Peter Butler

Feedback

Stevie B, the editor of Pozzie Press, accompanied by his delightful carer for the day Jim, paid us a visit on one of our “quiet” Tuesdays. The afternoon turned out to be just as busy and chaotic as usual with folk fighting over each other to get on the computer and suffocating each other with clouds of noxious cigarette smoke, but I got the impression that the pair enjoyed their visit despite the fact that I had to dash off to the dentist for a molar extraction. What a shame! Well no, I actually enjoy my dental appointments. My dentist is a very handsome young man who has developed the skill of painless extraction. I think that 6 months is too long time to wait for my next visit.

Hepatitis A

There has been an increase of incidents of this disease in recent months especially in London. You can become immune to the virus by catching it and recovering. You cannot then catch it again. Alternatively you can be vaccinated. As this can be a quite debilitating illness common sense would indicate the latter to be preferable. There are information leaflets in the resources room for people who have Hepatitis A . If you get yourself vaccinated you perhaps won’t need one.

London Visit

I recently had a trip to London in which I was able to visit three of the major centres in the country who share similar aims and objectives as ourselves. My main reason for going was to find out how other organisations were facing up to the changing needs of service users. I brought back a lot of useful information which I shall attempt to make available as soon as I can, but I have to say right now how grateful I am to the wonderful people I met at each of the centres for giving me their time and for making me feel so welcome.
HIV Forum
Bob and I were invited to attend the last meeting of the North Staffordshire HIV Forum which is an advisory group drawn from Health Care Professionals, Social Services and Voluntary Organisations. This was the first time that any service users had been invited and I think both of us would agree that it was a worthwhile experience.t was good to hear how people were reacting to the effects of triple therapy from different points of view. It was not good to learn that cuts in next years budget were on the way. I asked if any research had been done into the cost saving of maintenance regimes had been done.

Without having my question answered directly it was indicated that the amounts saved would be small. Now if the cuts in some of my drugs have been 50% and in some cases (where treatment has been suspended altogether) 100% saving. If the drugs are as expensive as we are told they are, then the savings should be considerable. This sounds odd to me but I never was very good at sums.

More comments next time,

Services

Tuesdays 2.00 - 4.30 Drop-In (Therapy Sessions to be booked via therapists)

Thursdays 7.00 - 10.00 Social/Support Group (Therapy sessions alternate weeks booked through therapists)

Internet and Computer Access by arrangement (Tuition available Tuesday evenings by arrangement with Bob.)

Volunteers

Sat 17th Jan 98 Full Day Exec& Staff Meeting

Wed 28th Jan 98 Next Exec Meeting at Lichfield

 

Wed 25th Feb 98 Exec Meeting at Hanley

Advance notice Jenny Read is planning to run a bereavement support group once again. It will run for 6 weeks from the 4th March meeting on Tuesday evenings at the centre in Hanley from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. It will be a closed group with the purpose of exploring bereavement and how it has affected your life. If you would like further information or would like to enrol please contact Jenny Read on 01782 744444.

Entertainments Guide

 It’s now some weeks since World AIDS Day - and I feel that Stoke people, especially the organisers deserve a pat on the back for such a diverse programme of events over the week - from the fashion show through classical music to the Red Ribbon Riot at the Club. Quite a wide spectrum was covered; money, and more importantly, awareness was raised.

FILMS

There’s quite a lot to look forward to in the New Year. At the Film Theatre between the 8th & 10th of January there’s Wilde - Stephen Fry was born to be Wilde!! At the end of the month on Tuesday 27th Jan there is a screening of Johns a film about an L.A. hustler. A new print of the Blue Angel will be shown on 17th February. Marlene Dietrich became a star overnight with this Von Sternberg Film.

 28th February there is a screening of Chasing Amy a comedy about a man falling in love with a woman whose amorous inclinations seem limitless except when it comes to him.

THEATRE-WISE

I would like to recommend Straight and Narrow at the Stafford Gatehouse 10-14 February with a special 3 for the price of 2 on the first night. (01785 254653)

WALKING-WISE
There is a walk from Oakamoor on 1st February starting at 11.am (more info on 850462 if needed)

FUTURE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

12-14 March Love Valour Compassion Library Theatre Manchester 0161 236 7110

14-16 April Edward II Birmingham Royal Ballet at Royal Theatre Manchester

 Peter Gee

TREATMENT ISSUES

 In the back room at the centre you can find copies of the Crusaid & Star Information Exchange Facts sheets which are issued to patients at the Kobler Centre in London when they are prescribed HIV drugs.

