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[value] => Click on the campaign actions below to find out more details of how you can make a difference as a member of the HIV Activists Network.
Find out more about becoming an HIV Activist.
Some of the previous campaigns our dedicated activists have been involved with can be found in our Campaigns Archive.
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[safe] => Click on the campaign actions below to find out more details of how you can make a difference as a member of the HIV Activists Network.
Find out more about becoming an HIV Activist.
Some of the previous campaigns our dedicated activists have been involved with can be found in our Campaigns Archive.
[view] => Click on the campaign actions below to find out more details of how you can make a difference as a member of the HIV Activists Network.
Find out more about becoming an HIV Activist.
Some of the previous campaigns our dedicated activists have been involved with can be found in our Campaigns Archive.
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[accordion_title] => Ask your council to support the housing needs of people living with HIV
[accordion_body] => Welfare reform and the changes to housing policy are significantly altering both the way housing is allocated, and, due to the cuts in housing benefit, the resources available to people living with HIV who need to apply for housing support from their local authority.
We would like HIV Activists to contact their local councillor and ask them how their local authority is responding to these changes, and help make the case to them that the housing needs of people living with HIV should be a priority.
People living with HIV and other disabled people should be able to expect that their housing needs will be properly assessed, and that they should continue to receive the housing support they need to lead healthy and independent lives.
While welfare reform affects the whole of the UK, the changes to housing allocations only affect England, which means this is a campaign directed at English Councils. If you don't live in England and want to campaign on benefit issues please take a look at some of our other campaigns.
What are the issues?
- The Government has made substantial changes to the level of housing benefit available, including extending the shared room rate up to the age of 35, and introducing the ‘bedroom tax’.
- While councils have to implement these changes, they have also been allocated funding by the Government called the ‘Discretionary Housing Payment’ (DHP), which is designed to provide support for people affected by reductions in their housing benefit. The funding for DHP is unlikely to cover everyone affected by these changes, and people applying for DHP will be assessed on a needs basis by their local authority.
- The Localism Act 2011 allows local councils greater freedom in how they allocate social housing through their local allocations polices. They can for instance now choose to discharge their homelessness duties into private sector accommodation and make greater use of properties outside of the local area.
- These changes could all have a significant impact on people living with HIV, from increasing the chance they may end up living in unsuitable shared accommodation to being forced to move away from their HIV support organisations and their HIV clinic.
How can I get involved?
- You can email your local councillor using this downloadable email template to ask them to raise these issues with your local council to ensure they support the needs of people living with HIV.
- To find out who your local councillors you can use:
- Writetothem.com or
- DirectGov
What difference will it make?
- It will help ensure that the issue of housing and HIV is considered by local councillors who will be making decisions about local housing allocations policy.
- The responses you receive will help NAT understand how local councils are responding to the changes to housing and benefits, giving NAT more information as they campaign to ensure that councils take into account the housing needs of people living with HIV are taken into account.
Further information and resources:
If you need further information on housing or benefits please visit the relevant sections on NAT’s website.
More detailed information on changes to housing benefit can be found on Shelter’s website.
Need more help?
Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk
[safe_accordion_title] => Ask your council to support the housing needs of people living with HIV
[safe_accordion_body] => <p>Welfare reform and the changes to housing policy are significantly altering both the way housing is allocated, and, due to the cuts in housing benefit, the resources available to people living with HIV who need to apply for housing support from their local authority.</p><p>We would like HIV Activists to contact their local councillor and ask them how their local authority is responding to these changes, and help make the case to them that the housing needs of people living with HIV should be a priority.</p><p>People living with HIV and other disabled people should be able to expect that their housing needs will be properly assessed, and that they should continue to receive the housing support they need to lead healthy and independent lives<span class="591341909-17042013"><font color="#0000ff" face="Arial" size="2"><span>.</span></font></span></p><p>While welfare reform affects the whole of the UK, the changes to housing allocations only affect England, which means this is a campaign directed at English Councils. If you don't live in England and want to campaign on benefit issues please take a look at some of our other campaigns.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>The Government has made substantial changes to the level of housing benefit available, including extending the shared room rate up to the age of 35, and introducing the ‘bedroom tax’.</li><li>While councils have to implement these changes, they have also been allocated funding by the Government called the ‘Discretionary Housing Payment’ (DHP), which is designed to provide support for people affected by reductions in their housing benefit. The funding for DHP is unlikely to cover everyone affected by these changes, and people applying for DHP will be assessed on a needs basis by their local authority.</li><li>The Localism Act 2011 allows local councils greater freedom in how they allocate social housing through their local allocations polices. They can for instance now choose to discharge their homelessness duties into private sector accommodation and make greater use of properties outside of the local area.</li><li>These changes could all have a significant impact on people living with HIV, from increasing the chance they may end up living in unsuitable shared accommodation to being forced to move away from their HIV support organisations and their HIV clinic.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>You can email your local councillor using this <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Write-to-your-councillor-about-housing-and-HIVv2.doc"><u>downloadable email template</u></a> to ask them to raise these issues with your local council to ensure they support the needs of people living with HIV.</li><li>To find out who your local councillors you can use:</li><li><a href="http://www.writetothem.com/">Writetothem</a>.com or</li><li><a href="http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=358&LGIL=8">DirectGov</a></li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>It will help ensure that the issue of housing and HIV is considered by local councillors who will be making decisions about local housing allocations policy.</li><li>The responses you receive will help NAT understand how local councils are responding to the changes to housing and benefits, giving NAT more information as they campaign to ensure that councils take into account the housing needs of people living with HIV are taken into account.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/April_2013-Policy_Briefing_Housing_and_HIV.pdf">NAT Policy Briefing on Housing and HIV</a> which explores the changing housing advice needs of people living with HIV in February 2013, and the views of the local HIV organisations that support them.</li><li>In 2010, NAT, alongside Shelter and Chartered Institute of Housing, published <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/June-2010-HIV-and-Housing.pdf">‘Housing and HIV: a practical guide for housing officers on HIV and its impact on housing needs’</a> aimed at improving the way they assess the needs of people living with HIV.</li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/Policy/2009/Housing%20and%20HIV%20updated-1.pdf">A 2009 NAT report into Housing and HIV</a></li></ul><p>If you need further information on <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Our-thinking/Every-day-issues/Housing.aspx">housing</a> or <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Our-thinking/Every-day-issues/Benefits.aspx">benefits</a> please visit the relevant sections on NAT’s website.</p><p>More detailed information on changes to housing benefit can be found on <a href="http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance">Shelter’s website</a>.</p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</p><p> </p>
[view] =>
Ask your council to support the housing needs of people living with HIV
<p>Welfare reform and the changes to housing policy are significantly altering both the way housing is allocated, and, due to the cuts in housing benefit, the resources available to people living with HIV who need to apply for housing support from their local authority.</p><p>We would like HIV Activists to contact their local councillor and ask them how their local authority is responding to these changes, and help make the case to them that the housing needs of people living with HIV should be a priority.</p><p>People living with HIV and other disabled people should be able to expect that their housing needs will be properly assessed, and that they should continue to receive the housing support they need to lead healthy and independent lives<span class="591341909-17042013"><font color="#0000ff" face="Arial" size="2"><span>.</span></font></span></p><p>While welfare reform affects the whole of the UK, the changes to housing allocations only affect England, which means this is a campaign directed at English Councils. If you don't live in England and want to campaign on benefit issues please take a look at some of our other campaigns.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>The Government has made substantial changes to the level of housing benefit available, including extending the shared room rate up to the age of 35, and introducing the ‘bedroom tax’.</li><li>While councils have to implement these changes, they have also been allocated funding by the Government called the ‘Discretionary Housing Payment’ (DHP), which is designed to provide support for people affected by reductions in their housing benefit. The funding for DHP is unlikely to cover everyone affected by these changes, and people applying for DHP will be assessed on a needs basis by their local authority.</li><li>The Localism Act 2011 allows local councils greater freedom in how they allocate social housing through their local allocations polices. They can for instance now choose to discharge their homelessness duties into private sector accommodation and make greater use of properties outside of the local area.</li><li>These changes could all have a significant impact on people living with HIV, from increasing the chance they may end up living in unsuitable shared accommodation to being forced to move away from their HIV support organisations and their HIV clinic.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>You can email your local councillor using this <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Write-to-your-councillor-about-housing-and-HIVv2.doc"><u>downloadable email template</u></a> to ask them to raise these issues with your local council to ensure they support the needs of people living with HIV.</li><li>To find out who your local councillors you can use:</li><li><a href="http://www.writetothem.com/">Writetothem</a>.com or</li><li><a href="http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=358&LGIL=8">DirectGov</a></li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>It will help ensure that the issue of housing and HIV is considered by local councillors who will be making decisions about local housing allocations policy.</li><li>The responses you receive will help NAT understand how local councils are responding to the changes to housing and benefits, giving NAT more information as they campaign to ensure that councils take into account the housing needs of people living with HIV are taken into account.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/April_2013-Policy_Briefing_Housing_and_HIV.pdf">NAT Policy Briefing on Housing and HIV</a> which explores the changing housing advice needs of people living with HIV in February 2013, and the views of the local HIV organisations that support them.</li><li>In 2010, NAT, alongside Shelter and Chartered Institute of Housing, published <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/June-2010-HIV-and-Housing.pdf">‘Housing and HIV: a practical guide for housing officers on HIV and its impact on housing needs’</a> aimed at improving the way they assess the needs of people living with HIV.</li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/Policy/2009/Housing%20and%20HIV%20updated-1.pdf">A 2009 NAT report into Housing and HIV</a></li></ul><p>If you need further information on <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Our-thinking/Every-day-issues/Housing.aspx">housing</a> or <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Our-thinking/Every-day-issues/Benefits.aspx">benefits</a> please visit the relevant sections on NAT’s website.</p><p>More detailed information on changes to housing benefit can be found on <a href="http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance">Shelter’s website</a>.</p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</p><p> </p>
)
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(
[accordion_title] => Email your MP to make Personal Independence Payment assessments fairer
[accordion_body] =>
People living with HIV, along with those with other disabilities, will soon be able to start making claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This is a controversial new benefit which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Many people have reported negative experiences with other benefit assessments, which have sometimes resulted in a loss of benefit. We want to make sure with this campaign that the same mistakes aren’t repeated with PIP assessments.
We are asking you to contact your MP about fairer assessments for PIP.
What are the issues:
- From 8 April 2013, people in the North West and North East of England will start claiming PIP, and from June 2013 PIP will be rolled out across Great Britain replacing DLA. Assessments will be delivered by Atos in some areas, and in others by a company called Capita.
- Many people have already reported negative experiences in assessments for Work Capability Assessments (WCA) which are carried out by Atos, and there is concern that people will face similar negative experiences in assessments for PIP.
- A new report by the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), a group of over 60 charities including NAT, has highlighted some of the key issues and has made recommendations for improving assessments.
How can I get involved:
- Email your MP about the DBC report, so they can put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to get the assessment right.
- To take part in the campaign click here:
- This easy campaign tool created by the DBC highlights the issues to your MP and tells them who will be doing the assessments in your area. It only takes a minute to do.
What difference will it make?
- The email to your MP could encourage them to put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to make the assessments fairer for people living with HIV and other disabilities.
Further information and resources:
The full DBC report can be found here
Need more help?
Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk
[safe_accordion_title] => Email your MP to make Personal Independence Payment assessments fairer
[safe_accordion_body] => <p> </p><p>People living with HIV, along with those with other disabilities, will soon be able to start making claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This is a controversial new benefit which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Many people have reported negative experiences with other benefit assessments, which have sometimes resulted in a loss of benefit. We want to make sure with this campaign that the same mistakes aren’t repeated with PIP assessments.</p><p>We are asking you to contact your MP about fairer assessments for PIP.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues:</strong></p><ul><li>From 8 April 2013, people in the North West and North East of England will start claiming PIP, and from June 2013 PIP will be rolled out across Great Britain replacing DLA. Assessments will be delivered by Atos in some areas, and in others by a company called Capita.</li><li>Many people have already reported negative experiences in assessments for Work Capability Assessments (WCA) which are carried out by Atos, and there is concern that people will face similar negative experiences in assessments for PIP.</li><li>A new report by the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), a group of over 60 charities including NAT, has highlighted some of the key issues and has made recommendations for improving assessments.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How can I get involved:</strong></p><ul><li>Email your MP about the DBC report, so they can put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to get the assessment right.</li><li>To take part in the campaign click <a href="http://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1705&ea.campaign.id=19668">here:</a></li><li>This easy campaign tool created by the DBC highlights the issues to your MP and tells them who will be doing the assessments in your area. It only takes a minute to do.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>The email to your MP could encourage them to put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to make the assessments fairer for people living with HIV and other disabilities.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Further information and resources:</strong></p><p>The full DBC report can be found <a href="http://disabilitybenefitsconsortium.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/dbc-report-shows-how-atos-and-capita-will-deliver-pip-assessment/">here</a></p><p> </p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><ul><li>If you are personally concerned about PIP or the change from DLA, please download <u><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/April_2013-PIP_Factsheet.pdf">NAT’s revised PIP Factsheet</a></u>.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</p>
[view] =>
Email your MP to make Personal Independence Payment assessments fairer
<p> </p><p>People living with HIV, along with those with other disabilities, will soon be able to start making claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This is a controversial new benefit which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Many people have reported negative experiences with other benefit assessments, which have sometimes resulted in a loss of benefit. We want to make sure with this campaign that the same mistakes aren’t repeated with PIP assessments.</p><p>We are asking you to contact your MP about fairer assessments for PIP.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues:</strong></p><ul><li>From 8 April 2013, people in the North West and North East of England will start claiming PIP, and from June 2013 PIP will be rolled out across Great Britain replacing DLA. Assessments will be delivered by Atos in some areas, and in others by a company called Capita.</li><li>Many people have already reported negative experiences in assessments for Work Capability Assessments (WCA) which are carried out by Atos, and there is concern that people will face similar negative experiences in assessments for PIP.</li><li>A new report by the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), a group of over 60 charities including NAT, has highlighted some of the key issues and has made recommendations for improving assessments.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How can I get involved:</strong></p><ul><li>Email your MP about the DBC report, so they can put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to get the assessment right.</li><li>To take part in the campaign click <a href="http://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1705&ea.campaign.id=19668">here:</a></li><li>This easy campaign tool created by the DBC highlights the issues to your MP and tells them who will be doing the assessments in your area. It only takes a minute to do.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>The email to your MP could encourage them to put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to make the assessments fairer for people living with HIV and other disabilities.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Further information and resources:</strong></p><p>The full DBC report can be found <a href="http://disabilitybenefitsconsortium.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/dbc-report-shows-how-atos-and-capita-will-deliver-pip-assessment/">here</a></p><p> </p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><ul><li>If you are personally concerned about PIP or the change from DLA, please download <u><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/April_2013-PIP_Factsheet.pdf">NAT’s revised PIP Factsheet</a></u>.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</p>
)
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[accordion_title] => Ask your MP to sign the EDM for increased asylum support levels
[accordion_body] =>
The great majority of asylum seekers who arrive in the UK have to meet their essential living needs of food, clothing, toiletries and travel on just £5 a day. Research into poverty and HIV in the UK shows that insufficient asylum support is a key driver of extreme poverty amongst people living with HIV.
On 5 February 2013, Sarah Teather MP tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) No. 1019 on Asylum Support Rates (full text below). Getting your MP to sign the EDM sends a message to the Government that imposing poverty on asylum seekers which damages their health is not acceptable.
