defined people living with HIV as disabled from the point of diagnosis.
The reforms are likely to have serious consequences for people living with HIV. The
DWP website notes that 1.3% of the population claim Jobseekers Allowance and 3.7% claim Incapacity Benefit. However, a study carried out of people living with HIV in London found that the rates of claiming benefit amongst people living with HIV were significantly higher.
HIV in the new October 2009 - Following the announcement of detailed analysis of the phase III Thai HIV vaccine trial, Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT, comments;
"The Thai trial is a milestone in the search for a vaccine against HIV.　 Detailed analysis shows that the benefit was modest and primarily in the heterosexual community. However, it remains the case that this was the first ever vaccine candidate to show protection in humans.
These results are an incredible opportunity for scientists to discover new clues about HIV and learn how a HIV vaccine could work in practise.　 These lessons will be used to advance new vaccine candidates that are already in the development pipeline.
Today work to get treatment to people with HIV is vital, but we also have a responsibility to future generations to continue investing in developing an effective vaccine that will end the HIV pandemic."　

HIV in the news November 2009 - President Barack Obama has announced that the 22 year old ban on allowing people living with HIV into the United States will be lifted.　 HIV infection will be officially removed from the definition of communicable diseases of public health significance as of January 1st, 2010.
Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust) said;
　"We are delighted by today's announcement. NAT has long campaigned for the lifting of travel restrictions. A recent NAT research study1 identified restrictions on travelling overseas as the biggest limitation faced at work by people living with HIV in the UK. This decision will make an enormous difference to the lives of many HIV positive people and is a real step forward for equality."　
Sex and Relationships Education as part of the National Curriculum
Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE education) will be made compulsory in schools from September 2011. Ed Balls has confirmed that personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE education) including sex and relationships education, will be made compulsory in schools from September 2011.

So to get you in the mood weve added a little music click the link , kick ya heels and book your trip!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqlJl1LfDP4

Courses all up and running

2009-09-07T06:10:00.000-07:00

Our 1st Seven week self management programme completed in July with 7 clients successfully completing the course.

August we held a Food Hygiene Course level 2 , many thanks to Steve at Fareshare for this training and the Negotiating and Advocacy course went ahead and proved to be really popular,

September Courses are First Aid and An introduction to Volunteering

Anybody wishing to put their name forward please give us a call on 01226 320148

or email us info@plusme.org

Investors in people accreditation

2009-09-07T05:10:00.000-07:00

June 2009 saw +me accredited with the Nationally recognised Investors In People Award, +me were delighted to have worked with Louise Barlow in gaining this award and are truly proud to accept this as a sign that we are doing everything we should be , not just for our clients but for our volunteers too.

Chester Zoo May 2009

2009-05-11T03:05:00.000-07:00

Thankyou to Everybody who attended the +me Summer excursion to Chester Zoo, with a full coach of over 40 attending , it was a great family day out and a welcome
break for our clients , their carers and our co-workers from our local support and health agencies. There were many great things to see at Chester Zoo , there was even some unique electric chair formation dancing!! Quite a spectacle in itself.

The really great thing to see and a true measure was the smiling faces amongst everybody who came along and enjoyed the day, and ofcourse the snoring on the bus during the journey way home! Proof of a great RESULT!!!!.

Looking to get into shape?

2009-03-19T06:11:00.000-07:00

Looking to get in shape? Wanting to take up a new form of exercise?
Barnsley Premier Leisure, based at the Metrodome Leisure Complex, is offering 24 free gym, swim or class lessons to people who suffer from certain conditions, as part of its Exercise Referral scheme. If you suffer with-

· Asthma
· Corticosteroids
· Depression
· Diabetes
· Dieting
· Hysterectomy
· Menopause
· Obesity
· Osteoarthritis
· Rheumatoid
· Arthritis

Then you may be eligible. To qualify, consult your GP or practise nurse to be recommended for the scheme.

+ME went bowling recently with 21 of you turning up to strike and make turkeys of yourselves, a great time was had, we are thinking of Chester Zoo for our Summer jaunt, so if your interested come in and put your name down , bus seats are filling up fast!!

