HIV / AIDS Support Group
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The HIV / AIDS pandemic has become an integral part of our contemporary global society, dramatically influencing health, culture and family structure worldwide.
Recent statistics can be found on the Health Protection Agency website: www.hpa.org.uk , a few of which are as follows:
- The number of people living with HIV in the UK continues to rise, with an estimated 83,000 infected at the end of 2008, of whom over a quarter, 27%, were unaware of their infection.
- Number of people accessing HIV care in Bedfordshire - over 800.
- Number of people accessing HIV care in Hertfordshire - over 750.
A very helpful website in seeking to extend people's understanding of HIV / AIDS is www.aidsmap.com - two sections recommended for introductory reading are 'HIV - the Basics' and 'Living with HIV'.
As Christians we can express our concern for those affected in some way by HIV / AIDS through information, prayer and support of international agencies dedicated to improving health care and education in the countries most affected by AIDS.
And for us here - in St Albans Diocese?
The HIV / AIDS Support Group, under the umbrella of the Diocesan Board for Church and Society, has a two-fold aim:
- To address the issue of knowledge and awareness of HIV / AIDS to clergy and members of the churches in our diocese, and
- To initiate practical activities that we hope will have a positive, even if small, affect on an individual's quality of life.
In order to achieve these aims, we work closely with the three local HIV / AIDS Support Centres listed below:
- HIV Community Services, GUM, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Lewsey Road, Luton LU4 0DZ - Tel. 07919 211946, Email: Alison.harbron@ldh.nhs.uk
- The Crescent, 19 Russell Avenue, St Albans AL3 5ES - Tel. 01727 842532, Email: info@thecrescent.org.uk
- Herts Aid, York House, 45 Baldock Street, Ware SG12 9DH - Tel. 01920 484784, Email: admin@hertsaid.co.uk
Prayer is at the centre of our purpose and our work. We prepare a prayer each year for World Aids Day, and we invite you to add your voice to ours:
We pray for all those in the world with HIV / AIDS
and especially those in our own diocese.
Father of us all, may we see your image in all people,
May we and all your church reflect and express your unending love.
Help us to create your kingdom here on earth,
and to strive for peace, justice and dignity for all.
Amen.
CONTACT: Group Chair - Susan Roberts