What are the issues?
- NAT’s research into the experience of poverty amongst people living with HIV showed that the people in the most desperate need were those reliant on the asylum support provided by UKBA. With no other means of supporting themselves, their health was suffering and they had to seek hardship grants from charity to meet their basic needs.
- Income Support is set at what is considered to be the minimum amount people need to meet their basic living needs. Asylum seekers have to survive on the equivalent of just 52% of Income Support while waiting for the UKBA to make a decision on their application.
- In 1999, Asylum Support levels were set at 70% of Income Support, but have been decreased in recent years. Whilst Income Support is increased every year to keep up with inflation, asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011.
- Asylum seekers do not have a right to seek work in the UK. If they have been waiting for more than 12 months for a decision on their asylum claim, they may apply for permission to seek work (but this is by no means automatically granted).
- Some asylum seekers have had their claim refused but are permitted to stay in the UK because the Government recognises that it is currently not safe for them to return to their home country. This group do not receive any cash support, only vouchers. This is called ‘Section 4’ support and is also the equivalent of about £5 a day – but purchases can only be made at designated stores, and they cannot access cash for transport (e.g. to their HIV clinic) or any other daily costs. Many struggle to buy fresh food, warm clothing, and nappies and other essentials for their children.
- NAT is a member of the Still Human Still Here campaign, which calls for an end to destitution amongst asylum seekers. Still Human Still Here and this EDM call for asylum support to be increased to at least 70% of the level of income support, and uprated each year. As an individual charity, NAT believes it should be 100% equivalent to income support rates.
How can I get involved?
EDM 1019 text:
That this House believes that Britain can rightly be proud of its history of welcoming those fleeing persecution and war; welcomes the cross-party parliamentary report on asylum support for children and families; notes with concern the finding of that report that current asylum support levels are leaving up to 10,000 children destitute or in severe poverty; further believes that section 4 support rates are especially austere and that cashless payments impose damaging restrictions on how families buy essential items; further notes that asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011; regrets that the previous Government broke the historic link between support rates for asylum seekers and income support; calls on the Government to increase asylum support rates so that they are at least equal to 70 per cent of income support and to up-rate support rates annually; and further calls on the Government to abolish section 4 support and implement a single cash-based support system.
- If you find your MP has already signed the EDM, you might like to email or write to them to show your support for the stand they have taken.
- Use your postcode to find the name of your MP at http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/, then click here to find their email address.
- If you would like to ask your MP to sign the EDM, you can find the template email for you to personalise here
- You could also ask to meet with your MP to talk about the issue and show that as a constituent you are very concerned with poverty amongst asylum seekers.
What difference will it make?
- EDMs are a good way for MPs to show their views on policy issues and open up a space for debate on topics which might not otherwise be heard in the House of Commons.
- If the EDM is signed by lots of MPs, campaigning organisations like NAT and Still Human Still Here can show the Government that there is support for change on this issue.
- Asking your MP to sign the EDM is a good way to show them that constituents do care about the treatment of asylum seekers in this country.
Further information and resources
Need more help?
Get in touch with NAT at HIVactivist@nat.org.ukor 020 7814 6767.
[safe_accordion_title] => Ask your MP to sign the EDM for increased asylum support levels
[safe_accordion_body] => <p>The great majority of asylum seekers who arrive in the UK have to meet their essential living needs of food, clothing, toiletries and travel on just £5 a day. Research into poverty and HIV in the UK shows that insufficient asylum support is a key driver of extreme poverty amongst people living with HIV.</p><p>On 5 February 2013, Sarah Teather MP tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) No. 1019 on Asylum Support Rates (full text below). Getting your MP to sign the EDM sends a message to the Government that imposing poverty on asylum seekers which damages their health is not acceptable. </p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>NAT’s research into the experience of poverty amongst people living with HIV showed that the people in the most desperate need were those reliant on the asylum support provided by UKBA. With no other means of supporting themselves, their health was suffering and they had to seek hardship grants from charity to meet their basic needs.</li><li>Income Support is set at what is considered to be the minimum amount people need to meet their basic living needs. Asylum seekers have to survive on the equivalent of just 52% of Income Support while waiting for the UKBA to make a decision on their application. </li><li>In 1999, Asylum Support levels were set at 70% of Income Support, but have been decreased in recent years. Whilst Income Support is increased every year to keep up with inflation, asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011.</li><li>Asylum seekers do not have a right to seek work in the UK. If they have been waiting for more than 12 months for a decision on their asylum claim, they may apply for permission to seek work (but this is by no means automatically granted).</li><li>Some asylum seekers have had their claim refused but are permitted to stay in the UK because the Government recognises that it is currently not safe for them to return to their home country. This group do not receive any cash support, only vouchers. This is called ‘Section 4’ support and is also the equivalent of about £5 a day – but purchases can only be made at designated stores, and they cannot access cash for transport (e.g. to their HIV clinic) or any other daily costs. Many struggle to buy fresh food, warm clothing, and nappies and other essentials for their children.</li><li>NAT is a member of the Still Human Still Here campaign, which calls for an end to destitution amongst asylum seekers. Still Human Still Here and this EDM call for asylum support to be increased to <em>at least </em>70% of the level of income support, and uprated each year. As an individual charity, NAT believes it should be <em>100% equivalent</em> to income support rates. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Check if your MP has signed the EDM: <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019" title="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019">http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019</a></li><li>Ask your MP to sign the EDM, the full text of which is:</li></ul><p>EDM 1019 text:<br />
<em>That this House believes that Britain can rightly be proud of its history of welcoming those fleeing persecution and war; welcomes the cross-party parliamentary report on asylum support for children and families; notes with concern the finding of that report that current asylum support levels are leaving up to 10,000 children destitute or in severe poverty; further believes that section 4 support rates are especially austere and that cashless payments impose damaging restrictions on how families buy essential items; further notes that asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011; regrets that the previous Government broke the historic link between support rates for asylum seekers and income support; calls on the Government to increase asylum support rates so that they are at least equal to 70 per cent of income support and to up-rate support rates annually; and further calls on the Government to abolish section 4 support and implement a single cash-based support system.</em></p><p> </p><ul><li>If you find your MP has already signed the EDM, you might like to email or write to them to show your support for the stand they have taken.</li><li>Use your postcode to find the name of your MP at <a href="http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/">http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/</a>, then click <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Parliamentary_Email_details_for_all_MPs_Nov_2012.xls">here</a> to find their email address.</li><li>If you would like to ask your MP to sign the EDM, you can find the template email for you to personalise <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/EDMasylumsupportletter.doc">here</a></li><li>You could also ask to meet with your MP to talk about the issue and show that as a constituent you are very concerned with poverty amongst asylum seekers. </li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>EDMs are a good way for MPs to show their views on policy issues and open up a space for debate on topics which might not otherwise be heard in the House of Commons.</li><li>If the EDM is signed by lots of MPs, campaigning organisations like NAT and Still Human Still Here can show the Government that there is support for change on this issue.</li><li>Asking your MP to sign the EDM is a good way to show them that constituents do care about the treatment of asylum seekers in this country.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/Sep-2010-Poverty-and-HIV-2006-2009.pdf">Poverty & HIV: 2006-2009</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/SHSHFAQonasylummisconceptions.pdf">Still Human Still Here briefing on common asylum misconceptions (good background for a meeting with an MP)</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a>or 020 7814 6767.</p>
[view] =>
Ask your MP to sign the EDM for increased asylum support levels
<p>The great majority of asylum seekers who arrive in the UK have to meet their essential living needs of food, clothing, toiletries and travel on just £5 a day. Research into poverty and HIV in the UK shows that insufficient asylum support is a key driver of extreme poverty amongst people living with HIV.</p><p>On 5 February 2013, Sarah Teather MP tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) No. 1019 on Asylum Support Rates (full text below). Getting your MP to sign the EDM sends a message to the Government that imposing poverty on asylum seekers which damages their health is not acceptable. </p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>NAT’s research into the experience of poverty amongst people living with HIV showed that the people in the most desperate need were those reliant on the asylum support provided by UKBA. With no other means of supporting themselves, their health was suffering and they had to seek hardship grants from charity to meet their basic needs.</li><li>Income Support is set at what is considered to be the minimum amount people need to meet their basic living needs. Asylum seekers have to survive on the equivalent of just 52% of Income Support while waiting for the UKBA to make a decision on their application. </li><li>In 1999, Asylum Support levels were set at 70% of Income Support, but have been decreased in recent years. Whilst Income Support is increased every year to keep up with inflation, asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011.</li><li>Asylum seekers do not have a right to seek work in the UK. If they have been waiting for more than 12 months for a decision on their asylum claim, they may apply for permission to seek work (but this is by no means automatically granted).</li><li>Some asylum seekers have had their claim refused but are permitted to stay in the UK because the Government recognises that it is currently not safe for them to return to their home country. This group do not receive any cash support, only vouchers. This is called ‘Section 4’ support and is also the equivalent of about £5 a day – but purchases can only be made at designated stores, and they cannot access cash for transport (e.g. to their HIV clinic) or any other daily costs. Many struggle to buy fresh food, warm clothing, and nappies and other essentials for their children.</li><li>NAT is a member of the Still Human Still Here campaign, which calls for an end to destitution amongst asylum seekers. Still Human Still Here and this EDM call for asylum support to be increased to <em>at least </em>70% of the level of income support, and uprated each year. As an individual charity, NAT believes it should be <em>100% equivalent</em> to income support rates. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Check if your MP has signed the EDM: <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019" title="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019">http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019</a></li><li>Ask your MP to sign the EDM, the full text of which is:</li></ul><p>EDM 1019 text:<br />
<em>That this House believes that Britain can rightly be proud of its history of welcoming those fleeing persecution and war; welcomes the cross-party parliamentary report on asylum support for children and families; notes with concern the finding of that report that current asylum support levels are leaving up to 10,000 children destitute or in severe poverty; further believes that section 4 support rates are especially austere and that cashless payments impose damaging restrictions on how families buy essential items; further notes that asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011; regrets that the previous Government broke the historic link between support rates for asylum seekers and income support; calls on the Government to increase asylum support rates so that they are at least equal to 70 per cent of income support and to up-rate support rates annually; and further calls on the Government to abolish section 4 support and implement a single cash-based support system.</em></p><p> </p><ul><li>If you find your MP has already signed the EDM, you might like to email or write to them to show your support for the stand they have taken.</li><li>Use your postcode to find the name of your MP at <a href="http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/">http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/</a>, then click <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Parliamentary_Email_details_for_all_MPs_Nov_2012.xls">here</a> to find their email address.</li><li>If you would like to ask your MP to sign the EDM, you can find the template email for you to personalise <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/EDMasylumsupportletter.doc">here</a></li><li>You could also ask to meet with your MP to talk about the issue and show that as a constituent you are very concerned with poverty amongst asylum seekers. </li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>EDMs are a good way for MPs to show their views on policy issues and open up a space for debate on topics which might not otherwise be heard in the House of Commons.</li><li>If the EDM is signed by lots of MPs, campaigning organisations like NAT and Still Human Still Here can show the Government that there is support for change on this issue.</li><li>Asking your MP to sign the EDM is a good way to show them that constituents do care about the treatment of asylum seekers in this country.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/Sep-2010-Poverty-and-HIV-2006-2009.pdf">Poverty & HIV: 2006-2009</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/SHSHFAQonasylummisconceptions.pdf">Still Human Still Here briefing on common asylum misconceptions (good background for a meeting with an MP)</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a>or 020 7814 6767.</p>
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[accordion_title] => Write to your local authority about providing formula milk for HIV positive mothers
[accordion_body] =>
Mother to child transmission of HIV is less than 1% in the UK thanks to current interventions during pregnancy. Breastfeeding increases the risk of transmission, yet some mothers living with HIV in the UK are forced to breastfeed because they can’t afford to buy formula milk and free formula isn't always available.
Write to your local authority to ensure they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers who can’t afford to buy it themselves.
What are the issues?
- Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended in some countries, particularly those where safe water is unavailable, in the UK bottle feeding is strongly recommended as the safest option to avoid mother to child transmission of HIV.
- Current BHIVA guidelines recommend all mothers living with HIV, regardless of viral load, should be supported to bottle feed their infants to reduce mother to child transmission.
- The majority of women living with HIV in the UK are from African communities, many of whom live in poverty. If these women cannot afford formula milk, they may consequently breastfeed, despite knowing the risks.
- There is currently no obligation for local authorities to provide mothers living with HIV with free formula milk
- There are some examples in the UK where local authorities and charities provide free formula milk but these services are patchy and often inadequate.
- NAT are asking all local authorities to provide free formula milk to HIV positive mothers who are unable to buy it themselves.
- This approach is cost effective as the cost of providing free formula milk is significantly less than the cost of providing life long HIV treatment and care for a child who contracts HIV from their mother.
How can I get involved?
- Write to your local authority to ask if they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers unable to afford it themselves and if not what steps they plan to take to set up this vital prevention scheme.
What difference will it make?
- By highlighting this issue local authorities will be made aware of the importance of bottle feeding to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV and are more likely to provide free formula to HIV positive mothers who are unable to afford it.
- Your actions could help prevent a child from contracting HIV.
Further information and resources
Need more help?