There is a separate sheet for each drug as well as information on side effects such as Neuropathy and diet sheets appropriate to certain drugs.

 You can obtain photo copies on request but at present we can only hold reference copies in the resource room.

 These facts sheets are the best available as they give the fullest information including details on how to take the drug, possible side effects and best methods of storage and where appropriate a diet sheet as well.

 There are 20 different sheets currently available filed under Information Exchange.

If you were there ... Thank you. If you weren’t ... you missed a brilliant night!

If you read last month’s Positive Lives you will remember me mentioning the efforts of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney&ldots;. well, in true “show biz” tradition, the show went ahead and boy, what a show it was! We were overwhelmed by the number of people who showed their support of people living with or affected by HIV, simply by being there.

Although we had hoped to attract a large number of people, we had no idea that it would prove so popular! Neither, unfortunately did John or Paul, The Club’s proprietors, and so by midnight, the place was so packed that they were forced to open the upstairs bar in an attempt to reduce the queues for the loos!!

After my initial visit to the club that night at about 9.30pm (to check my security guys were in place) I went home to shower and change, try and relax a bit, before returning at 11.00pm to prepare for the show. At 9.30pm there were about 50 or so people there so you can imagine my surprise when I got back at 11.00pm to be told by Lee (on reception) that so far there were over 350 people waiting downstairs. At 11.30 I was told that the queue outside was 4 deep and stretched from the entrance to half way up the car park across the road!

I went to the dressing room at 11.45 to change into my penguin suit (complete with red dickey bow and jewelled ribbon broach) and just before going on stage was told that we had had 479 people through the door and that they were still arriving!! I peeked out from behind the DJ box and all I could see was a mass of heaving, smiling, and sweating bodies in various states of inebriety. You could feel them willing us to do well as we went into a minutes silence before the show commenced.

I don’t remember much about the show itself, just being swept along by a audience who were determined that everyone was going to do well, which of course they did. Singers sang, dancers danced and drag acts certainly didn’t drag! It seemed to me that as each act finished, the applause got louder and louder, with the Line- dancers bringing the crowd to a final frenzy. The crowd showed its disapproval of Billy (ex-landlord of the Three Tuns, now owner of Crewe’s only gay venue) withdrawing his offered prize four days before the show (after riding on weeks of publicity) and they seemed even more determined to show him what a mistake he had made. And what a mistake it was. The Red Ribbon Riot was an unqualified success, showing that the gay community do care about the HIV issue, and I spent the rest of the evening being persuaded to make it more than just an annual event.

If you missed it, not to worry. You can experience it on video (orders can be given to Sarah at Staffs Buddies) which will raise even more money for Ward 70... speaking of which, in case you’re wondering, the night raised a staggering £2056 from ticket sales, door entrance money and a collection during the show.

Thank you to all who supported it. It was you that made the night special for me.

Bob Lishman

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to say hello and to tell you a little bit about myself and my role.

I have been in post now for six months as the Clinical Nurse Specialists for HIV in North Staffordshire but have previously worked in a similar role in Tower Hamlets in East London and before that as a charge nurse on a unit for HIV positive clients. I am now based on Ward 70 at the City General but I am available to support anyone living with HIV within North Staffordshire.

My past experience has given me the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge of the needs of those infected and for those affected by the disease. My present role is to support any client who is positive and needs advice/guidance around any health issues. This may include treatment options, accessing community care, GP etc. Advice on symptom control and possible problems, infection issues and management of medication, specifically Anti-retro viral treatment I am also here to support clients through the transition of care from GUM services, Ward and Community Care. I would encourage clients to contact me via their clinician or phone me on 01782 552299 (Ward 70) Although I may not be on Ward 70 when you call you can leave a message, even if you just want a chat about how things are going.

 I would like to extend my warmest greetings to everyone with best wishes for 1998.

 Peter Butler HIV/CNS

 

This Issue’s Profile
  Maurice Greenham

One of the suggestions in the recent questionnaire was for profiles of the newsletter team. Here is one at least that you can have. What is written here is something I felt unable to do for the Sentinel: a profile complete with name and photograph.

