HIV Driving People Into Extreme Poverty In The UK

from Medical News Today

On World AIDS Day, 1 December, Crusaid and the National AIDS Trust launch a shocking report into the rising numbers of people living with HIV in extreme poverty in the UK.

The report launched to MPs at the House of Commons on World AIDS Day highlights the effect of stigma and discrimination in driving people living with HIV into poverty. Hate crime and discrimination not only have a damaging effect on the physical and mental health of people living with HIV, but can also lead to isolation and poverty. Recent research shows that a third of people living with HIV have experienced discrimination.

The report calls for action in tackling the root causes of poverty among people living with HIV, including addressing high levels of hate crime, unemployment and poor housing among people living with HIV.

Policies restricting asylum seekers right to work and appallingly low benefits also means that many HIV positive asylum seekers are living in substandard housing and are unable to afford basic food and clothing.

Poverty is far too common among people living with HIV. Since it was established in 1986, one in three people diagnosed with HIV have turned to the Crusaid Hardship Fund for support. In 2005, the average income of applicants to the Hardship Fund fell to £60 per week, while the number of applications for basic needs such as food and clothing has risen.

Key Facts (Crusaid Hardship Fund 2005)

* In 2005 the fund gave out £400,000 to 2,400 people
* The average grant was £140
* 10% of UK nationals applying to the hardship fund had no income
* Over one in five people receiving grants from the Hardship Fund have one or more dependants.

Information on the Crusaid Hardship fund

The Crusaid Hardship Fund helps with basic needs such as food and clothing as well as access to respite care, mobility equipment and household goods. The vast majority of applications are to cover basic needs such as food, bedding or a fridge to store medication at the correct temperature. It also helps people re-train in new skills in order to find a long-term route out of poverty. Applications are made via referring agencies, including social workers and GPs, and are rigorously tested to ensure that grants are made to those most in need.

Key recommendations

1. The Government and police must address HIV related hate crime and enforce policies on HIV related domestic violence

2. Public sector bodies should introduce HIV awareness training and act as champions to encourage the private sector to break down barriers to employment for people living with HIV.

3. Local authorities should prioritise the housing and social care needs of people living with HIV particularly those with poor health.

4. Subsistence for asylum seekers should be increased to a level that is equivalent to income support and they should be granted permission to work after six months.

Case studies

Graham
Graham was employed by a well-established retail chain as a store assistant. When he was diagnosed HIV positive, his condition was made public at work without his consent. " My bosses…kept making it clear that I should consider taking a long rest and maybe not return to work at all. But I wanted to work and was able to work." Said Graham.

A colleague bought him a cup, plate and fork so Graham did not infect anyone in the canteen. An anonymous petition was posted to request Graham be given his own toilet cubicle and he received an anonymous letter telling him not to attend the staff Christmas party as "no-one wants AIDS for Christmas."

Graham felt so isolated he felt he had no option but to resign, and as he had made himself voluntarily unemployed he had to wait 14 weeks before being eligible for benefits. His wife also moved out taking his daughter and he applied for support to the Crusaid Hardship Fund to cover his gas and electricity bills.

John Aged 36 year, John lives in the Midlands and was diagnosed four years ago. After a fall out with his long-term partner, John's HIV status and home address were displayed on a card in his local shop window, warning people that he was an 'AIDS carrier'. A few days later, John came home from work to find two guys in his flat. They beat him with chair legs, putting him in hospital for six days. John said: "I spent years coming to terms with living with HIV, then just one person turned my life around through pure spite."

Alice's story Alice suffers from chronic asthma, pains in her legs and feet and chronic weight loss relating to being HIV positive. The property she lives in is in very poor repair - it has been invaded by mice, is so damp there is black mould growing on the walls and she has to climb 40 steps to reach her room. She has been on a re-housing list for five years. "When you are chronically ill, society assumes you have nothing left to offer and thinks its OK to leave you on the scrap heap" said Alice. Alice applied to the Crusaid Hardship Fund to replace mouldy bedding, towels and curtains and for help with the costs of running an electric heater.

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Author: Emma Bickerstaff
Communications Manager
National AIDS Trust

For further information please go to:
National AIDS Trust And
Crusaid