Get in touch with NAT at HIVactivist@nat.org.uk or 020 7814 6767
[safe_accordion_title] => Write to your local authority about providing formula milk for HIV positive mothers
[safe_accordion_body] => <p>Mother to child transmission of HIV is less than 1% in the UK thanks to current interventions during pregnancy. Breastfeeding increases the risk of transmission, yet some mothers living with HIV in the UK are forced to breastfeed because they can’t afford to buy formula milk and free formula isn't always available.</p><p>Write to your local authority to ensure they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers who can’t afford to buy it themselves.</p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended in some countries, particularly those where safe water is unavailable, in the UK bottle feeding is strongly recommended as the safest option to avoid mother to child transmission of HIV.</li><li>Current BHIVA guidelines recommend all mothers living with HIV, regardless of viral load, should be supported to bottle feed their infants to reduce mother to child transmission.</li><li>The majority of women living with HIV in the UK are from African communities, many of whom live in poverty. If these women cannot afford formula milk, they may consequently breastfeed, despite knowing the risks.</li><li>There is currently no obligation for local authorities to provide mothers living with HIV with free formula milk</li><li>There are some examples in the UK where local authorities and charities provide free formula milk but these services are patchy and often inadequate.</li><li>NAT are asking <strong>all</strong> local authorities to provide free formula milk to HIV positive mothers who are unable to buy it themselves.</li><li>This approach is cost effective as the cost of providing free formula milk is significantly less than the cost of providing life long HIV treatment and care for a child who contracts HIV from their mother.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Write to your local authority to ask if they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers unable to afford it themselves and if not what steps they plan to take to set up this vital prevention scheme.</li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>By highlighting this issue local authorities will be made aware of the importance of bottle feeding to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV and are more likely to provide free formula to HIV positive mothers who are unable to afford it.</li><li>Your actions could help prevent a child from contracting HIV.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.writetothem.com">Find out contact details for your local councillor</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Infant-formula-milk-letter-May_2013(1).doc" target="_blank">Download the template letter which you can amend or add to and email to your local councillor.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Infant-formula-milk-letter-May_2013.doc">Download NAT’s Access to Formula Milk Paper</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactvivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 020 7814 6767</p>
[view] =>
Write to your local authority about providing formula milk for HIV positive mothers
<p>Mother to child transmission of HIV is less than 1% in the UK thanks to current interventions during pregnancy. Breastfeeding increases the risk of transmission, yet some mothers living with HIV in the UK are forced to breastfeed because they can’t afford to buy formula milk and free formula isn't always available.</p><p>Write to your local authority to ensure they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers who can’t afford to buy it themselves.</p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended in some countries, particularly those where safe water is unavailable, in the UK bottle feeding is strongly recommended as the safest option to avoid mother to child transmission of HIV.</li><li>Current BHIVA guidelines recommend all mothers living with HIV, regardless of viral load, should be supported to bottle feed their infants to reduce mother to child transmission.</li><li>The majority of women living with HIV in the UK are from African communities, many of whom live in poverty. If these women cannot afford formula milk, they may consequently breastfeed, despite knowing the risks.</li><li>There is currently no obligation for local authorities to provide mothers living with HIV with free formula milk</li><li>There are some examples in the UK where local authorities and charities provide free formula milk but these services are patchy and often inadequate.</li><li>NAT are asking <strong>all</strong> local authorities to provide free formula milk to HIV positive mothers who are unable to buy it themselves.</li><li>This approach is cost effective as the cost of providing free formula milk is significantly less than the cost of providing life long HIV treatment and care for a child who contracts HIV from their mother.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Write to your local authority to ask if they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers unable to afford it themselves and if not what steps they plan to take to set up this vital prevention scheme.</li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>By highlighting this issue local authorities will be made aware of the importance of bottle feeding to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV and are more likely to provide free formula to HIV positive mothers who are unable to afford it.</li><li>Your actions could help prevent a child from contracting HIV.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.writetothem.com">Find out contact details for your local councillor</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Infant-formula-milk-letter-May_2013(1).doc" target="_blank">Download the template letter which you can amend or add to and email to your local councillor.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Infant-formula-milk-letter-May_2013.doc">Download NAT’s Access to Formula Milk Paper</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactvivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 020 7814 6767</p>
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[accordion_title] => Write to your local councillor about HIV social care services
[accordion_body] =>
Despite the Government committing in the last Spending Review to take account of HIV social care needs and retaining a specific funding line in local authority Formula Grants, services are still at risk from local cuts. Ask your local Health Overview and Scrutiny committee to review HIV social care service provision in light of funding for HIV social care no longer being ring-fenced.
What are the issues?
- Social Care is very important for many people living with HIV. Counselling and peer support can help people come to terms with their diagnosis, stay well and adhere to treatment.
- With HIV social care funding no longer ring-fenced and the increased emphasis on local flexibility, there is a risk that HIV social care funds could be spent elsewhere.
How can I get involved?
- Write to your local councillor or Health Overview and Scrutiny committee and highlight the issue of HIV social care funding and ask that they ensure the needs of people living with HIV are met in the local area by using the funding committed to HIV social care to provide vital services.
- You can also highlight the importance of HIV social care services by emailing your local councillor via the SHout Loud campaigning website here
- If you sent an email via the SHout Loud website before January 2011, get back in touch with your Councillor and let them know how much funding for HIV social care your council will receive. This will enable your Councillor to find our more specific information from the council. Find out how much money your council received for HIV social care here.
What difference will it make?
- It will help to increase understanding of the importance of HIV social care amongst local decision makers.
- Keeping the issue on the agenda makes it harder for funding to be diverted and services cut.
Further information and resources
Need more help?
Get in touch with NAT at HIVactivist@nat.org.uk or 020 7814 6767.
[safe_accordion_title] => Write to your local councillor about HIV social care services
[safe_accordion_body] => <p>Despite the Government committing in the last Spending Review to take account of HIV social care needs and retaining a specific funding line in local authority Formula Grants, services are still at risk from local cuts. Ask your local Health Overview and Scrutiny committee to review HIV social care service provision in light of funding for HIV social care no longer being ring-fenced.</p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>Social Care is very important for many people living with HIV. Counselling and peer support can help people come to terms with their diagnosis, stay well and adhere to treatment.</li><li>With HIV social care funding no longer ring-fenced and the increased emphasis on local flexibility, there is a risk that HIV social care funds could be spent elsewhere.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Write to your local councillor or Health Overview and Scrutiny committee and highlight the issue of HIV social care funding and ask that they ensure the needs of people living with HIV are met in the local area by using the funding committed to HIV social care to provide vital services.</li><li>You can also highlight the importance of HIV social care services by emailing your local councillor via the <a class="ext" href="http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=144&ea.campaign.id=7428" target="_blank">SHout Loud campaigning website here</a></li><li>If you sent an email via the SHout Loud website before January 2011, get back in touch with your Councillor and let them know how much funding for HIV social care your council will receive. This will enable your Councillor to find our more specific information from the council. <a class="ext" href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/Policy/2010/2011%20-%2012%20Settlement%20Grants%20rolling%20into%20formula%20grant-1.pdf" target="_blank">Find out how much money your council received for HIV social care here</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>It will help to increase understanding of the importance of HIV social care amongst local decision makers.</li><li>Keeping the issue on the agenda makes it harder for funding to be diverted and services cut.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li>You can write to your local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee via your local Council offices. <a class="ext" href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/UKgovernment/Localgovernment/DG_073312" target="_blank">Find out contact details for your local council here</a>.</li><li><a class="ext" href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/PLWH/HIV%20Activists/Write-to-your-NHS-scrutiny-com.doc" target="_blank">Download a template letter to your local Overview and Scrutiny Committee here</a></li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong><br />
Get in touch with NAT at <a class="mailto" href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 020 7814 6767.</p>
[view] =>
Write to your local councillor about HIV social care services
<p>Despite the Government committing in the last Spending Review to take account of HIV social care needs and retaining a specific funding line in local authority Formula Grants, services are still at risk from local cuts. Ask your local Health Overview and Scrutiny committee to review HIV social care service provision in light of funding for HIV social care no longer being ring-fenced.</p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>Social Care is very important for many people living with HIV. Counselling and peer support can help people come to terms with their diagnosis, stay well and adhere to treatment.</li><li>With HIV social care funding no longer ring-fenced and the increased emphasis on local flexibility, there is a risk that HIV social care funds could be spent elsewhere.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Write to your local councillor or Health Overview and Scrutiny committee and highlight the issue of HIV social care funding and ask that they ensure the needs of people living with HIV are met in the local area by using the funding committed to HIV social care to provide vital services.</li><li>You can also highlight the importance of HIV social care services by emailing your local councillor via the <a class="ext" href="http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=144&ea.campaign.id=7428" target="_blank">SHout Loud campaigning website here</a></li><li>If you sent an email via the SHout Loud website before January 2011, get back in touch with your Councillor and let them know how much funding for HIV social care your council will receive. This will enable your Councillor to find our more specific information from the council. <a class="ext" href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/Policy/2010/2011%20-%2012%20Settlement%20Grants%20rolling%20into%20formula%20grant-1.pdf" target="_blank">Find out how much money your council received for HIV social care here</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>It will help to increase understanding of the importance of HIV social care amongst local decision makers.</li><li>Keeping the issue on the agenda makes it harder for funding to be diverted and services cut.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li>You can write to your local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee via your local Council offices. <a class="ext" href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/UKgovernment/Localgovernment/DG_073312" target="_blank">Find out contact details for your local council here</a>.</li><li><a class="ext" href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/PLWH/HIV%20Activists/Write-to-your-NHS-scrutiny-com.doc" target="_blank">Download a template letter to your local Overview and Scrutiny Committee here</a></li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong><br />
Get in touch with NAT at <a class="mailto" href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 020 7814 6767.</p>
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[accordion_title] => Ask how HIV will be considered in your local area’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for health and social care services
[accordion_body] =>
From April 2013, most commissioning (planning and paying for health and social care services) will be done at a local level. As HIV is a specialised condition, commissioning for treatment and care will be done centrally by the NHS Commissioning Board. However, all other services relevant to HIV including prevention, testing, social care and other health needs will be decided locally. The plans that are made for these services will depend upon the results of the local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).
Take five minutes to find out how your council is considering the needs of people living with and at risk of HIV in the JSNA, and how they are involving people living with HIV in the process.
What are the issues:
- All planning of healthcare and social care in a local area has to be done within the framework of a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).
- The Health and Social Care Bill 2012 transforms the way all NHS and social care services are commissioned. Important decisions will now be made predominantly at a local level. There are a number of different organisations responsible for commissioning (planning and paying for) the various aspects of health and social care, but they are expected to come together in a local authority's Health and Wellbeing Board.
- The Health and Wellbeing Board will undertake a JSNA to assess the health and social care needs of their local population. The JSNA will also be the basis of a strategy (known as the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy or JHWS) to meet those needs. All the more detailed decisions then made about service priorities and planning have to be in line with the JSNA and the resulting JHWS.
- So it is really important to make sure now - as local authorities are working on their JSNA - that they are thinking about the needs of people with HIV and the communities most affected by HIV.
How Can I help?
- Email your local councillor(s) to ask for an update on your local JSNA, how HIV is being considered, and how people with HIV and relevant local organisations can get involved.
- Use the information you receive to get involved with planning services in your area and encourage other people living with and affected by HIV in your community to do the same. You might want to share the findings with your local HIV organisation.
What difference will it make?
- Get decision-makers in your local area thinking about HIV now, so that the needs of people living with and affected by HIV will be met by their commissioning plans from 2013.
- It might well make the difference between HIV being taken seriously in your local area and being neglected.
- Increase the involvement of people living with HIV in decision-making about the services that are relevant to them.
Further information and resources
Need more help?
[safe_accordion_title] => Ask how HIV will be considered in your local area’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for health and social care services
[safe_accordion_body] => <p> </p><div><p>From April 2013, most commissioning (planning and paying for health and social care services) will be done at a local level. As HIV is a specialised condition, commissioning for treatment and care will be done centrally by the NHS Commissioning Board. However, all other services relevant to HIV including prevention, testing, social care and other health needs will be decided locally. The plans that are made for these services will depend upon the results of the local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).</p><p> </p><p>Take five minutes to find out how your council is considering the needs of people living with and at risk of HIV in the JSNA, and how they are involving people living with HIV in the process.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues:</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>All planning of healthcare and social care in a local area has to be done within the framework of a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Health and Social Care Bill 2012 transforms the way all NHS and social care services are commissioned. Important decisions will now be made predominantly at a local level. There are a number of different organisations responsible for commissioning (planning and paying for) the various aspects of health and social care, but they are expected to come together in a local authority's Health and Wellbeing Board. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Health and Wellbeing Board will undertake a JSNA to assess the health and social care needs of their local population. The JSNA will also be the basis of a strategy (known as the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy or JHWS) to meet those needs. All the more detailed decisions then made about service priorities and planning have to be in line with the JSNA and the resulting JHWS.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>So it is really important to make sure now - as local authorities are working on their JSNA - that they are thinking about the needs of people with HIV and the communities most affected by HIV. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How Can I help?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Email your local councillor(s) to ask for an update on your local JSNA, how HIV is being considered, and how people with HIV and relevant local organisations can get involved. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Use the information you receive to get involved with planning services in your area and encourage other people living with and affected by HIV in your community to do the same. You might want to share the findings with your local HIV organisation.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Get decision-makers in your local area thinking about HIV now, so that the needs of people living with and affected by HIV will be met by their commissioning plans from 2013.</li><li>It might well make the difference between HIV being taken seriously in your local area and being neglected.</li><li>Increase the involvement of people living with HIV in decision-making about the services that are relevant to them.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li>Find out contact details for your <a href="http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=358&LGIL=8&Service">local councillor.</a></li><li>Download the <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Emailtocouncil_JSNA.doc">template letter </a>which you can amend or add to and email to your local councillor</li><li>Download NAT’s factsheet <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Policy/2012/March-2012-%20NAT-The-New-Approach-To-The-NHS.pdf">The New Approach To The NHS, Public Health and Social Care</a></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk" title="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 0207 814 6767</li></ul></div>
[view] =>
Ask how HIV will be considered in your local area’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for health and social care services
<p> </p><div><p>From April 2013, most commissioning (planning and paying for health and social care services) will be done at a local level. As HIV is a specialised condition, commissioning for treatment and care will be done centrally by the NHS Commissioning Board. However, all other services relevant to HIV including prevention, testing, social care and other health needs will be decided locally. The plans that are made for these services will depend upon the results of the local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).</p><p> </p><p>Take five minutes to find out how your council is considering the needs of people living with and at risk of HIV in the JSNA, and how they are involving people living with HIV in the process.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues:</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>All planning of healthcare and social care in a local area has to be done within the framework of a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Health and Social Care Bill 2012 transforms the way all NHS and social care services are commissioned. Important decisions will now be made predominantly at a local level. There are a number of different organisations responsible for commissioning (planning and paying for) the various aspects of health and social care, but they are expected to come together in a local authority's Health and Wellbeing Board. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Health and Wellbeing Board will undertake a JSNA to assess the health and social care needs of their local population. The JSNA will also be the basis of a strategy (known as the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy or JHWS) to meet those needs. All the more detailed decisions then made about service priorities and planning have to be in line with the JSNA and the resulting JHWS.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>So it is really important to make sure now - as local authorities are working on their JSNA - that they are thinking about the needs of people with HIV and the communities most affected by HIV. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How Can I help?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Email your local councillor(s) to ask for an update on your local JSNA, how HIV is being considered, and how people with HIV and relevant local organisations can get involved. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Use the information you receive to get involved with planning services in your area and encourage other people living with and affected by HIV in your community to do the same. You might want to share the findings with your local HIV organisation.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Get decision-makers in your local area thinking about HIV now, so that the needs of people living with and affected by HIV will be met by their commissioning plans from 2013.</li><li>It might well make the difference between HIV being taken seriously in your local area and being neglected.</li><li>Increase the involvement of people living with HIV in decision-making about the services that are relevant to them.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li>Find out contact details for your <a href="http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=358&LGIL=8&Service">local councillor.</a></li><li>Download the <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Emailtocouncil_JSNA.doc">template letter </a>which you can amend or add to and email to your local councillor</li><li>Download NAT’s factsheet <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Policy/2012/March-2012-%20NAT-The-New-Approach-To-The-NHS.pdf">The New Approach To The NHS, Public Health and Social Care</a></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk" title="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 0207 814 6767</li></ul></div>
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[accordion_title] => Ask your council to support the housing needs of people living with HIV
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Welfare reform and the changes to housing policy are significantly altering both the way housing is allocated, and, due to the cuts in housing benefit, the resources available to people living with HIV who need to apply for housing support from their local authority.
We would like HIV Activists to contact their local councillor and ask them how their local authority is responding to these changes, and help make the case to them that the housing needs of people living with HIV should be a priority.
People living with HIV and other disabled people should be able to expect that their housing needs will be properly assessed, and that they should continue to receive the housing support they need to lead healthy and independent lives.
While welfare reform affects the whole of the UK, the changes to housing allocations only affect England, which means this is a campaign directed at English Councils. If you don't live in England and want to campaign on benefit issues please take a look at some of our other campaigns.
What are the issues?
- The Government has made substantial changes to the level of housing benefit available, including extending the shared room rate up to the age of 35, and introducing the ‘bedroom tax’.
- While councils have to implement these changes, they have also been allocated funding by the Government called the ‘Discretionary Housing Payment’ (DHP), which is designed to provide support for people affected by reductions in their housing benefit. The funding for DHP is unlikely to cover everyone affected by these changes, and people applying for DHP will be assessed on a needs basis by their local authority.