 A profile I'm sure you understand is view of a person seen from one side as well as meaning a brief biographical sketch - not a life story. As this newsletter is directed at people living with HIV I have assumed that the effect that the virus has had on my life is what people want to know about most. You can hear about my fascinating journey from a poor working class background to the rich professional ranks of the middle class and subsequent downfall on another day.

My first reaction to the diagnosis was that they had got it wrong. This was followed by a surge of anger and disappointment. I thought that I wasn't going to be allowed to pursue my exciting new theatre career. It seemed unfair; I was going to become sick and wither painfully and slowly away to become a Belsen like skeleton before a premature death.

After a few months of acute anxiety I experienced a feeling of relief when I discovered my fears were unfounded, I was in fact staying well. I was asymptomatic; one of the lucky ones! threw myself body and soul into my new career and worked and played hard.

Redundancy and unemployment must have accelerated the deterioration in my condition because suddenly I was confronted with a major incident of catastrophic proportions. It presented itself in a monumental episode of amnesia, hospitalisation an AIDS diagnosis and the culmination of my career. I have to say that my buddy was invaluable during this period.

It seemed, that death was in sight and I started to prepare myself for it. Fortunately, I was in good hands; I was given the best treatment possible at the time and, indeed have continued to be given the most up to date medication ever since and have responded well. This is the time when I really appreciated Andrew and the existence of Staffordshire Buddies and BP North Midlands. It was good to talk to people who were managing to have a life with the virus.

Since my AIDS diagnosis my life has changed radically.Pain, suffering and the closeness of death, have resulted in important personal developments. I have discovered hidden resources of energy and strength within myself and a greater awareness of the power of love and compassion to be found in others. I believe that I have grown, both emotionally and spiritually as a result of having to cope with AIDS.

I now live on my own with Blacky the neighbourhood cat for company (when he chooses to stay). I appreciate my private space although I do occasionally feel lonely. Perhaps I am lucky in having a wonderful mum and a supportive family and a few great friends who don't mind me calling them up when I'm down..

If I had nothing else to do my present work for Staffordshire Buddies and Body Positive Staffordshire would keep me well occupied. It so happens, however, that I have chosen to fill my life with the things that I always wanted to do but never seemed to have the time for. I have a great passion for Classical Music and despite being ill for two months during the early part of last year I managed to achieve a good grade in 'A' level music in the June examinations.

I love playing the piano, church organs and perhaps the greatest joy of all, singing. May Walley has always encouraged and guided me, she is even more devoted to music than I am and at 88 has a driving force and energy which puts even the youngest and strongest to shame. Apart from music I am working towards an 'A' level in Spanish but intend to move forwards steadily in order to become fluent in the language before taking the exam probably in 1999.

Achievement also means getting to the end of the week with only one siesta a day to combat fatigue and only one bout of diarrhoea. Achievement means a night‘s sleep with less than one hours insomnia. It is an achievement to smile when the pain in your gut makes you want to scream out in pain. It is laughing when you put ice cream in the fridge, milk in the tea pot, when you lose your glasses, your wallet, your diary and your car!

My future is uncertain. No one knows how long the new drugs will remain effective. There are increasing reports of failure. The battle to remain healthy is a daily one. Living with AIDS has strengthened my faith in God and in my fellow man and I feel better equipped to face the new millennium.

To sum up this profile I can do no better than to repeat the words of a young boy whose photo appears on the back page of the World AIDS Day edition of "Pozzie Press" (the newsletter of BPNW), the boy is probably no more than 12 years old and he says:

To that I can only add “Amen”.

gave an excuse for another fun evening at The Club with Dr Tubbs as a distinguished guest. It was a chaotic event bravely fronted by Mark Reedman giving a chance for Ruby to appear several stunning frocks. Bob presented the cheque from the proceeds of the Red Ribbon Riot, a wopping great £2,056. It also provided an opportunity for Ruby to change into a completely different outfit to present the Golden Teddy Awards, in recognition of the hard work done by individual organisers of events. It was also an occasion for Ruby to present the winning prize for the MUSICAID raffle and a cheque for £100 donated by Bristol Myers Squibb Phamacueticals. All in all, another delightful night at the Club.