Bone Marrow News

2009-03-19T06:09:00.000-07:00

Bone marrow transplant delivers hope, but no concrete cure

After a story hit the news late last year that an American man had been “cured” of HIV after receiving a bone marrow transplant, much speculation ensued as to whether a widespread cure for the condition had been uncovered.

The patient, 42, who remains unnamed, underwent the transplant in Berlin’s Charite Clinic three years ago, in which he was given the bone marrow of a donor who had a natural resistance to HIV, a condition which is thought to exist in roughly 1% of Europeans.

Following the transplant the patient has shown no signs of suffering from the condition and has not received anti-retroviral treatment. However, HIV is known for its ability to lie latently within the system, and although tests to detect the virus within the patient have uncovered no signs of its presence, scientific researchers are quick to state more extensive testing would need to take place before it could be confirmed that the virus had been permanently eradicated from his system.

Nonetheless, the patient’s apparent recovery has sparked much debate within the scientific community as to whether a widespread cure for HIV lies in bone marrow transplant. The prospect of transplants themselves being used as a common prevention is unlikely due to both the expensive and dangerous nature of the procedure, with 1 in 3 transplants resulting in the recipient dying. Rather, it is thought that through utilizing the resistant gene, a genetic therapy could be developed that would realign HIV sufferers’ cells to block the virus and neutralise its effects, and that this therapy could be administered through injection, making it relatively cheap and easily distributable.

Despite this possible breakthrough, leading scientists in the fields of Biochemistry and Immunology have asserted any cure of this nature is decades, rather than years away, a sentiment echoed by the Terrence Higgins Trust. Deputy Chief Executive Paul Ward stated-
"This case gives us something to explore in future studies but it's certainly not a quick fix as gene therapy is complex and expensive.
“With no cure in sight, prevention should be our number one priority”.

How to find us

2009-03-19T06:05:00.001-07:00

How to find us
The Core, County Way, Barnsley, S70 2JW
Tel:
+ me 01226 320148 Monday & Thursday 9-5pm
Helpline 07543442547 Sunday &Wednesday night 7-10pm
Find us from the M1
Leave the M1 at Junction 37 and follow the A628 towards Barnsley. Follow the A628 through the traffic lights and down to the roundabout.
Take the 2nd exit on the left and follow the road past the Library (on the left). Follow the road round to the left and move to the right hand lane at the traffic lights.
Turn right and follow the road back into the town centre. Take the next left (Town Hall on the right) into Regent Street and take the 1st left just before the Courthouse pub. The Core is on the left hand side.

Ten things you may like to know about HIV Treatment

2009-03-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

Ten things you may not know about HIV treatment-and may find useful!

1-Treatment leads to a longer, healthier life
Despite no cure existing for HIV, doctors state that through taking a combination of anti-retroviral drugs, almost all sufferers can live a normal life.

2-The best HIV care comes through seeking the NHS’s help
If you are entitled to care through the NHS, your HIV treatment, care and medicines will all be provided free of charge, and this will be administered through specialist HIV clinics. The doctors there will regularly check to see how HIV is affecting your immune system, and explain fully the treatment needed.

3-The goal of HIV treatment is an “undetectable viral load”
This means that the medicine you take to treat HIV will reduce the levels of HIV in the blood to an extremely low level, allowing your immune system to stay strong enough to fight infections and stopping HIV from becoming resistant to the treatment.

4-HIV treatment consists of three or more different drugs
This mixture of treatments helps to reduce the risk of HIV becoming resistant to the drugs you are taking.

5-The best time to start HIV treatment is unknown
However, if your immune system has been weakened through HIV, or you have become ill because of HIV, you should begin treatment.

6-There are guidelines relating to the exact treatment you should receive
Different people need different treatment, such as pregnant women and people who have received HIV drugs before, and specialist guidelines outlining the course their treatment takes are provided.

7-It is important to take anti-HIV drugs in the manner you have been instructed to
Not taking the drugs in the correct manner creates a risk the drugs will not work properly, immediately or during future treatment, and therefore it is vital to-
Take all doses of medicine at the right time
Take medicine in the manner in which you have been instructed, for instance, with or without food
It is also important you do not take other drugs or medicines which may affect your HIV treatment.

8-HIV treatment helps prevent HIV being passed from mother to baby
The risk of pregnant women passing HIV on to their unborn child is dramatically reduced by their receiving HIV treatment during pregnancy.

