Welcome Rosie !! Positive Lives welcomes our new Direct Services Worker, Rosie Jackson, to Staffordshire Buddies. We asked her to introduce herself to our readers…. A great big Hello to everyone! I’m Rosie (no my partner isn’t called Jim) and I have recently been appointed Direct Services Worker. Michael Carey is my manager and I will be taking on some of his existing clients. Apparently to keep Michael sweet all I need to do is feed him vast amounts of chocolate and give him a regular hug! - Oh! I think I may be expected to be pretty efficient at my job too! I have been involved with Staffordshire Buddies for a little over 3 years now. In that time I have been fortunate to witness a newfound strength in many HIV positive people due to the new drugs now available. However, I also realise that everything isn’t ‘all plain sailing’ and many people now face a new set of problems that need addressing. With Michael’s help we will continue to do our best to offer help and advice whenever needed. My briefing for this article was ‘Introduce yourself Rosie!’. Fine I thought until I put pen to paper! It’s almost as daunting as my interview! Although, not quite! Certain clients and volunteers deserve an Oscar for their outstanding performance during the facilitation exercise! I have only just forgiven them! You know who you are! Right, back to me. I have been privileged to have ‘buddied’ several times during the last 3 years. These extraordinary people have given me an unforgettable and unrivalled view of HIV and actually LIVING with it. I have laughed with them until I cried, and cried until I laughed. I value their friendship and feel it an honour to have shared so much with them, long may it continue! I am the proud mum of 3 boys, ages 9,11 and 15. If ever I offer you a lift in my car then be warned! Most of the town’s football pitches share the floor! I have been involved with various charitable organisations, from organising fundraising events to standing on street corners. Another passion of mine has been local issues. I have worked with local town councillors, some good, some bad! And fortunately had a lucky escape from becoming one myself! I lied I told them I was too busy! I separated from my husband 2 years ago and I now have a new partner who lives partly here and partly in Kent. Best of both worlds! I hate injustice of any kind and I feel very strongly that everyone has a right to any information they desire and also as importantly, have a right to expect to be treated with respect. I’m not a lady that will shout from the roof tops, but feel that through negotiation and comprise most problems can be solved. The only exception from this is if I find yet more mouldy food under my I5-year-olds bed! Part of my role will be to further develop the family and children’s group with the help of my wonderful team of volunteers. After the very successful Children’s Holiday Scheme last year I shall be extending it to include monthly after school activities and outings. Of the ladies I have spoken to so far the proposal of a ‘women’s group’ has been warmly welcomed, hence I will be implementing this very soon. Watch this space! As always funding has been a problem, however slowly but surely we are beginning to see some results. I am looking forward immensely to the many challenges that lie ahead and hope to meet many, if not all, of you very soon. Wish me luck! Take care. Rosie Jackson