- The Localism Act 2011 allows local councils greater freedom in how they allocate social housing through their local allocations polices. They can for instance now choose to discharge their homelessness duties into private sector accommodation and make greater use of properties outside of the local area.
- These changes could all have a significant impact on people living with HIV, from increasing the chance they may end up living in unsuitable shared accommodation to being forced to move away from their HIV support organisations and their HIV clinic.
How can I get involved?
- You can email your local councillor using this downloadable email template to ask them to raise these issues with your local council to ensure they support the needs of people living with HIV.
- To find out who your local councillors you can use:
- Writetothem.com or
- DirectGov
What difference will it make?
- It will help ensure that the issue of housing and HIV is considered by local councillors who will be making decisions about local housing allocations policy.
- The responses you receive will help NAT understand how local councils are responding to the changes to housing and benefits, giving NAT more information as they campaign to ensure that councils take into account the housing needs of people living with HIV are taken into account.
Further information and resources:
If you need further information on housing or benefits please visit the relevant sections on NAT’s website.
More detailed information on changes to housing benefit can be found on Shelter’s website.
Need more help?
Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk
[safe_accordion_title] => Ask your council to support the housing needs of people living with HIV
[safe_accordion_body] => <p>Welfare reform and the changes to housing policy are significantly altering both the way housing is allocated, and, due to the cuts in housing benefit, the resources available to people living with HIV who need to apply for housing support from their local authority.</p><p>We would like HIV Activists to contact their local councillor and ask them how their local authority is responding to these changes, and help make the case to them that the housing needs of people living with HIV should be a priority.</p><p>People living with HIV and other disabled people should be able to expect that their housing needs will be properly assessed, and that they should continue to receive the housing support they need to lead healthy and independent lives<span class="591341909-17042013"><font color="#0000ff" face="Arial" size="2"><span>.</span></font></span></p><p>While welfare reform affects the whole of the UK, the changes to housing allocations only affect England, which means this is a campaign directed at English Councils. If you don't live in England and want to campaign on benefit issues please take a look at some of our other campaigns.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>The Government has made substantial changes to the level of housing benefit available, including extending the shared room rate up to the age of 35, and introducing the ‘bedroom tax’.</li><li>While councils have to implement these changes, they have also been allocated funding by the Government called the ‘Discretionary Housing Payment’ (DHP), which is designed to provide support for people affected by reductions in their housing benefit. The funding for DHP is unlikely to cover everyone affected by these changes, and people applying for DHP will be assessed on a needs basis by their local authority.</li><li>The Localism Act 2011 allows local councils greater freedom in how they allocate social housing through their local allocations polices. They can for instance now choose to discharge their homelessness duties into private sector accommodation and make greater use of properties outside of the local area.</li><li>These changes could all have a significant impact on people living with HIV, from increasing the chance they may end up living in unsuitable shared accommodation to being forced to move away from their HIV support organisations and their HIV clinic.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>You can email your local councillor using this <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Write-to-your-councillor-about-housing-and-HIVv2.doc"><u>downloadable email template</u></a> to ask them to raise these issues with your local council to ensure they support the needs of people living with HIV.</li><li>To find out who your local councillors you can use:</li><li><a href="http://www.writetothem.com/">Writetothem</a>.com or</li><li><a href="http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=358&LGIL=8">DirectGov</a></li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>It will help ensure that the issue of housing and HIV is considered by local councillors who will be making decisions about local housing allocations policy.</li><li>The responses you receive will help NAT understand how local councils are responding to the changes to housing and benefits, giving NAT more information as they campaign to ensure that councils take into account the housing needs of people living with HIV are taken into account.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/April_2013-Policy_Briefing_Housing_and_HIV.pdf">NAT Policy Briefing on Housing and HIV</a> which explores the changing housing advice needs of people living with HIV in February 2013, and the views of the local HIV organisations that support them.</li><li>In 2010, NAT, alongside Shelter and Chartered Institute of Housing, published <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/June-2010-HIV-and-Housing.pdf">‘Housing and HIV: a practical guide for housing officers on HIV and its impact on housing needs’</a> aimed at improving the way they assess the needs of people living with HIV.</li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/Policy/2009/Housing%20and%20HIV%20updated-1.pdf">A 2009 NAT report into Housing and HIV</a></li></ul><p>If you need further information on <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Our-thinking/Every-day-issues/Housing.aspx">housing</a> or <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Our-thinking/Every-day-issues/Benefits.aspx">benefits</a> please visit the relevant sections on NAT’s website.</p><p>More detailed information on changes to housing benefit can be found on <a href="http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance">Shelter’s website</a>.</p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</p><p> </p>
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Ask your council to support the housing needs of people living with HIV
<p>Welfare reform and the changes to housing policy are significantly altering both the way housing is allocated, and, due to the cuts in housing benefit, the resources available to people living with HIV who need to apply for housing support from their local authority.</p><p>We would like HIV Activists to contact their local councillor and ask them how their local authority is responding to these changes, and help make the case to them that the housing needs of people living with HIV should be a priority.</p><p>People living with HIV and other disabled people should be able to expect that their housing needs will be properly assessed, and that they should continue to receive the housing support they need to lead healthy and independent lives<span class="591341909-17042013"><font color="#0000ff" face="Arial" size="2"><span>.</span></font></span></p><p>While welfare reform affects the whole of the UK, the changes to housing allocations only affect England, which means this is a campaign directed at English Councils. If you don't live in England and want to campaign on benefit issues please take a look at some of our other campaigns.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>The Government has made substantial changes to the level of housing benefit available, including extending the shared room rate up to the age of 35, and introducing the ‘bedroom tax’.</li><li>While councils have to implement these changes, they have also been allocated funding by the Government called the ‘Discretionary Housing Payment’ (DHP), which is designed to provide support for people affected by reductions in their housing benefit. The funding for DHP is unlikely to cover everyone affected by these changes, and people applying for DHP will be assessed on a needs basis by their local authority.</li><li>The Localism Act 2011 allows local councils greater freedom in how they allocate social housing through their local allocations polices. They can for instance now choose to discharge their homelessness duties into private sector accommodation and make greater use of properties outside of the local area.</li><li>These changes could all have a significant impact on people living with HIV, from increasing the chance they may end up living in unsuitable shared accommodation to being forced to move away from their HIV support organisations and their HIV clinic.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>You can email your local councillor using this <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Write-to-your-councillor-about-housing-and-HIVv2.doc"><u>downloadable email template</u></a> to ask them to raise these issues with your local council to ensure they support the needs of people living with HIV.</li><li>To find out who your local councillors you can use:</li><li><a href="http://www.writetothem.com/">Writetothem</a>.com or</li><li><a href="http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=358&LGIL=8">DirectGov</a></li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>It will help ensure that the issue of housing and HIV is considered by local councillors who will be making decisions about local housing allocations policy.</li><li>The responses you receive will help NAT understand how local councils are responding to the changes to housing and benefits, giving NAT more information as they campaign to ensure that councils take into account the housing needs of people living with HIV are taken into account.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/April_2013-Policy_Briefing_Housing_and_HIV.pdf">NAT Policy Briefing on Housing and HIV</a> which explores the changing housing advice needs of people living with HIV in February 2013, and the views of the local HIV organisations that support them.</li><li>In 2010, NAT, alongside Shelter and Chartered Institute of Housing, published <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/June-2010-HIV-and-Housing.pdf">‘Housing and HIV: a practical guide for housing officers on HIV and its impact on housing needs’</a> aimed at improving the way they assess the needs of people living with HIV.</li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/Policy/2009/Housing%20and%20HIV%20updated-1.pdf">A 2009 NAT report into Housing and HIV</a></li></ul><p>If you need further information on <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Our-thinking/Every-day-issues/Housing.aspx">housing</a> or <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Our-thinking/Every-day-issues/Benefits.aspx">benefits</a> please visit the relevant sections on NAT’s website.</p><p>More detailed information on changes to housing benefit can be found on <a href="http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance">Shelter’s website</a>.</p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</p><p> </p>
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[accordion_title] => Email your MP to make Personal Independence Payment assessments fairer
[accordion_body] =>
People living with HIV, along with those with other disabilities, will soon be able to start making claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This is a controversial new benefit which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Many people have reported negative experiences with other benefit assessments, which have sometimes resulted in a loss of benefit. We want to make sure with this campaign that the same mistakes aren’t repeated with PIP assessments.
We are asking you to contact your MP about fairer assessments for PIP.
What are the issues:
- From 8 April 2013, people in the North West and North East of England will start claiming PIP, and from June 2013 PIP will be rolled out across Great Britain replacing DLA. Assessments will be delivered by Atos in some areas, and in others by a company called Capita.
- Many people have already reported negative experiences in assessments for Work Capability Assessments (WCA) which are carried out by Atos, and there is concern that people will face similar negative experiences in assessments for PIP.
- A new report by the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), a group of over 60 charities including NAT, has highlighted some of the key issues and has made recommendations for improving assessments.
How can I get involved:
- Email your MP about the DBC report, so they can put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to get the assessment right.
- To take part in the campaign click here:
- This easy campaign tool created by the DBC highlights the issues to your MP and tells them who will be doing the assessments in your area. It only takes a minute to do.
What difference will it make?
- The email to your MP could encourage them to put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to make the assessments fairer for people living with HIV and other disabilities.
Further information and resources:
The full DBC report can be found here
Need more help?
Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk
[safe_accordion_title] => Email your MP to make Personal Independence Payment assessments fairer
[safe_accordion_body] => <p> </p><p>People living with HIV, along with those with other disabilities, will soon be able to start making claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This is a controversial new benefit which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Many people have reported negative experiences with other benefit assessments, which have sometimes resulted in a loss of benefit. We want to make sure with this campaign that the same mistakes aren’t repeated with PIP assessments.</p><p>We are asking you to contact your MP about fairer assessments for PIP.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues:</strong></p><ul><li>From 8 April 2013, people in the North West and North East of England will start claiming PIP, and from June 2013 PIP will be rolled out across Great Britain replacing DLA. Assessments will be delivered by Atos in some areas, and in others by a company called Capita.</li><li>Many people have already reported negative experiences in assessments for Work Capability Assessments (WCA) which are carried out by Atos, and there is concern that people will face similar negative experiences in assessments for PIP.</li><li>A new report by the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), a group of over 60 charities including NAT, has highlighted some of the key issues and has made recommendations for improving assessments.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How can I get involved:</strong></p><ul><li>Email your MP about the DBC report, so they can put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to get the assessment right.</li><li>To take part in the campaign click <a href="http://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1705&ea.campaign.id=19668">here:</a></li><li>This easy campaign tool created by the DBC highlights the issues to your MP and tells them who will be doing the assessments in your area. It only takes a minute to do.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>The email to your MP could encourage them to put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to make the assessments fairer for people living with HIV and other disabilities.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Further information and resources:</strong></p><p>The full DBC report can be found <a href="http://disabilitybenefitsconsortium.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/dbc-report-shows-how-atos-and-capita-will-deliver-pip-assessment/">here</a></p><p> </p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><ul><li>If you are personally concerned about PIP or the change from DLA, please download <u><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/April_2013-PIP_Factsheet.pdf">NAT’s revised PIP Factsheet</a></u>.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</p>
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Email your MP to make Personal Independence Payment assessments fairer
<p> </p><p>People living with HIV, along with those with other disabilities, will soon be able to start making claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This is a controversial new benefit which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Many people have reported negative experiences with other benefit assessments, which have sometimes resulted in a loss of benefit. We want to make sure with this campaign that the same mistakes aren’t repeated with PIP assessments.</p><p>We are asking you to contact your MP about fairer assessments for PIP.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues:</strong></p><ul><li>From 8 April 2013, people in the North West and North East of England will start claiming PIP, and from June 2013 PIP will be rolled out across Great Britain replacing DLA. Assessments will be delivered by Atos in some areas, and in others by a company called Capita.</li><li>Many people have already reported negative experiences in assessments for Work Capability Assessments (WCA) which are carried out by Atos, and there is concern that people will face similar negative experiences in assessments for PIP.</li><li>A new report by the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), a group of over 60 charities including NAT, has highlighted some of the key issues and has made recommendations for improving assessments.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How can I get involved:</strong></p><ul><li>Email your MP about the DBC report, so they can put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to get the assessment right.</li><li>To take part in the campaign click <a href="http://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1705&ea.campaign.id=19668">here:</a></li><li>This easy campaign tool created by the DBC highlights the issues to your MP and tells them who will be doing the assessments in your area. It only takes a minute to do.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>The email to your MP could encourage them to put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to make the assessments fairer for people living with HIV and other disabilities.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Further information and resources:</strong></p><p>The full DBC report can be found <a href="http://disabilitybenefitsconsortium.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/dbc-report-shows-how-atos-and-capita-will-deliver-pip-assessment/">here</a></p><p> </p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><ul><li>If you are personally concerned about PIP or the change from DLA, please download <u><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/April_2013-PIP_Factsheet.pdf">NAT’s revised PIP Factsheet</a></u>.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</p>
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[accordion_title] => Ask your MP to sign the EDM for increased asylum support levels
[accordion_body] =>
The great majority of asylum seekers who arrive in the UK have to meet their essential living needs of food, clothing, toiletries and travel on just £5 a day. Research into poverty and HIV in the UK shows that insufficient asylum support is a key driver of extreme poverty amongst people living with HIV.
On 5 February 2013, Sarah Teather MP tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) No. 1019 on Asylum Support Rates (full text below). Getting your MP to sign the EDM sends a message to the Government that imposing poverty on asylum seekers which damages their health is not acceptable.
What are the issues?
- NAT’s research into the experience of poverty amongst people living with HIV showed that the people in the most desperate need were those reliant on the asylum support provided by UKBA. With no other means of supporting themselves, their health was suffering and they had to seek hardship grants from charity to meet their basic needs.
- Income Support is set at what is considered to be the minimum amount people need to meet their basic living needs. Asylum seekers have to survive on the equivalent of just 52% of Income Support while waiting for the UKBA to make a decision on their application.
- In 1999, Asylum Support levels were set at 70% of Income Support, but have been decreased in recent years. Whilst Income Support is increased every year to keep up with inflation, asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011.
- Asylum seekers do not have a right to seek work in the UK. If they have been waiting for more than 12 months for a decision on their asylum claim, they may apply for permission to seek work (but this is by no means automatically granted).
- Some asylum seekers have had their claim refused but are permitted to stay in the UK because the Government recognises that it is currently not safe for them to return to their home country. This group do not receive any cash support, only vouchers. This is called ‘Section 4’ support and is also the equivalent of about £5 a day – but purchases can only be made at designated stores, and they cannot access cash for transport (e.g. to their HIV clinic) or any other daily costs. Many struggle to buy fresh food, warm clothing, and nappies and other essentials for their children.
- NAT is a member of the Still Human Still Here campaign, which calls for an end to destitution amongst asylum seekers. Still Human Still Here and this EDM call for asylum support to be increased to at least 70% of the level of income support, and uprated each year. As an individual charity, NAT believes it should be 100% equivalent to income support rates.
How can I get involved?