9-HIV treatment can bring about side effects
HIV treatment is to protect and improve health; however, it can cause side effects. If you do experience side effects, make sure to inform your doctor, as there is a good chance there will be a solution.

10-HIV treatment does not prevent the transmission of HIV
Therefore, it is vital to take precautions even if you are receiving treatment. Condoms effectively prevent the transmission of HIV during sex, and clean needles can be provided if you inject drugs, never share needles or other injecting equipment.

World Aids Day 2008

2008-12-08T02:18:00.000-08:00

Barnsley Interchange was host to our fund raising and tombola event on World Aids Day, we chose this venue simply due the the flow of people of all ages , and walks of life from all areas of Barnsley, We had a great day and gave out lots of information and advice and raised some much appreciated cash too, all whilst raising the awareness of HIV /AIDS in our region to the people of our region, if that wasnt feat enough the days events were after night before ! as +me were at the National DRAG4U event at Barnsley Metrodome where the +me team stood along with THT to fundraise and assist with the Event, it was a great night as the pictures suggest!

+ME @ The Core of Barnsley

2008-10-08T03:45:00.000-07:00

+me

The Core

County Way

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S70 2JW

Telephone Office

01226 320148

Helpline 7pm -10pm

Sunday & Thursday

07542442547

www.plusme.org

The Core
Managed, designed and here because of Voluntary action Barnsley, The Core , is much , much more than a swanky new base for VAB, its purpose is clear and simple…..To meet the needs of Barnsley’s third sector, run by a charity for charities, providing affordable and accessible facilities and resources for voluntary and community organisations based in or working in the area.
The aim is to create a space where people can share the benefits of working together with like minded people and organisations., aiming at providing the best possible environment for the voluntary sector to work, network and socialise.
The building is compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act including a lift that gives access even in the event of a fire, an excellent example of how a modern building should cater for visitors and staff regardless of their level of mobility.
The Core houses a range of fully cabled meeting rooms with capacity for up to 40 people, seminar rooms, telephone and video conferencing, colour printers. Photocopiers, networking, broadband and internet access, pool laptops and data projectors, All this and the new Bus and rail terminus is on the doorstep too.
We are truly excited about opening up our new service to the residents of Barnsley in Barnsley’s newest and most vibrant workplace
- We are confident you join us in thinking we have a winning combination!
A full brochure of the core can be viewed by typing this address into your search bar of your web browser
http//www.vabarnsley.org.uk/pdf/thecore_brochure.pdf

Funding? Premises? Charitable stauts? Check!!!!

2008-10-08T02:58:00.000-07:00

What a great start we have had and what a fantastic response +me has received from everyone from our town , We are delighted to report that our Vice Chair and Treasurer Karl Cooper , was able last month to report to the +me board of Volunteers that he had received official notification of secured funding from Barnsley PCT to provide help , support and one to one sessions to the people in and around Barnsley whose lives are affected by or who are living with HIV. We, the board at +me have also met with solicitors to discuss and agree to move +me onwards and upwards and begin the process to register us as an official charity therefore enabling us to resource additional funding to ensure that +me is absolutely secure as Barnsley’s first choice support service for HIV/ AIDS.
We are resolute in our mission to be a professional yet small, client led organisation ran by and for the people of Barnsley living with and affected by HIV, we are not replacing alternative local services we are bridging the gap in services provided in Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds, because Barnsley counts!
We are here to stay and we are here to help, and it will be a great pleasure to serve our community with our experience, knowledge , professionalism and of course locality!.