 
Who won what at The Golden Teddy Awards... Following the success of the events of World AIDS week there was an awards ceremony at the Club hosted by Mark Reedman and Ruby on Thursday 18th December 1997. Five members of Staffordshire Buddies were amongst those recognised for their work and contributions to World AIDS Day 1997

Thanks go to all members of Staffordshire Buddies who did anything towards these events by helping the organisers - and of course to all of you who turned up to see, participate, be on duty, give your time, presence or expertise over the period surrounding World AIDS Day 1997.

Bob Lishman, producer of the Red Ribbon Riot, presents Dr Hugh Tubbs with a cheque for £2056

 

---

MUSICAID World AIDS Day Raffle
Jean Fuller (one of our complementary therapists) was the winner of the first prize of £100 donated by Bristol Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Ltd .She is pictured here with the fabulously fantastic Ruby (left) and Maurice Greenham Chairman of MUSICAID (right). The presentation took place at the Golden Teddy Awards Ceremony shortly after the huge cheque was given to Doctor Tubbs. (Note Ruby’s complete change of outfit from the previous presentation!)
Thanks to everyone who made this year’s raffle even more successful than last year’s.

The November Questionnaire brought some interesting information from you, the readers. Bob thought it would be a brilliant idea if all the responses were given numbers from 1-5 so that we could compile charts and diagrams. I did it for the first two headings and decided that if Bob didn’t do mornings I didn’t do figures. I hated maths at school and complicated arithmetic is still a nightmare. But from your ticks, crosses and comments it was possible to sense your opinions. Now what you have to say does interest us and we went through each reply with a fine tooth comb several times.

 Your suggestions are given in a ..little bird told me.. but you might like to know that one or two readers were unaware of the main purpose of the newsletter which is to help offset the loneliness and anxiety often felt by people living with HIV. Most of you thought that the front page was improving. In this edition we have tackled this (and the criticism over layout) with renewed efforts and we are quite please with the results, we hope you are too.

We have tried in this and the last edition to make full use of our flat-bed scanner and hope you like the photos which are now appearing. Many of you seemed to agree with the policy of trying to include items about food and diet, complementary therapies, treatment issues and articles on specific issues, and especially about individual accounts from people living with the virus. The request for profiles of the Newsletter Team has been met in this issue and hopefully there will be others.

Fact sheets were generally given the OK and some people have said they are very useful. The Adventures of Tiny Ted had 3 devotees but these were outweighed by those who thought this section was crap, so Tiny Ted, we’re afraid, gets the chop unless there is an outcry to prevent him being axed.

You thought the comments section was good or OK with only 2 abstentions. So we take that as a vote of confidence in your editors. Thank you. Generally you seemed happy with the journal and we hope you can see that what you say is important, and your views and criticisms are bringing about improvements.

What did you think of the party?

We were offered a choice of options and it was decided that for the first time we would have a joint party for everyone and their friends. The theme of the party was: “A Traditional Children's Party” with prizes for the best fancy dress. So how did it go? Here is some of the feedback:

Keith:
Really enjoyed myself cannot wait till next year

Anon:
Very good party, would have been better with more service users

By e-mail
A great party. Food was really good

Kathryn 11½ and Adam lOyrs
Thought it was great. Kathryn got a bit squashed in the human knot game

David aged 46 ¾
had a good time despite arriving late.

Sue 46½
Thought the party was good fun and loved the toadstools. Would have liked more dancing. PS David saved his bran tub present until Christmas Day (the Martyr) He is now the proud owner of an Esmeralda comb (the buxom version) and hair bobble (he has a pony tail) Deep joy!

Keith R. Groom
The Party? At Upper House? For Buddies and Punters? Yeah! Well... it was such fun. Went oft well. All that bun fight ammer - Buns, cakes, blancmange & jelly; AND THE MAGIC MUSHROOMS!! I never felt comfy at parties when I was a kid, I now know why. All those raunchy men.

There were many other replies but I think you can see that generally folk thought it was a success. I have heard one or two adverse comments but on the whole people were happy with the evening and were appreciative of the efforts of the organisers to make it a success

...a little bird told me...

