Like a large ocean liner cutting its way through the surf, Staffordshire Buddies has been a flagship for HIV services throughout North Staffordshire for the last ten years. It didn’t start out as a large ocean liner though, more like a small one man rowing boat, carrying far too many passengers for one person to pull along by themselves.

However as time progressed, the rowing boat was swapped for a small dingy, then in turn a small schooner, eventually being traded in for a passenger cruiser. During the last five years the passenger cruiser was swapped for a large ocean going liner, which required a more experience and qualified crew.

A new captain was appointed two years ago, to ensure that the HIV services provided in North Staffordshire were kept shipshape and in Bristol fashion. However, it has not been all plain sailing, and the last 18 months, have proved to be a testing time for both the Captain and crew who battled on through the storms with great courage and determination. We have seen officers swabbing the decks whilst an increasing number of passengers have helped the crew to keep our head above water.

Positive Lives is delighted to report that after a difficult time it seems as though calmer seas lie ahead. From the beginning of August we will have a full complement of crew, including a new captain who comes to us with many years of experience sailing the high seas of the voluntary sector in a similar vessel.

Positive Lives wants to take this opportunity to welcome the new crew, and thank our old shipmates for keeping us on course during this last difficult voyage. Our next journey will be to find a new home. Our scouts have been searching the Staffordshire waters for a new dock, and are currently in negotiation with two prospective harbourmasters, which we hope will result in our relocation by the end of this year.

Positive Lives wishes our new team every success and support, thanks the outgoing crew for its perseverance and dedication, and of course our gratitude goes to our long standing cabin staff and passengers who have helped make the difficult lives of positive people in North Staffordshire more complete.

“Bon Voyage!!”