+me our aim

2008-05-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

+me
positive about change

+ME, is a community based, volunteer and peer-led organisation providing support to all those living with HIV in Barnsley. Recently formed we are working to become a registered charity.
We aim to work in partnership with agencies such as, Barnsley’s Local Primary Care Trust, Social Services, Barnsley’s District General Hospital GUM Department CIC/EPP Expert Patients Programme and other voluntary organisations.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote the well-being of people living with HIV in Barnsley and help make life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, giving a valued point to every day.
Principles
Our principles are: Our values and principles underpin what we do, why we do it, and how we achieve our mission.
Values
Our work is guided by a set of values:
Enabling: we enable people living with HIV to live independently and exercise choice
Influential: we draw our strength from the voices of people living with HIV and ensure those voices are heard.
Dynamic: we are innovative driven by clients and the impact our services has on their lives.
Caring: we are passionate about what we do and care about each individual.
Expert: we are authoritative, trusted and quality orientated.
The Vision
In order to identify opportunities that further our aims locally we must understand the challenges that we face nationally and internationally.
Worldwide Picture
-Developed nations increasingly talk of People Living with HIV as a chronic manageable illness for 25 or more years.
-Developing and Un-Developed nations continue to talk of People Dying of AIDS.
-The Gap is widening worldwide for each person starting Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy.
-More than 23 million people have little or no access to effective treatment.
-Migration for health reasons is a 21st Century reality.
UK National Trends
-There is increasing pressure from central government for the statutory sector to engage voluntary and community agencies in the provision of services.
-HIV is being increasingly viewed as a long term Chronic Disease that is manageable, with appropriate care pathways and protocols. HIV will be ‘normalised’, losing its special care status in the process.
-Stigma, Isolation and Criminalisation issues are growing as People Living with HIV are increasingly forced to disclose their status more widely in order to access services locally.
-Agencies supporting people living with HIV are under increasing financial pressure.
-75% of people polled said that they would not give to an HIV Charity
-The UK Coalition of People Living with HIV was forced to close and file for bankruptcy as funding streams dried up.
-THT, Britain’s most famous HIV Support Agency re-brands to focus on the wider sexual health arena.
South Yorkshire
-Increasing population of Barnsley is contributing to over-spending of health care provision in the borough, and consequential long term reductions in the Primary Care Trust’s health service budget.
-Voluntary and community sector engagement processes favor larger and nationally organised charities with the bureaucracy to meet the prescribed standards.
-The incidence of new infections continues to rise above the national average mirroring with the influx of new populations; Refugee and Asylum Seekers dispersed from central reception centers and general apathy amongst the adult heterosexual, sexually active young people and gay communities.
-THT has established bases with charities in South Yorkshire providing Chlamydia Screening and Treatment for Doncaster, Bassetlaw, Rotherham and Barnsley focusing on young people, with the intention to widen services competing in all areas.
The Board and Volunteers
The members of +ME are currently the Board of Trustees, who are therefore both legally and financially liable for the management of +ME’s affairs. Current Trustees Members are:
Mr Scott Wilson – Chairman
Mr David Allen – Secretary
Mrs Katie Hudson – Service User Representative
Mr Karl Cooper – Vice Chair/Treasure

Mr. Scott Wilson comes from a background of social care and housing in the North East of England with 10 years experience working with people with social, economic and mental health problems. Scott is a qualified counsellor supporting people with drug and alcohol addictions and has manged teams of staff supportin families fleeing domestic violence, people with mental health issues and young offenders.

Mr. David Allen has worked within the Health Service for many years and is currently a health advisor at Barnsley’s GUM department he has also worked at the GUM department at the LGI in Leeds and The Royal Hallamshire Hospital Sheffield on the infectious diseases unit.

Mrs. Kathryn Hudson full time mother and volunteer with several years experience supporting voluntary orginisations.

Mr. Karl Cooper was instrumental in the resurgence of Shield’s fortunes and has led by example bringing to bear his considerable talents in the development of services.

The Support Team & Volunteers
Currently we have no paid staff we rely heavily on our volunteers, from counselors to fund raisers, receptionists and administrative tasks they help to run services their roles are many and varied
Our volunteers come from all walks of life and range in age from 10 to 68.
Our Priorities 2008/13
Promote equality and enable people living with HIV make full contributions to our economy, society and neighborhoods.
Maximize healthy life expectancy and promote health, independence and wellbeing for all people living with HIV in Barnsley
Achieve greater social inclusion of the most disadvantaged people living with HIV and challenge the causes of exclusion.
Achieve a step change in effectiveness and efficiency, in which a crucial element will be a greater focus on people living with HIV as customers and contributors to all that we do.
CLIENT SERVICES
Information and Support
+ME has updates of information and magazines, clients could obtain for themselves many are reluctant to have such material delivered to their homes because they have not told the people they live with about their HIV Status.
We will soon be inviting guest speakers to keep us abreast of developments in medication and treatment whilst preparing local information sheets.
Drop In Services
Both informal drop-in and formally arranged home support is available from people living with HIV trained to provide support.
Community Services
+ME regularly receive donations of clothes, toys and food which are freely available to our clients when we have them. We signpost services, help provide benefit advice and assist in plans for the future development and well-being.