Feedback

Your comments from the questionnaire at the end of last year made interesting reading. There was a lot of constructive criticism the main one being that there should be more contributors. Both Bob and I would heartily agree with that, so get you pens out and start scribbling. Here are some of your own suggestions which you could use:

• Specific contributions from individuals like feelings on meeting a link for the first time
   
• What it is like to be a member of the exec and what a typical meeting is like
   
• There should be a “Suggestions Corner”
  
  
• Some illustrations - cartoons
  
  
• Profiles of the Newsletter Team
  
  
•  Layout should be improved with borders, blocks & art work
   
• Cut down errors by proofing
   
• Recipes -easy to make
   
• More real life stories of people living with HIV (Good or Bad)
  
  
  
• More about treatments.

 Some of these points we are very much aware of and have tried or are trying to implement them. Watch out for improvements and send us feed back the instant you feel an urge to say something.

Rolling Editorship?

Andrew suggested that we might have a “rolling editorship” a different editor every three issues. Any offers?

DID YOU KNOW ???......

There is register in the computer/resources room where you can request information to be obtained from the Internet.... Maurice or Bob will find it for you during the week..(when they have the time!!!!)............

The best yet! This is not only my opinion but those of the many people who have taken the trouble to come up to me to say how much they had enjoyed the evening. After the past two years I have had to accept that classical music was perhaps not everyone's cup of tea (their misfortune) I decided however that the event was still worthwhile even performing to a small audience because it raised awareness about HIV and AIDS amongst different sectors of the community from most of the other events. Raising awareness I thought more important than £’s in the bank or bums on seats. Imagine my delight when this year achieved not only proclaimed the message to the widest and largest audience ever but also succeeding in raising well over £1,000.

Marjorie Seddon and the Langdale Junior School Choir and Janet Pazio with her group of recorder players were responsible for bringing a youthful freshness which undoubtedly accounts in part for this success. The young soloists trained by May Walley and Janet Pazio added a wonderful dimension. And one must not forget the contribution of May Walley and the Stoke on Trent Bedford Singers who have provided the backbone of all the World AIDS Day Concerts. This year the choir were in excellent form. Together with the Liebeck String Quartet and Richard Grigson ,organ, they gave a moving performance of Otto Olsons setting of the Te Deum. One member of the audience said that he had never heard the work before but he would love to hear it again. He said that there were moments which sent shivers down his spine. Praise indeed.

 Another factor which contributed to the success of the evening was the church itself. St. Pauls is not only a beautiful church to look at, both inside and out, but is a wonderful place in which to make music. It has a friendly acoustic for voices and for instruments as well as possessing probably the finest parish church organ in the country. Along with a friendly acoustic there is a warm and friendly atmosphere which is created by the parishioners of St Pauls headed by the vicar, Michael Harding, he could not have been more helpful, enthusiastic and welcoming. I can think of no better place for next year. I hope that we will be invited.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped to make this evening such a success.

The lord mayor (left) launches World AIDS Day Week events in Hanley town centre with a friend

The Lantern Vigil
A big thank you for all those who attended the Lantern Vigil on World AIDS Day ‘97 (1 Dec) in Hanley Town Centre. We didn't have a PA - yet our voices carried; it had rained all weekend but the weather stayed fine for us; the walk to the Staffs. University Vigil at the Film Theatre was about a mile - we skipped there! As well as being encouraged on route by the blaring horns of passing cars, we hope you found the occasion a worthwhile experience, and enjoyed taking part in it.

WOW! those chips tasted good?

Love from Maureen, Keith R.G. & Lee

Echinacea has been described as one of the world’s most important medicinal herbs because of its ability to raise the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral infections by stimulating the immune system. It is also antibiotic and helps to relieve allergies and has been used for centuries to clear skin infections. (I am told that research is being undertaken in relation to Echinacea’s effectiveness with regards to HIV & AIDS but have no details at present.)

 As well as being the most important immune system stimulant Echinacea is used for infections of all kinds and is particularly helpful for chronic infections, such as post-viral fatigue syndrome (ME), colds, flu, skin disorders and respiratory problems.

 It is available from health food shops, herbalists in tablet or liquid form. It is not cheap. (£6-7)

 Source - Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants & Personal Use.

Aromatherapy is a complimentary treatment that has recently gained increasing popularity within both complimentary and orthodox medicine circles. The use of essential oils is not a new discovery - on the contrary its practice dates back many thousands of years being used on a global scale

particularly by the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. It is an ancient treatment using oils extracted from aromatic plants, which are able to overcome many of the body’s physical and emotional disorders. They are particularly beneficial for the treatment of Stress, Anxiety, Tension and general mental fatigue.