EDM 1019 text:
That this House believes that Britain can rightly be proud of its history of welcoming those fleeing persecution and war; welcomes the cross-party parliamentary report on asylum support for children and families; notes with concern the finding of that report that current asylum support levels are leaving up to 10,000 children destitute or in severe poverty; further believes that section 4 support rates are especially austere and that cashless payments impose damaging restrictions on how families buy essential items; further notes that asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011; regrets that the previous Government broke the historic link between support rates for asylum seekers and income support; calls on the Government to increase asylum support rates so that they are at least equal to 70 per cent of income support and to up-rate support rates annually; and further calls on the Government to abolish section 4 support and implement a single cash-based support system.
- If you find your MP has already signed the EDM, you might like to email or write to them to show your support for the stand they have taken.
- Use your postcode to find the name of your MP at http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/, then click here to find their email address.
- If you would like to ask your MP to sign the EDM, you can find the template email for you to personalise here
- You could also ask to meet with your MP to talk about the issue and show that as a constituent you are very concerned with poverty amongst asylum seekers.
What difference will it make?
- EDMs are a good way for MPs to show their views on policy issues and open up a space for debate on topics which might not otherwise be heard in the House of Commons.
- If the EDM is signed by lots of MPs, campaigning organisations like NAT and Still Human Still Here can show the Government that there is support for change on this issue.
- Asking your MP to sign the EDM is a good way to show them that constituents do care about the treatment of asylum seekers in this country.
Further information and resources
Need more help?
Get in touch with NAT at HIVactivist@nat.org.ukor 020 7814 6767.
[safe_accordion_title] => Ask your MP to sign the EDM for increased asylum support levels
[safe_accordion_body] => <p>The great majority of asylum seekers who arrive in the UK have to meet their essential living needs of food, clothing, toiletries and travel on just £5 a day. Research into poverty and HIV in the UK shows that insufficient asylum support is a key driver of extreme poverty amongst people living with HIV.</p><p>On 5 February 2013, Sarah Teather MP tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) No. 1019 on Asylum Support Rates (full text below). Getting your MP to sign the EDM sends a message to the Government that imposing poverty on asylum seekers which damages their health is not acceptable. </p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>NAT’s research into the experience of poverty amongst people living with HIV showed that the people in the most desperate need were those reliant on the asylum support provided by UKBA. With no other means of supporting themselves, their health was suffering and they had to seek hardship grants from charity to meet their basic needs.</li><li>Income Support is set at what is considered to be the minimum amount people need to meet their basic living needs. Asylum seekers have to survive on the equivalent of just 52% of Income Support while waiting for the UKBA to make a decision on their application. </li><li>In 1999, Asylum Support levels were set at 70% of Income Support, but have been decreased in recent years. Whilst Income Support is increased every year to keep up with inflation, asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011.</li><li>Asylum seekers do not have a right to seek work in the UK. If they have been waiting for more than 12 months for a decision on their asylum claim, they may apply for permission to seek work (but this is by no means automatically granted).</li><li>Some asylum seekers have had their claim refused but are permitted to stay in the UK because the Government recognises that it is currently not safe for them to return to their home country. This group do not receive any cash support, only vouchers. This is called ‘Section 4’ support and is also the equivalent of about £5 a day – but purchases can only be made at designated stores, and they cannot access cash for transport (e.g. to their HIV clinic) or any other daily costs. Many struggle to buy fresh food, warm clothing, and nappies and other essentials for their children.</li><li>NAT is a member of the Still Human Still Here campaign, which calls for an end to destitution amongst asylum seekers. Still Human Still Here and this EDM call for asylum support to be increased to <em>at least </em>70% of the level of income support, and uprated each year. As an individual charity, NAT believes it should be <em>100% equivalent</em> to income support rates. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Check if your MP has signed the EDM: <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019" title="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019">http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019</a></li><li>Ask your MP to sign the EDM, the full text of which is:</li></ul><p>EDM 1019 text:<br />
<em>That this House believes that Britain can rightly be proud of its history of welcoming those fleeing persecution and war; welcomes the cross-party parliamentary report on asylum support for children and families; notes with concern the finding of that report that current asylum support levels are leaving up to 10,000 children destitute or in severe poverty; further believes that section 4 support rates are especially austere and that cashless payments impose damaging restrictions on how families buy essential items; further notes that asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011; regrets that the previous Government broke the historic link between support rates for asylum seekers and income support; calls on the Government to increase asylum support rates so that they are at least equal to 70 per cent of income support and to up-rate support rates annually; and further calls on the Government to abolish section 4 support and implement a single cash-based support system.</em></p><p> </p><ul><li>If you find your MP has already signed the EDM, you might like to email or write to them to show your support for the stand they have taken.</li><li>Use your postcode to find the name of your MP at <a href="http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/">http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/</a>, then click <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Parliamentary_Email_details_for_all_MPs_Nov_2012.xls">here</a> to find their email address.</li><li>If you would like to ask your MP to sign the EDM, you can find the template email for you to personalise <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/EDMasylumsupportletter.doc">here</a></li><li>You could also ask to meet with your MP to talk about the issue and show that as a constituent you are very concerned with poverty amongst asylum seekers. </li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>EDMs are a good way for MPs to show their views on policy issues and open up a space for debate on topics which might not otherwise be heard in the House of Commons.</li><li>If the EDM is signed by lots of MPs, campaigning organisations like NAT and Still Human Still Here can show the Government that there is support for change on this issue.</li><li>Asking your MP to sign the EDM is a good way to show them that constituents do care about the treatment of asylum seekers in this country.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/Sep-2010-Poverty-and-HIV-2006-2009.pdf">Poverty & HIV: 2006-2009</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/SHSHFAQonasylummisconceptions.pdf">Still Human Still Here briefing on common asylum misconceptions (good background for a meeting with an MP)</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a>or 020 7814 6767.</p>
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Ask your MP to sign the EDM for increased asylum support levels
<p>The great majority of asylum seekers who arrive in the UK have to meet their essential living needs of food, clothing, toiletries and travel on just £5 a day. Research into poverty and HIV in the UK shows that insufficient asylum support is a key driver of extreme poverty amongst people living with HIV.</p><p>On 5 February 2013, Sarah Teather MP tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) No. 1019 on Asylum Support Rates (full text below). Getting your MP to sign the EDM sends a message to the Government that imposing poverty on asylum seekers which damages their health is not acceptable. </p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>NAT’s research into the experience of poverty amongst people living with HIV showed that the people in the most desperate need were those reliant on the asylum support provided by UKBA. With no other means of supporting themselves, their health was suffering and they had to seek hardship grants from charity to meet their basic needs.</li><li>Income Support is set at what is considered to be the minimum amount people need to meet their basic living needs. Asylum seekers have to survive on the equivalent of just 52% of Income Support while waiting for the UKBA to make a decision on their application. </li><li>In 1999, Asylum Support levels were set at 70% of Income Support, but have been decreased in recent years. Whilst Income Support is increased every year to keep up with inflation, asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011.</li><li>Asylum seekers do not have a right to seek work in the UK. If they have been waiting for more than 12 months for a decision on their asylum claim, they may apply for permission to seek work (but this is by no means automatically granted).</li><li>Some asylum seekers have had their claim refused but are permitted to stay in the UK because the Government recognises that it is currently not safe for them to return to their home country. This group do not receive any cash support, only vouchers. This is called ‘Section 4’ support and is also the equivalent of about £5 a day – but purchases can only be made at designated stores, and they cannot access cash for transport (e.g. to their HIV clinic) or any other daily costs. Many struggle to buy fresh food, warm clothing, and nappies and other essentials for their children.</li><li>NAT is a member of the Still Human Still Here campaign, which calls for an end to destitution amongst asylum seekers. Still Human Still Here and this EDM call for asylum support to be increased to <em>at least </em>70% of the level of income support, and uprated each year. As an individual charity, NAT believes it should be <em>100% equivalent</em> to income support rates. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Check if your MP has signed the EDM: <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019" title="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019">http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019</a></li><li>Ask your MP to sign the EDM, the full text of which is:</li></ul><p>EDM 1019 text:<br />
<em>That this House believes that Britain can rightly be proud of its history of welcoming those fleeing persecution and war; welcomes the cross-party parliamentary report on asylum support for children and families; notes with concern the finding of that report that current asylum support levels are leaving up to 10,000 children destitute or in severe poverty; further believes that section 4 support rates are especially austere and that cashless payments impose damaging restrictions on how families buy essential items; further notes that asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011; regrets that the previous Government broke the historic link between support rates for asylum seekers and income support; calls on the Government to increase asylum support rates so that they are at least equal to 70 per cent of income support and to up-rate support rates annually; and further calls on the Government to abolish section 4 support and implement a single cash-based support system.</em></p><p> </p><ul><li>If you find your MP has already signed the EDM, you might like to email or write to them to show your support for the stand they have taken.</li><li>Use your postcode to find the name of your MP at <a href="http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/">http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/</a>, then click <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Parliamentary_Email_details_for_all_MPs_Nov_2012.xls">here</a> to find their email address.</li><li>If you would like to ask your MP to sign the EDM, you can find the template email for you to personalise <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/EDMasylumsupportletter.doc">here</a></li><li>You could also ask to meet with your MP to talk about the issue and show that as a constituent you are very concerned with poverty amongst asylum seekers. </li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>EDMs are a good way for MPs to show their views on policy issues and open up a space for debate on topics which might not otherwise be heard in the House of Commons.</li><li>If the EDM is signed by lots of MPs, campaigning organisations like NAT and Still Human Still Here can show the Government that there is support for change on this issue.</li><li>Asking your MP to sign the EDM is a good way to show them that constituents do care about the treatment of asylum seekers in this country.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/Sep-2010-Poverty-and-HIV-2006-2009.pdf">Poverty & HIV: 2006-2009</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/SHSHFAQonasylummisconceptions.pdf">Still Human Still Here briefing on common asylum misconceptions (good background for a meeting with an MP)</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a>or 020 7814 6767.</p>
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[accordion_title] => Write to your local authority about providing formula milk for HIV positive mothers
[accordion_body] =>
Mother to child transmission of HIV is less than 1% in the UK thanks to current interventions during pregnancy. Breastfeeding increases the risk of transmission, yet some mothers living with HIV in the UK are forced to breastfeed because they can’t afford to buy formula milk and free formula isn't always available.
Write to your local authority to ensure they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers who can’t afford to buy it themselves.
What are the issues?
- Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended in some countries, particularly those where safe water is unavailable, in the UK bottle feeding is strongly recommended as the safest option to avoid mother to child transmission of HIV.
- Current BHIVA guidelines recommend all mothers living with HIV, regardless of viral load, should be supported to bottle feed their infants to reduce mother to child transmission.
- The majority of women living with HIV in the UK are from African communities, many of whom live in poverty. If these women cannot afford formula milk, they may consequently breastfeed, despite knowing the risks.
- There is currently no obligation for local authorities to provide mothers living with HIV with free formula milk
- There are some examples in the UK where local authorities and charities provide free formula milk but these services are patchy and often inadequate.
- NAT are asking all local authorities to provide free formula milk to HIV positive mothers who are unable to buy it themselves.
- This approach is cost effective as the cost of providing free formula milk is significantly less than the cost of providing life long HIV treatment and care for a child who contracts HIV from their mother.
How can I get involved?
- Write to your local authority to ask if they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers unable to afford it themselves and if not what steps they plan to take to set up this vital prevention scheme.
What difference will it make?
- By highlighting this issue local authorities will be made aware of the importance of bottle feeding to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV and are more likely to provide free formula to HIV positive mothers who are unable to afford it.
- Your actions could help prevent a child from contracting HIV.
Further information and resources
Need more help?
Get in touch with NAT at HIVactivist@nat.org.uk or 020 7814 6767
[safe_accordion_title] => Write to your local authority about providing formula milk for HIV positive mothers
[safe_accordion_body] => <p>Mother to child transmission of HIV is less than 1% in the UK thanks to current interventions during pregnancy. Breastfeeding increases the risk of transmission, yet some mothers living with HIV in the UK are forced to breastfeed because they can’t afford to buy formula milk and free formula isn't always available.</p><p>Write to your local authority to ensure they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers who can’t afford to buy it themselves.</p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended in some countries, particularly those where safe water is unavailable, in the UK bottle feeding is strongly recommended as the safest option to avoid mother to child transmission of HIV.</li><li>Current BHIVA guidelines recommend all mothers living with HIV, regardless of viral load, should be supported to bottle feed their infants to reduce mother to child transmission.</li><li>The majority of women living with HIV in the UK are from African communities, many of whom live in poverty. If these women cannot afford formula milk, they may consequently breastfeed, despite knowing the risks.</li><li>There is currently no obligation for local authorities to provide mothers living with HIV with free formula milk</li><li>There are some examples in the UK where local authorities and charities provide free formula milk but these services are patchy and often inadequate.</li><li>NAT are asking <strong>all</strong> local authorities to provide free formula milk to HIV positive mothers who are unable to buy it themselves.</li><li>This approach is cost effective as the cost of providing free formula milk is significantly less than the cost of providing life long HIV treatment and care for a child who contracts HIV from their mother.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Write to your local authority to ask if they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers unable to afford it themselves and if not what steps they plan to take to set up this vital prevention scheme.</li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>By highlighting this issue local authorities will be made aware of the importance of bottle feeding to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV and are more likely to provide free formula to HIV positive mothers who are unable to afford it.</li><li>Your actions could help prevent a child from contracting HIV.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.writetothem.com">Find out contact details for your local councillor</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Infant-formula-milk-letter-May_2013(1).doc" target="_blank">Download the template letter which you can amend or add to and email to your local councillor.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Infant-formula-milk-letter-May_2013.doc">Download NAT’s Access to Formula Milk Paper</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactvivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 020 7814 6767</p>
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Write to your local authority about providing formula milk for HIV positive mothers
<p>Mother to child transmission of HIV is less than 1% in the UK thanks to current interventions during pregnancy. Breastfeeding increases the risk of transmission, yet some mothers living with HIV in the UK are forced to breastfeed because they can’t afford to buy formula milk and free formula isn't always available.</p><p>Write to your local authority to ensure they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers who can’t afford to buy it themselves.</p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended in some countries, particularly those where safe water is unavailable, in the UK bottle feeding is strongly recommended as the safest option to avoid mother to child transmission of HIV.</li><li>Current BHIVA guidelines recommend all mothers living with HIV, regardless of viral load, should be supported to bottle feed their infants to reduce mother to child transmission.</li><li>The majority of women living with HIV in the UK are from African communities, many of whom live in poverty. If these women cannot afford formula milk, they may consequently breastfeed, despite knowing the risks.</li><li>There is currently no obligation for local authorities to provide mothers living with HIV with free formula milk</li><li>There are some examples in the UK where local authorities and charities provide free formula milk but these services are patchy and often inadequate.</li><li>NAT are asking <strong>all</strong> local authorities to provide free formula milk to HIV positive mothers who are unable to buy it themselves.</li><li>This approach is cost effective as the cost of providing free formula milk is significantly less than the cost of providing life long HIV treatment and care for a child who contracts HIV from their mother.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Write to your local authority to ask if they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers unable to afford it themselves and if not what steps they plan to take to set up this vital prevention scheme.</li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>By highlighting this issue local authorities will be made aware of the importance of bottle feeding to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV and are more likely to provide free formula to HIV positive mothers who are unable to afford it.</li><li>Your actions could help prevent a child from contracting HIV.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.writetothem.com">Find out contact details for your local councillor</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Infant-formula-milk-letter-May_2013(1).doc" target="_blank">Download the template letter which you can amend or add to and email to your local councillor.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Infant-formula-milk-letter-May_2013.doc">Download NAT’s Access to Formula Milk Paper</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactvivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 020 7814 6767</p>
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[accordion_title] => Write to your local councillor about HIV social care services
[accordion_body] =>
Despite the Government committing in the last Spending Review to take account of HIV social care needs and retaining a specific funding line in local authority Formula Grants, services are still at risk from local cuts. Ask your local Health Overview and Scrutiny committee to review HIV social care service provision in light of funding for HIV social care no longer being ring-fenced.