Direct Services
We provide additional basic help with maintenance such as decorating or gardening on a one off basis for clients this is dependent on availability and weather conditions.
1-2-1 Support
+ME is working to provide a volunteer led service that offers people living with HIV short term personal support through a difficult period; and occasionally long-term befriending support where a clear need is identified this is still in the planning stages but will be available shortly.
Regular Social Excursions
+ME believes in social integration, encouraging people to live normal lives and engage with mainstream services. Our social activities regularly include trips to Canon Hall and The Sculpture Park, local art galleries, days out and family day trips to the sea side.

Being Responsible
Criminalisation of HIV is a major concern we advice people to ensure that they protect themselves and those they are intimate with. In support of this we provide a range of condoms and lubricants supported by leaflets.

CIC/EPP & Positive Self Management Programmes (PSMP)
CIC/EPP and The Positive Self Management Programmes are part of the expert patient programmes designed specifically for people living with long term conditions. The duration of the courses are six and seven weeks The PSMP is designed for people living with HIV. It helps gain an understanding of the tools they need to help manage their condition and communicate their needs and wishes to those that support them including the healthcare team.
+ME have a fully accredited assessor and tutor trainer we are currently working towards training and delivering more courses locally there are additional overheads when purchasing these services. In addition to the Positive Self Management EPP Course we are able to deliver, The Looking After Me Carers Course, and the standard Chronic Disease Self Management Course.
The Future and Funding
+ME is a voluntary sector service the majority of its funding comes from the private sector, the current financial state, competing government initiatives, the lack of ring fenced HIV/AIDS support funds and political priorities in sexual health means that HIV is often the Cinderella of The National Health Service.
The purchase of services by Barnsley’s Metropolitan Borough Council, and small corporate donations are the main sources of funding in Barnsley. +ME’s aims are modest but financially challenging.
Throughout 2008/09 we aim to implement the next Phase of our support services by opening expanding services under the banner local services for local people. Whilst continuing to professionalise our volunteer services through additional training both in-house and externally, funds permitting.
The development plan is based on statistics and research from our current services and users living in Barnsley but accessing services from Sheffield over the 12 months, and this provides an insight into just how far we have come and how much your support is needed for the people of Barnsley.
Here are some comments taken from our most recent meetings:
"I have made a new friend we exchanged phone details with one another we now meet up regularly this was not available to me before because I did not want to travel to Sheffield, I am much happier because I have local support".
"I feel happy because people listen to what I’ve got to say and having somebody visit me in my home made all the difference"
"I feel that I’m part of the decision making process and services are more in line with my needs"
The feedback indicates the change local services are having and the change we can have on positive people’s lives but many still feel isolated and afraid in accessing services or speak about being positive in fear of becoming persecuted (highlighted by the criminalization of HIV). A small number of our African clients still fear being recognized and are reluctant at first to access services, meeting up at preferred locations has gone done extremely well and visiting clients in their homes who have small children and mobility problems has been very well received.

Contact Us on Barnsley 01226 320148 for more information

Help is at hand

2008-05-15T11:22:00.001-07:00

+ me
making +ime for you

We are a professional local service offering quality, confidential outreach services for those people and families who are affected by HIV .We are ran by and for the positive community and their friends and family from the borough of Barnsley, bridging the gap we saw in services between our neighbouring cities of Sheffield , Leeds and Manchester. You Don't have to go through this alone .

Dont go through it alone .........

+ me

we have +ime to listen

people with +ime to care

HIV , Barnsley +ime for change

+ me

Postal Address

+me

The CORE

County Way

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S70 2JW

We are cofidential and service user led, we can help you get where you are going.

+me
Positive about Change
Barnsley
Local Support Group, assisting those people who are living with or affected by HIV.
Confidential Support and Advice.

Telephone us on:

Office No. 01226 320148

Helpline No. 07543 442 547

All voicemail messages will be answered
Or

Email us at

positive.about.change@gmail.com

website: www.plus-me.blogspot.com

+me Here, for you.