The treatment consists of an initial consultation as is the case with all complementary therapies to define individual needs. Massage is usually accompanied with relaxing music. It is a most pleasurable experience giving the body & mind a feeling of emotional and physical well-being.

Source - Leaflet produced by S Ziemski for Hartshill Surgery

Future Plans

All of the best Newsletters and Positive Publications have sections on Treatment Issues, Food and diet, Complementary Therapies, Herbs and Personal Accounts of living with HIV & AIDS. We aim to be counted amongst the best! So you can look forward to more articles on all of these topics. Our therapists have expressed their willingness to contribute but individual experiences on any of these issues are most welcome.

Back To Work

Michael is in the middle of preparing a leaflet on going back to work. We hope to carry a summary in our next issue

Here they are folks! Recipes to tempt your taste buds! My very own creations! Wholesome and tasty. Go on! Have a try!

 

This is what you need:

2 pints of vegetable stock (Stock cubes are fine)

8 oz carrots peeled and grated

4 oz swede peeled and grated

1 large or medium onion finely chopped

11/2 oz Tomato Puree

1 small can chopped tomatoes

2 cloves of garlic (crushed)

2 oz red split lentils

1 teaspoon of ground tumeric spice

salt and pepper to taste

3 tablespoons of sunflower oil

 This is what you do

 1. Heat the oil in a heavy based medium saucepan add the garlic and onions, fry a little then add the

turmeric; fry for about 2-3 mins

2. Add grated carrot swede and cook for a further 2 mins

3. Stir in tomato puree

4. Stir in lentils and cook for another 2 mins

5. Add the chopped tomatoes + salt & pepper to taste

6. Pour in the boiling vegetable stock

7. Bring to the boil

8. Simmer for 20-25 mins until the lentils are tender

9. Taste soup for seasoning and add more salt + pepper if needed

10. Serve with wholemeal bread. If you like a creamy soup, add a small carton of double cream after the soup is cooked just before serving.

Lamb and Spinach Lasagne
 

1lb fresh spinach washed or 8oz packet frozen chopped and thawed

6 tablespoons of polyunsaturated oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1lb lean minced lamb

8oz can chopped tomatoes

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

salt & pepper

2oz plain wholemeal flower

1 1/2 pints semi-skimmed milk

1 1/4 pint low fat natural yoghourt

12-15 sheets of oven ready wholemeal lasagne

6oz of feta or cheddar cheese, grated.

 Method

1. Put the fresh spinach in a saucepan with only the water that clings to the leaves and cook gently for about 4 mins. Drain well and chop finely

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and fry until soft. Add the lamb, brown well and then drain off the fat.

3. Stir in the spinach with the tomatoes, the garlic, mint and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper, bring to the boil and simmer for 30 mins. Leave to cool.

4. Heat the remaining oil (4 tablespoons in a saucepan. Add the flour and cook gently stirring all the time for about 2 mins. Remove from the heat and gradually blend in the milk. Bring to the boil stirring all the time, then simmer for 3 mins until thick and smooth. Add the yoghourt and salt & pepper to taste.

5. Spoon a little of the meat mixture over the base of a rectangular baking dish.

6. Cover with 4-5 sheets of lasagne and spread over some of the sauce to cover it. Repeat these layers twice more, finishing with the sauce. Completely cover the lasagne with a sprinkling of cheese on top.

7. Bake in the oven at 180oC (350oF) Gas mark 4 for 45-50 minutes or until the top is brown and bubbling.

 Freeze the remainder of the soup and lasagne in quantities big enough for one or two - don’t forget to label and date them.

Enjoy !!

news@staffordshirebuddies.co.uk

Views expressed in this newsletter are those of individual authors and not necessarily those of Body Positive Staffordshire nor Staffordshire Buddies . Copyright of the articles remains with the author and items may not be reproduced in any form or medium without their permission. Any mention of treatment or therapy does not constitute an endorsement by either of the aforementioned organisations.

The mention, contribution or likeness of any person or organisation appearing in this publication is not to be taken as any indication of the sexual, social, political orientation nor of the HIV status of such persons or organisations.