What are the issues?
- Social Care is very important for many people living with HIV. Counselling and peer support can help people come to terms with their diagnosis, stay well and adhere to treatment.
- With HIV social care funding no longer ring-fenced and the increased emphasis on local flexibility, there is a risk that HIV social care funds could be spent elsewhere.
How can I get involved?
- Write to your local councillor or Health Overview and Scrutiny committee and highlight the issue of HIV social care funding and ask that they ensure the needs of people living with HIV are met in the local area by using the funding committed to HIV social care to provide vital services.
- You can also highlight the importance of HIV social care services by emailing your local councillor via the SHout Loud campaigning website here
- If you sent an email via the SHout Loud website before January 2011, get back in touch with your Councillor and let them know how much funding for HIV social care your council will receive. This will enable your Councillor to find our more specific information from the council. Find out how much money your council received for HIV social care here.
What difference will it make?
- It will help to increase understanding of the importance of HIV social care amongst local decision makers.
- Keeping the issue on the agenda makes it harder for funding to be diverted and services cut.
Further information and resources
Need more help?
Get in touch with NAT at HIVactivist@nat.org.uk or 020 7814 6767.
[safe_accordion_title] => Write to your local councillor about HIV social care services
[safe_accordion_body] => <p>Despite the Government committing in the last Spending Review to take account of HIV social care needs and retaining a specific funding line in local authority Formula Grants, services are still at risk from local cuts. Ask your local Health Overview and Scrutiny committee to review HIV social care service provision in light of funding for HIV social care no longer being ring-fenced.</p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>Social Care is very important for many people living with HIV. Counselling and peer support can help people come to terms with their diagnosis, stay well and adhere to treatment.</li><li>With HIV social care funding no longer ring-fenced and the increased emphasis on local flexibility, there is a risk that HIV social care funds could be spent elsewhere.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Write to your local councillor or Health Overview and Scrutiny committee and highlight the issue of HIV social care funding and ask that they ensure the needs of people living with HIV are met in the local area by using the funding committed to HIV social care to provide vital services.</li><li>You can also highlight the importance of HIV social care services by emailing your local councillor via the <a class="ext" href="http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=144&ea.campaign.id=7428" target="_blank">SHout Loud campaigning website here</a></li><li>If you sent an email via the SHout Loud website before January 2011, get back in touch with your Councillor and let them know how much funding for HIV social care your council will receive. This will enable your Councillor to find our more specific information from the council. <a class="ext" href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/Policy/2010/2011%20-%2012%20Settlement%20Grants%20rolling%20into%20formula%20grant-1.pdf" target="_blank">Find out how much money your council received for HIV social care here</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>It will help to increase understanding of the importance of HIV social care amongst local decision makers.</li><li>Keeping the issue on the agenda makes it harder for funding to be diverted and services cut.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li>You can write to your local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee via your local Council offices. <a class="ext" href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/UKgovernment/Localgovernment/DG_073312" target="_blank">Find out contact details for your local council here</a>.</li><li><a class="ext" href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/PLWH/HIV%20Activists/Write-to-your-NHS-scrutiny-com.doc" target="_blank">Download a template letter to your local Overview and Scrutiny Committee here</a></li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong><br />
Get in touch with NAT at <a class="mailto" href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 020 7814 6767.</p>
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Write to your local councillor about HIV social care services
<p>Despite the Government committing in the last Spending Review to take account of HIV social care needs and retaining a specific funding line in local authority Formula Grants, services are still at risk from local cuts. Ask your local Health Overview and Scrutiny committee to review HIV social care service provision in light of funding for HIV social care no longer being ring-fenced.</p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>Social Care is very important for many people living with HIV. Counselling and peer support can help people come to terms with their diagnosis, stay well and adhere to treatment.</li><li>With HIV social care funding no longer ring-fenced and the increased emphasis on local flexibility, there is a risk that HIV social care funds could be spent elsewhere.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Write to your local councillor or Health Overview and Scrutiny committee and highlight the issue of HIV social care funding and ask that they ensure the needs of people living with HIV are met in the local area by using the funding committed to HIV social care to provide vital services.</li><li>You can also highlight the importance of HIV social care services by emailing your local councillor via the <a class="ext" href="http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=144&ea.campaign.id=7428" target="_blank">SHout Loud campaigning website here</a></li><li>If you sent an email via the SHout Loud website before January 2011, get back in touch with your Councillor and let them know how much funding for HIV social care your council will receive. This will enable your Councillor to find our more specific information from the council. <a class="ext" href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/Policy/2010/2011%20-%2012%20Settlement%20Grants%20rolling%20into%20formula%20grant-1.pdf" target="_blank">Find out how much money your council received for HIV social care here</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>It will help to increase understanding of the importance of HIV social care amongst local decision makers.</li><li>Keeping the issue on the agenda makes it harder for funding to be diverted and services cut.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li>You can write to your local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee via your local Council offices. <a class="ext" href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/UKgovernment/Localgovernment/DG_073312" target="_blank">Find out contact details for your local council here</a>.</li><li><a class="ext" href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/PLWH/HIV%20Activists/Write-to-your-NHS-scrutiny-com.doc" target="_blank">Download a template letter to your local Overview and Scrutiny Committee here</a></li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong><br />
Get in touch with NAT at <a class="mailto" href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 020 7814 6767.</p>
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[accordion_title] => Ask how HIV will be considered in your local area’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for health and social care services
[accordion_body] =>
From April 2013, most commissioning (planning and paying for health and social care services) will be done at a local level. As HIV is a specialised condition, commissioning for treatment and care will be done centrally by the NHS Commissioning Board. However, all other services relevant to HIV including prevention, testing, social care and other health needs will be decided locally. The plans that are made for these services will depend upon the results of the local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).
Take five minutes to find out how your council is considering the needs of people living with and at risk of HIV in the JSNA, and how they are involving people living with HIV in the process.
What are the issues:
- All planning of healthcare and social care in a local area has to be done within the framework of a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).
- The Health and Social Care Bill 2012 transforms the way all NHS and social care services are commissioned. Important decisions will now be made predominantly at a local level. There are a number of different organisations responsible for commissioning (planning and paying for) the various aspects of health and social care, but they are expected to come together in a local authority's Health and Wellbeing Board.
- The Health and Wellbeing Board will undertake a JSNA to assess the health and social care needs of their local population. The JSNA will also be the basis of a strategy (known as the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy or JHWS) to meet those needs. All the more detailed decisions then made about service priorities and planning have to be in line with the JSNA and the resulting JHWS.
- So it is really important to make sure now - as local authorities are working on their JSNA - that they are thinking about the needs of people with HIV and the communities most affected by HIV.
How Can I help?
- Email your local councillor(s) to ask for an update on your local JSNA, how HIV is being considered, and how people with HIV and relevant local organisations can get involved.
- Use the information you receive to get involved with planning services in your area and encourage other people living with and affected by HIV in your community to do the same. You might want to share the findings with your local HIV organisation.
What difference will it make?
- Get decision-makers in your local area thinking about HIV now, so that the needs of people living with and affected by HIV will be met by their commissioning plans from 2013.
- It might well make the difference between HIV being taken seriously in your local area and being neglected.
- Increase the involvement of people living with HIV in decision-making about the services that are relevant to them.
Further information and resources
Need more help?
[safe_accordion_title] => Ask how HIV will be considered in your local area’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for health and social care services
[safe_accordion_body] => <p> </p><div><p>From April 2013, most commissioning (planning and paying for health and social care services) will be done at a local level. As HIV is a specialised condition, commissioning for treatment and care will be done centrally by the NHS Commissioning Board. However, all other services relevant to HIV including prevention, testing, social care and other health needs will be decided locally. The plans that are made for these services will depend upon the results of the local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).</p><p> </p><p>Take five minutes to find out how your council is considering the needs of people living with and at risk of HIV in the JSNA, and how they are involving people living with HIV in the process.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues:</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>All planning of healthcare and social care in a local area has to be done within the framework of a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Health and Social Care Bill 2012 transforms the way all NHS and social care services are commissioned. Important decisions will now be made predominantly at a local level. There are a number of different organisations responsible for commissioning (planning and paying for) the various aspects of health and social care, but they are expected to come together in a local authority's Health and Wellbeing Board. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Health and Wellbeing Board will undertake a JSNA to assess the health and social care needs of their local population. The JSNA will also be the basis of a strategy (known as the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy or JHWS) to meet those needs. All the more detailed decisions then made about service priorities and planning have to be in line with the JSNA and the resulting JHWS.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>So it is really important to make sure now - as local authorities are working on their JSNA - that they are thinking about the needs of people with HIV and the communities most affected by HIV. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How Can I help?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Email your local councillor(s) to ask for an update on your local JSNA, how HIV is being considered, and how people with HIV and relevant local organisations can get involved. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Use the information you receive to get involved with planning services in your area and encourage other people living with and affected by HIV in your community to do the same. You might want to share the findings with your local HIV organisation.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Get decision-makers in your local area thinking about HIV now, so that the needs of people living with and affected by HIV will be met by their commissioning plans from 2013.</li><li>It might well make the difference between HIV being taken seriously in your local area and being neglected.</li><li>Increase the involvement of people living with HIV in decision-making about the services that are relevant to them.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li>Find out contact details for your <a href="http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=358&LGIL=8&Service">local councillor.</a></li><li>Download the <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Emailtocouncil_JSNA.doc">template letter </a>which you can amend or add to and email to your local councillor</li><li>Download NAT’s factsheet <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Policy/2012/March-2012-%20NAT-The-New-Approach-To-The-NHS.pdf">The New Approach To The NHS, Public Health and Social Care</a></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk" title="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 0207 814 6767</li></ul></div>
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Ask how HIV will be considered in your local area’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for health and social care services
<p> </p><div><p>From April 2013, most commissioning (planning and paying for health and social care services) will be done at a local level. As HIV is a specialised condition, commissioning for treatment and care will be done centrally by the NHS Commissioning Board. However, all other services relevant to HIV including prevention, testing, social care and other health needs will be decided locally. The plans that are made for these services will depend upon the results of the local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).</p><p> </p><p>Take five minutes to find out how your council is considering the needs of people living with and at risk of HIV in the JSNA, and how they are involving people living with HIV in the process.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues:</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>All planning of healthcare and social care in a local area has to be done within the framework of a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Health and Social Care Bill 2012 transforms the way all NHS and social care services are commissioned. Important decisions will now be made predominantly at a local level. There are a number of different organisations responsible for commissioning (planning and paying for) the various aspects of health and social care, but they are expected to come together in a local authority's Health and Wellbeing Board. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Health and Wellbeing Board will undertake a JSNA to assess the health and social care needs of their local population. The JSNA will also be the basis of a strategy (known as the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy or JHWS) to meet those needs. All the more detailed decisions then made about service priorities and planning have to be in line with the JSNA and the resulting JHWS.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>So it is really important to make sure now - as local authorities are working on their JSNA - that they are thinking about the needs of people with HIV and the communities most affected by HIV. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How Can I help?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Email your local councillor(s) to ask for an update on your local JSNA, how HIV is being considered, and how people with HIV and relevant local organisations can get involved. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Use the information you receive to get involved with planning services in your area and encourage other people living with and affected by HIV in your community to do the same. You might want to share the findings with your local HIV organisation.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Get decision-makers in your local area thinking about HIV now, so that the needs of people living with and affected by HIV will be met by their commissioning plans from 2013.</li><li>It might well make the difference between HIV being taken seriously in your local area and being neglected.</li><li>Increase the involvement of people living with HIV in decision-making about the services that are relevant to them.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li>Find out contact details for your <a href="http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=358&LGIL=8&Service">local councillor.</a></li><li>Download the <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Emailtocouncil_JSNA.doc">template letter </a>which you can amend or add to and email to your local councillor</li><li>Download NAT’s factsheet <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Policy/2012/March-2012-%20NAT-The-New-Approach-To-The-NHS.pdf">The New Approach To The NHS, Public Health and Social Care</a></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk" title="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 0207 814 6767</li></ul></div>
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Ask your council to support the housing needs of people living with HIV
<p>Welfare reform and the changes to housing policy are significantly altering both the way housing is allocated, and, due to the cuts in housing benefit, the resources available to people living with HIV who need to apply for housing support from their local authority.</p><p>We would like HIV Activists to contact their local councillor and ask them how their local authority is responding to these changes, and help make the case to them that the housing needs of people living with HIV should be a priority.</p><p>People living with HIV and other disabled people should be able to expect that their housing needs will be properly assessed, and that they should continue to receive the housing support they need to lead healthy and independent lives<span class="591341909-17042013"><font color="#0000ff" face="Arial" size="2"><span>.</span></font></span></p><p>While welfare reform affects the whole of the UK, the changes to housing allocations only affect England, which means this is a campaign directed at English Councils. If you don't live in England and want to campaign on benefit issues please take a look at some of our other campaigns.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>The Government has made substantial changes to the level of housing benefit available, including extending the shared room rate up to the age of 35, and introducing the ‘bedroom tax’.</li><li>While councils have to implement these changes, they have also been allocated funding by the Government called the ‘Discretionary Housing Payment’ (DHP), which is designed to provide support for people affected by reductions in their housing benefit. The funding for DHP is unlikely to cover everyone affected by these changes, and people applying for DHP will be assessed on a needs basis by their local authority.</li><li>The Localism Act 2011 allows local councils greater freedom in how they allocate social housing through their local allocations polices. They can for instance now choose to discharge their homelessness duties into private sector accommodation and make greater use of properties outside of the local area.</li><li>These changes could all have a significant impact on people living with HIV, from increasing the chance they may end up living in unsuitable shared accommodation to being forced to move away from their HIV support organisations and their HIV clinic.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>You can email your local councillor using this <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Write-to-your-councillor-about-housing-and-HIVv2.doc"><u>downloadable email template</u></a> to ask them to raise these issues with your local council to ensure they support the needs of people living with HIV.</li><li>To find out who your local councillors you can use:</li><li><a href="http://www.writetothem.com/">Writetothem</a>.com or</li><li><a href="http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=358&LGIL=8">DirectGov</a></li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>It will help ensure that the issue of housing and HIV is considered by local councillors who will be making decisions about local housing allocations policy.</li><li>The responses you receive will help NAT understand how local councils are responding to the changes to housing and benefits, giving NAT more information as they campaign to ensure that councils take into account the housing needs of people living with HIV are taken into account.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/April_2013-Policy_Briefing_Housing_and_HIV.pdf">NAT Policy Briefing on Housing and HIV</a> which explores the changing housing advice needs of people living with HIV in February 2013, and the views of the local HIV organisations that support them.</li><li>In 2010, NAT, alongside Shelter and Chartered Institute of Housing, published <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/June-2010-HIV-and-Housing.pdf">‘Housing and HIV: a practical guide for housing officers on HIV and its impact on housing needs’</a> aimed at improving the way they assess the needs of people living with HIV.</li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/Policy/2009/Housing%20and%20HIV%20updated-1.pdf">A 2009 NAT report into Housing and HIV</a></li></ul><p>If you need further information on <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Our-thinking/Every-day-issues/Housing.aspx">housing</a> or <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Our-thinking/Every-day-issues/Benefits.aspx">benefits</a> please visit the relevant sections on NAT’s website.</p><p>More detailed information on changes to housing benefit can be found on <a href="http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance">Shelter’s website</a>.</p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</p><p> </p>
Email your MP to make Personal Independence Payment assessments fairer
<p> </p><p>People living with HIV, along with those with other disabilities, will soon be able to start making claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This is a controversial new benefit which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Many people have reported negative experiences with other benefit assessments, which have sometimes resulted in a loss of benefit. We want to make sure with this campaign that the same mistakes aren’t repeated with PIP assessments.</p><p>We are asking you to contact your MP about fairer assessments for PIP.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues:</strong></p><ul><li>From 8 April 2013, people in the North West and North East of England will start claiming PIP, and from June 2013 PIP will be rolled out across Great Britain replacing DLA. Assessments will be delivered by Atos in some areas, and in others by a company called Capita.</li><li>Many people have already reported negative experiences in assessments for Work Capability Assessments (WCA) which are carried out by Atos, and there is concern that people will face similar negative experiences in assessments for PIP.</li><li>A new report by the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), a group of over 60 charities including NAT, has highlighted some of the key issues and has made recommendations for improving assessments.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How can I get involved:</strong></p><ul><li>Email your MP about the DBC report, so they can put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to get the assessment right.</li><li>To take part in the campaign click <a href="http://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1705&ea.campaign.id=19668">here:</a></li><li>This easy campaign tool created by the DBC highlights the issues to your MP and tells them who will be doing the assessments in your area. It only takes a minute to do.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>The email to your MP could encourage them to put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to make the assessments fairer for people living with HIV and other disabilities.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Further information and resources:</strong></p><p>The full DBC report can be found <a href="http://disabilitybenefitsconsortium.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/dbc-report-shows-how-atos-and-capita-will-deliver-pip-assessment/">here</a></p><p> </p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><ul><li>If you are personally concerned about PIP or the change from DLA, please download <u><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/April_2013-PIP_Factsheet.pdf">NAT’s revised PIP Factsheet</a></u>.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</p>
Ask your MP to sign the EDM for increased asylum support levels
<p>The great majority of asylum seekers who arrive in the UK have to meet their essential living needs of food, clothing, toiletries and travel on just £5 a day. Research into poverty and HIV in the UK shows that insufficient asylum support is a key driver of extreme poverty amongst people living with HIV.</p><p>On 5 February 2013, Sarah Teather MP tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) No. 1019 on Asylum Support Rates (full text below). Getting your MP to sign the EDM sends a message to the Government that imposing poverty on asylum seekers which damages their health is not acceptable. </p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>NAT’s research into the experience of poverty amongst people living with HIV showed that the people in the most desperate need were those reliant on the asylum support provided by UKBA. With no other means of supporting themselves, their health was suffering and they had to seek hardship grants from charity to meet their basic needs.</li><li>Income Support is set at what is considered to be the minimum amount people need to meet their basic living needs. Asylum seekers have to survive on the equivalent of just 52% of Income Support while waiting for the UKBA to make a decision on their application. </li><li>In 1999, Asylum Support levels were set at 70% of Income Support, but have been decreased in recent years. Whilst Income Support is increased every year to keep up with inflation, asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011.</li><li>Asylum seekers do not have a right to seek work in the UK. If they have been waiting for more than 12 months for a decision on their asylum claim, they may apply for permission to seek work (but this is by no means automatically granted).</li><li>Some asylum seekers have had their claim refused but are permitted to stay in the UK because the Government recognises that it is currently not safe for them to return to their home country. This group do not receive any cash support, only vouchers. This is called ‘Section 4’ support and is also the equivalent of about £5 a day – but purchases can only be made at designated stores, and they cannot access cash for transport (e.g. to their HIV clinic) or any other daily costs. Many struggle to buy fresh food, warm clothing, and nappies and other essentials for their children.</li><li>NAT is a member of the Still Human Still Here campaign, which calls for an end to destitution amongst asylum seekers. Still Human Still Here and this EDM call for asylum support to be increased to <em>at least </em>70% of the level of income support, and uprated each year. As an individual charity, NAT believes it should be <em>100% equivalent</em> to income support rates. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Check if your MP has signed the EDM: <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019" title="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019">http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019</a></li><li>Ask your MP to sign the EDM, the full text of which is:</li></ul><p>EDM 1019 text:<br />
<em>That this House believes that Britain can rightly be proud of its history of welcoming those fleeing persecution and war; welcomes the cross-party parliamentary report on asylum support for children and families; notes with concern the finding of that report that current asylum support levels are leaving up to 10,000 children destitute or in severe poverty; further believes that section 4 support rates are especially austere and that cashless payments impose damaging restrictions on how families buy essential items; further notes that asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011; regrets that the previous Government broke the historic link between support rates for asylum seekers and income support; calls on the Government to increase asylum support rates so that they are at least equal to 70 per cent of income support and to up-rate support rates annually; and further calls on the Government to abolish section 4 support and implement a single cash-based support system.</em></p><p> </p><ul><li>If you find your MP has already signed the EDM, you might like to email or write to them to show your support for the stand they have taken.</li><li>Use your postcode to find the name of your MP at <a href="http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/">http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/</a>, then click <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Parliamentary_Email_details_for_all_MPs_Nov_2012.xls">here</a> to find their email address.</li><li>If you would like to ask your MP to sign the EDM, you can find the template email for you to personalise <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/EDMasylumsupportletter.doc">here</a></li><li>You could also ask to meet with your MP to talk about the issue and show that as a constituent you are very concerned with poverty amongst asylum seekers. </li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>EDMs are a good way for MPs to show their views on policy issues and open up a space for debate on topics which might not otherwise be heard in the House of Commons.</li><li>If the EDM is signed by lots of MPs, campaigning organisations like NAT and Still Human Still Here can show the Government that there is support for change on this issue.</li><li>Asking your MP to sign the EDM is a good way to show them that constituents do care about the treatment of asylum seekers in this country.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/Sep-2010-Poverty-and-HIV-2006-2009.pdf">Poverty & HIV: 2006-2009</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/SHSHFAQonasylummisconceptions.pdf">Still Human Still Here briefing on common asylum misconceptions (good background for a meeting with an MP)</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a>or 020 7814 6767.</p>
Write to your local authority about providing formula milk for HIV positive mothers
<p>Mother to child transmission of HIV is less than 1% in the UK thanks to current interventions during pregnancy. Breastfeeding increases the risk of transmission, yet some mothers living with HIV in the UK are forced to breastfeed because they can’t afford to buy formula milk and free formula isn't always available.</p><p>Write to your local authority to ensure they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers who can’t afford to buy it themselves.</p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended in some countries, particularly those where safe water is unavailable, in the UK bottle feeding is strongly recommended as the safest option to avoid mother to child transmission of HIV.</li><li>Current BHIVA guidelines recommend all mothers living with HIV, regardless of viral load, should be supported to bottle feed their infants to reduce mother to child transmission.</li><li>The majority of women living with HIV in the UK are from African communities, many of whom live in poverty. If these women cannot afford formula milk, they may consequently breastfeed, despite knowing the risks.</li><li>There is currently no obligation for local authorities to provide mothers living with HIV with free formula milk</li><li>There are some examples in the UK where local authorities and charities provide free formula milk but these services are patchy and often inadequate.</li><li>NAT are asking <strong>all</strong> local authorities to provide free formula milk to HIV positive mothers who are unable to buy it themselves.</li><li>This approach is cost effective as the cost of providing free formula milk is significantly less than the cost of providing life long HIV treatment and care for a child who contracts HIV from their mother.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Write to your local authority to ask if they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers unable to afford it themselves and if not what steps they plan to take to set up this vital prevention scheme.</li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>By highlighting this issue local authorities will be made aware of the importance of bottle feeding to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV and are more likely to provide free formula to HIV positive mothers who are unable to afford it.</li><li>Your actions could help prevent a child from contracting HIV.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.writetothem.com">Find out contact details for your local councillor</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Infant-formula-milk-letter-May_2013(1).doc" target="_blank">Download the template letter which you can amend or add to and email to your local councillor.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Infant-formula-milk-letter-May_2013.doc">Download NAT’s Access to Formula Milk Paper</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactvivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 020 7814 6767</p>
Write to your local councillor about HIV social care services
<p>Despite the Government committing in the last Spending Review to take account of HIV social care needs and retaining a specific funding line in local authority Formula Grants, services are still at risk from local cuts. Ask your local Health Overview and Scrutiny committee to review HIV social care service provision in light of funding for HIV social care no longer being ring-fenced.</p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>Social Care is very important for many people living with HIV. Counselling and peer support can help people come to terms with their diagnosis, stay well and adhere to treatment.</li><li>With HIV social care funding no longer ring-fenced and the increased emphasis on local flexibility, there is a risk that HIV social care funds could be spent elsewhere.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Write to your local councillor or Health Overview and Scrutiny committee and highlight the issue of HIV social care funding and ask that they ensure the needs of people living with HIV are met in the local area by using the funding committed to HIV social care to provide vital services.</li><li>You can also highlight the importance of HIV social care services by emailing your local councillor via the <a class="ext" href="http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=144&ea.campaign.id=7428" target="_blank">SHout Loud campaigning website here</a></li><li>If you sent an email via the SHout Loud website before January 2011, get back in touch with your Councillor and let them know how much funding for HIV social care your council will receive. This will enable your Councillor to find our more specific information from the council. <a class="ext" href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/Policy/2010/2011%20-%2012%20Settlement%20Grants%20rolling%20into%20formula%20grant-1.pdf" target="_blank">Find out how much money your council received for HIV social care here</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>It will help to increase understanding of the importance of HIV social care amongst local decision makers.</li><li>Keeping the issue on the agenda makes it harder for funding to be diverted and services cut.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li>You can write to your local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee via your local Council offices. <a class="ext" href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/UKgovernment/Localgovernment/DG_073312" target="_blank">Find out contact details for your local council here</a>.</li><li><a class="ext" href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/PLWH/HIV%20Activists/Write-to-your-NHS-scrutiny-com.doc" target="_blank">Download a template letter to your local Overview and Scrutiny Committee here</a></li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong><br />
Get in touch with NAT at <a class="mailto" href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 020 7814 6767.</p>
Ask how HIV will be considered in your local area’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for health and social care services
<p> </p><div><p>From April 2013, most commissioning (planning and paying for health and social care services) will be done at a local level. As HIV is a specialised condition, commissioning for treatment and care will be done centrally by the NHS Commissioning Board. However, all other services relevant to HIV including prevention, testing, social care and other health needs will be decided locally. The plans that are made for these services will depend upon the results of the local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).</p><p> </p><p>Take five minutes to find out how your council is considering the needs of people living with and at risk of HIV in the JSNA, and how they are involving people living with HIV in the process.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues:</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>All planning of healthcare and social care in a local area has to be done within the framework of a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Health and Social Care Bill 2012 transforms the way all NHS and social care services are commissioned. Important decisions will now be made predominantly at a local level. There are a number of different organisations responsible for commissioning (planning and paying for) the various aspects of health and social care, but they are expected to come together in a local authority's Health and Wellbeing Board. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Health and Wellbeing Board will undertake a JSNA to assess the health and social care needs of their local population. The JSNA will also be the basis of a strategy (known as the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy or JHWS) to meet those needs. All the more detailed decisions then made about service priorities and planning have to be in line with the JSNA and the resulting JHWS.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>So it is really important to make sure now - as local authorities are working on their JSNA - that they are thinking about the needs of people with HIV and the communities most affected by HIV. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How Can I help?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Email your local councillor(s) to ask for an update on your local JSNA, how HIV is being considered, and how people with HIV and relevant local organisations can get involved. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Use the information you receive to get involved with planning services in your area and encourage other people living with and affected by HIV in your community to do the same. You might want to share the findings with your local HIV organisation.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Get decision-makers in your local area thinking about HIV now, so that the needs of people living with and affected by HIV will be met by their commissioning plans from 2013.</li><li>It might well make the difference between HIV being taken seriously in your local area and being neglected.</li><li>Increase the involvement of people living with HIV in decision-making about the services that are relevant to them.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li>Find out contact details for your <a href="http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=358&LGIL=8&Service">local councillor.</a></li><li>Download the <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Emailtocouncil_JSNA.doc">template letter </a>which you can amend or add to and email to your local councillor</li><li>Download NAT’s factsheet <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Policy/2012/March-2012-%20NAT-The-New-Approach-To-The-NHS.pdf">The New Approach To The NHS, Public Health and Social Care</a></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk" title="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 0207 814 6767</li></ul></div>
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Ask your council to support the housing needs of people living with HIV
<p>Welfare reform and the changes to housing policy are significantly altering both the way housing is allocated, and, due to the cuts in housing benefit, the resources available to people living with HIV who need to apply for housing support from their local authority.</p><p>We would like HIV Activists to contact their local councillor and ask them how their local authority is responding to these changes, and help make the case to them that the housing needs of people living with HIV should be a priority.</p><p>People living with HIV and other disabled people should be able to expect that their housing needs will be properly assessed, and that they should continue to receive the housing support they need to lead healthy and independent lives<span class="591341909-17042013"><font color="#0000ff" face="Arial" size="2"><span>.</span></font></span></p><p>While welfare reform affects the whole of the UK, the changes to housing allocations only affect England, which means this is a campaign directed at English Councils. If you don't live in England and want to campaign on benefit issues please take a look at some of our other campaigns.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>The Government has made substantial changes to the level of housing benefit available, including extending the shared room rate up to the age of 35, and introducing the ‘bedroom tax’.</li><li>While councils have to implement these changes, they have also been allocated funding by the Government called the ‘Discretionary Housing Payment’ (DHP), which is designed to provide support for people affected by reductions in their housing benefit. The funding for DHP is unlikely to cover everyone affected by these changes, and people applying for DHP will be assessed on a needs basis by their local authority.</li><li>The Localism Act 2011 allows local councils greater freedom in how they allocate social housing through their local allocations polices. They can for instance now choose to discharge their homelessness duties into private sector accommodation and make greater use of properties outside of the local area.</li><li>These changes could all have a significant impact on people living with HIV, from increasing the chance they may end up living in unsuitable shared accommodation to being forced to move away from their HIV support organisations and their HIV clinic.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>You can email your local councillor using this <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Write-to-your-councillor-about-housing-and-HIVv2.doc"><u>downloadable email template</u></a> to ask them to raise these issues with your local council to ensure they support the needs of people living with HIV.</li><li>To find out who your local councillors you can use:</li><li><a href="http://www.writetothem.com/">Writetothem</a>.com or</li><li><a href="http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=358&LGIL=8">DirectGov</a></li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>It will help ensure that the issue of housing and HIV is considered by local councillors who will be making decisions about local housing allocations policy.</li><li>The responses you receive will help NAT understand how local councils are responding to the changes to housing and benefits, giving NAT more information as they campaign to ensure that councils take into account the housing needs of people living with HIV are taken into account.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/April_2013-Policy_Briefing_Housing_and_HIV.pdf">NAT Policy Briefing on Housing and HIV</a> which explores the changing housing advice needs of people living with HIV in February 2013, and the views of the local HIV organisations that support them.</li><li>In 2010, NAT, alongside Shelter and Chartered Institute of Housing, published <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/June-2010-HIV-and-Housing.pdf">‘Housing and HIV: a practical guide for housing officers on HIV and its impact on housing needs’</a> aimed at improving the way they assess the needs of people living with HIV.</li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/Policy/2009/Housing%20and%20HIV%20updated-1.pdf">A 2009 NAT report into Housing and HIV</a></li></ul><p>If you need further information on <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Our-thinking/Every-day-issues/Housing.aspx">housing</a> or <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Our-thinking/Every-day-issues/Benefits.aspx">benefits</a> please visit the relevant sections on NAT’s website.</p><p>More detailed information on changes to housing benefit can be found on <a href="http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance">Shelter’s website</a>.</p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</p><p> </p>
Email your MP to make Personal Independence Payment assessments fairer
<p> </p><p>People living with HIV, along with those with other disabilities, will soon be able to start making claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This is a controversial new benefit which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Many people have reported negative experiences with other benefit assessments, which have sometimes resulted in a loss of benefit. We want to make sure with this campaign that the same mistakes aren’t repeated with PIP assessments.</p><p>We are asking you to contact your MP about fairer assessments for PIP.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues:</strong></p><ul><li>From 8 April 2013, people in the North West and North East of England will start claiming PIP, and from June 2013 PIP will be rolled out across Great Britain replacing DLA. Assessments will be delivered by Atos in some areas, and in others by a company called Capita.</li><li>Many people have already reported negative experiences in assessments for Work Capability Assessments (WCA) which are carried out by Atos, and there is concern that people will face similar negative experiences in assessments for PIP.</li><li>A new report by the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), a group of over 60 charities including NAT, has highlighted some of the key issues and has made recommendations for improving assessments.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How can I get involved:</strong></p><ul><li>Email your MP about the DBC report, so they can put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to get the assessment right.</li><li>To take part in the campaign click <a href="http://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1705&ea.campaign.id=19668">here:</a></li><li>This easy campaign tool created by the DBC highlights the issues to your MP and tells them who will be doing the assessments in your area. It only takes a minute to do.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>The email to your MP could encourage them to put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to make the assessments fairer for people living with HIV and other disabilities.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Further information and resources:</strong></p><p>The full DBC report can be found <a href="http://disabilitybenefitsconsortium.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/dbc-report-shows-how-atos-and-capita-will-deliver-pip-assessment/">here</a></p><p> </p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><ul><li>If you are personally concerned about PIP or the change from DLA, please download <u><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/April_2013-PIP_Factsheet.pdf">NAT’s revised PIP Factsheet</a></u>.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</p>
Ask your MP to sign the EDM for increased asylum support levels
<p>The great majority of asylum seekers who arrive in the UK have to meet their essential living needs of food, clothing, toiletries and travel on just £5 a day. Research into poverty and HIV in the UK shows that insufficient asylum support is a key driver of extreme poverty amongst people living with HIV.</p><p>On 5 February 2013, Sarah Teather MP tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) No. 1019 on Asylum Support Rates (full text below). Getting your MP to sign the EDM sends a message to the Government that imposing poverty on asylum seekers which damages their health is not acceptable. </p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>NAT’s research into the experience of poverty amongst people living with HIV showed that the people in the most desperate need were those reliant on the asylum support provided by UKBA. With no other means of supporting themselves, their health was suffering and they had to seek hardship grants from charity to meet their basic needs.</li><li>Income Support is set at what is considered to be the minimum amount people need to meet their basic living needs. Asylum seekers have to survive on the equivalent of just 52% of Income Support while waiting for the UKBA to make a decision on their application. </li><li>In 1999, Asylum Support levels were set at 70% of Income Support, but have been decreased in recent years. Whilst Income Support is increased every year to keep up with inflation, asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011.</li><li>Asylum seekers do not have a right to seek work in the UK. If they have been waiting for more than 12 months for a decision on their asylum claim, they may apply for permission to seek work (but this is by no means automatically granted).</li><li>Some asylum seekers have had their claim refused but are permitted to stay in the UK because the Government recognises that it is currently not safe for them to return to their home country. This group do not receive any cash support, only vouchers. This is called ‘Section 4’ support and is also the equivalent of about £5 a day – but purchases can only be made at designated stores, and they cannot access cash for transport (e.g. to their HIV clinic) or any other daily costs. Many struggle to buy fresh food, warm clothing, and nappies and other essentials for their children.</li><li>NAT is a member of the Still Human Still Here campaign, which calls for an end to destitution amongst asylum seekers. Still Human Still Here and this EDM call for asylum support to be increased to <em>at least </em>70% of the level of income support, and uprated each year. As an individual charity, NAT believes it should be <em>100% equivalent</em> to income support rates. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Check if your MP has signed the EDM: <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019" title="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019">http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019</a></li><li>Ask your MP to sign the EDM, the full text of which is:</li></ul><p>EDM 1019 text:<br />
<em>That this House believes that Britain can rightly be proud of its history of welcoming those fleeing persecution and war; welcomes the cross-party parliamentary report on asylum support for children and families; notes with concern the finding of that report that current asylum support levels are leaving up to 10,000 children destitute or in severe poverty; further believes that section 4 support rates are especially austere and that cashless payments impose damaging restrictions on how families buy essential items; further notes that asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011; regrets that the previous Government broke the historic link between support rates for asylum seekers and income support; calls on the Government to increase asylum support rates so that they are at least equal to 70 per cent of income support and to up-rate support rates annually; and further calls on the Government to abolish section 4 support and implement a single cash-based support system.</em></p><p> </p><ul><li>If you find your MP has already signed the EDM, you might like to email or write to them to show your support for the stand they have taken.</li><li>Use your postcode to find the name of your MP at <a href="http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/">http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/</a>, then click <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Parliamentary_Email_details_for_all_MPs_Nov_2012.xls">here</a> to find their email address.</li><li>If you would like to ask your MP to sign the EDM, you can find the template email for you to personalise <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/EDMasylumsupportletter.doc">here</a></li><li>You could also ask to meet with your MP to talk about the issue and show that as a constituent you are very concerned with poverty amongst asylum seekers. </li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>EDMs are a good way for MPs to show their views on policy issues and open up a space for debate on topics which might not otherwise be heard in the House of Commons.</li><li>If the EDM is signed by lots of MPs, campaigning organisations like NAT and Still Human Still Here can show the Government that there is support for change on this issue.</li><li>Asking your MP to sign the EDM is a good way to show them that constituents do care about the treatment of asylum seekers in this country.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/Sep-2010-Poverty-and-HIV-2006-2009.pdf">Poverty & HIV: 2006-2009</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/SHSHFAQonasylummisconceptions.pdf">Still Human Still Here briefing on common asylum misconceptions (good background for a meeting with an MP)</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a>or 020 7814 6767.</p>
Write to your local authority about providing formula milk for HIV positive mothers
<p>Mother to child transmission of HIV is less than 1% in the UK thanks to current interventions during pregnancy. Breastfeeding increases the risk of transmission, yet some mothers living with HIV in the UK are forced to breastfeed because they can’t afford to buy formula milk and free formula isn't always available.</p><p>Write to your local authority to ensure they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers who can’t afford to buy it themselves.</p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended in some countries, particularly those where safe water is unavailable, in the UK bottle feeding is strongly recommended as the safest option to avoid mother to child transmission of HIV.</li><li>Current BHIVA guidelines recommend all mothers living with HIV, regardless of viral load, should be supported to bottle feed their infants to reduce mother to child transmission.</li><li>The majority of women living with HIV in the UK are from African communities, many of whom live in poverty. If these women cannot afford formula milk, they may consequently breastfeed, despite knowing the risks.</li><li>There is currently no obligation for local authorities to provide mothers living with HIV with free formula milk</li><li>There are some examples in the UK where local authorities and charities provide free formula milk but these services are patchy and often inadequate.</li><li>NAT are asking <strong>all</strong> local authorities to provide free formula milk to HIV positive mothers who are unable to buy it themselves.</li><li>This approach is cost effective as the cost of providing free formula milk is significantly less than the cost of providing life long HIV treatment and care for a child who contracts HIV from their mother.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Write to your local authority to ask if they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers unable to afford it themselves and if not what steps they plan to take to set up this vital prevention scheme.</li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>By highlighting this issue local authorities will be made aware of the importance of bottle feeding to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV and are more likely to provide free formula to HIV positive mothers who are unable to afford it.</li><li>Your actions could help prevent a child from contracting HIV.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.writetothem.com">Find out contact details for your local councillor</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Infant-formula-milk-letter-May_2013(1).doc" target="_blank">Download the template letter which you can amend or add to and email to your local councillor.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Infant-formula-milk-letter-May_2013.doc">Download NAT’s Access to Formula Milk Paper</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactvivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 020 7814 6767</p>
Write to your local councillor about HIV social care services
<p>Despite the Government committing in the last Spending Review to take account of HIV social care needs and retaining a specific funding line in local authority Formula Grants, services are still at risk from local cuts. Ask your local Health Overview and Scrutiny committee to review HIV social care service provision in light of funding for HIV social care no longer being ring-fenced.</p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>Social Care is very important for many people living with HIV. Counselling and peer support can help people come to terms with their diagnosis, stay well and adhere to treatment.</li><li>With HIV social care funding no longer ring-fenced and the increased emphasis on local flexibility, there is a risk that HIV social care funds could be spent elsewhere.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Write to your local councillor or Health Overview and Scrutiny committee and highlight the issue of HIV social care funding and ask that they ensure the needs of people living with HIV are met in the local area by using the funding committed to HIV social care to provide vital services.</li><li>You can also highlight the importance of HIV social care services by emailing your local councillor via the <a class="ext" href="http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=144&ea.campaign.id=7428" target="_blank">SHout Loud campaigning website here</a></li><li>If you sent an email via the SHout Loud website before January 2011, get back in touch with your Councillor and let them know how much funding for HIV social care your council will receive. This will enable your Councillor to find our more specific information from the council. <a class="ext" href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/Policy/2010/2011%20-%2012%20Settlement%20Grants%20rolling%20into%20formula%20grant-1.pdf" target="_blank">Find out how much money your council received for HIV social care here</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>It will help to increase understanding of the importance of HIV social care amongst local decision makers.</li><li>Keeping the issue on the agenda makes it harder for funding to be diverted and services cut.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li>You can write to your local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee via your local Council offices. <a class="ext" href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/UKgovernment/Localgovernment/DG_073312" target="_blank">Find out contact details for your local council here</a>.</li><li><a class="ext" href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/PLWH/HIV%20Activists/Write-to-your-NHS-scrutiny-com.doc" target="_blank">Download a template letter to your local Overview and Scrutiny Committee here</a></li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong><br />
Get in touch with NAT at <a class="mailto" href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 020 7814 6767.</p>
Ask how HIV will be considered in your local area’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for health and social care services
<p> </p><div><p>From April 2013, most commissioning (planning and paying for health and social care services) will be done at a local level. As HIV is a specialised condition, commissioning for treatment and care will be done centrally by the NHS Commissioning Board. However, all other services relevant to HIV including prevention, testing, social care and other health needs will be decided locally. The plans that are made for these services will depend upon the results of the local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).</p><p> </p><p>Take five minutes to find out how your council is considering the needs of people living with and at risk of HIV in the JSNA, and how they are involving people living with HIV in the process.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues:</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>All planning of healthcare and social care in a local area has to be done within the framework of a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Health and Social Care Bill 2012 transforms the way all NHS and social care services are commissioned. Important decisions will now be made predominantly at a local level. There are a number of different organisations responsible for commissioning (planning and paying for) the various aspects of health and social care, but they are expected to come together in a local authority's Health and Wellbeing Board. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Health and Wellbeing Board will undertake a JSNA to assess the health and social care needs of their local population. The JSNA will also be the basis of a strategy (known as the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy or JHWS) to meet those needs. All the more detailed decisions then made about service priorities and planning have to be in line with the JSNA and the resulting JHWS.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>So it is really important to make sure now - as local authorities are working on their JSNA - that they are thinking about the needs of people with HIV and the communities most affected by HIV. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How Can I help?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Email your local councillor(s) to ask for an update on your local JSNA, how HIV is being considered, and how people with HIV and relevant local organisations can get involved. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Use the information you receive to get involved with planning services in your area and encourage other people living with and affected by HIV in your community to do the same. You might want to share the findings with your local HIV organisation.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Get decision-makers in your local area thinking about HIV now, so that the needs of people living with and affected by HIV will be met by their commissioning plans from 2013.</li><li>It might well make the difference between HIV being taken seriously in your local area and being neglected.</li><li>Increase the involvement of people living with HIV in decision-making about the services that are relevant to them.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li>Find out contact details for your <a href="http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=358&LGIL=8&Service">local councillor.</a></li><li>Download the <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Emailtocouncil_JSNA.doc">template letter </a>which you can amend or add to and email to your local councillor</li><li>Download NAT’s factsheet <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Policy/2012/March-2012-%20NAT-The-New-Approach-To-The-NHS.pdf">The New Approach To The NHS, Public Health and Social Care</a></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk" title="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 0207 814 6767</li></ul></div>
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Ask your council to support the housing needs of people living with HIV
<p>Welfare reform and the changes to housing policy are significantly altering both the way housing is allocated, and, due to the cuts in housing benefit, the resources available to people living with HIV who need to apply for housing support from their local authority.</p><p>We would like HIV Activists to contact their local councillor and ask them how their local authority is responding to these changes, and help make the case to them that the housing needs of people living with HIV should be a priority.</p><p>People living with HIV and other disabled people should be able to expect that their housing needs will be properly assessed, and that they should continue to receive the housing support they need to lead healthy and independent lives<span class="591341909-17042013"><font color="#0000ff" face="Arial" size="2"><span>.</span></font></span></p><p>While welfare reform affects the whole of the UK, the changes to housing allocations only affect England, which means this is a campaign directed at English Councils. If you don't live in England and want to campaign on benefit issues please take a look at some of our other campaigns.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>The Government has made substantial changes to the level of housing benefit available, including extending the shared room rate up to the age of 35, and introducing the ‘bedroom tax’.</li><li>While councils have to implement these changes, they have also been allocated funding by the Government called the ‘Discretionary Housing Payment’ (DHP), which is designed to provide support for people affected by reductions in their housing benefit. The funding for DHP is unlikely to cover everyone affected by these changes, and people applying for DHP will be assessed on a needs basis by their local authority.</li><li>The Localism Act 2011 allows local councils greater freedom in how they allocate social housing through their local allocations polices. They can for instance now choose to discharge their homelessness duties into private sector accommodation and make greater use of properties outside of the local area.</li><li>These changes could all have a significant impact on people living with HIV, from increasing the chance they may end up living in unsuitable shared accommodation to being forced to move away from their HIV support organisations and their HIV clinic.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>You can email your local councillor using this <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Write-to-your-councillor-about-housing-and-HIVv2.doc"><u>downloadable email template</u></a> to ask them to raise these issues with your local council to ensure they support the needs of people living with HIV.</li><li>To find out who your local councillors you can use:</li><li><a href="http://www.writetothem.com/">Writetothem</a>.com or</li><li><a href="http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=358&LGIL=8">DirectGov</a></li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>It will help ensure that the issue of housing and HIV is considered by local councillors who will be making decisions about local housing allocations policy.</li><li>The responses you receive will help NAT understand how local councils are responding to the changes to housing and benefits, giving NAT more information as they campaign to ensure that councils take into account the housing needs of people living with HIV are taken into account.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/April_2013-Policy_Briefing_Housing_and_HIV.pdf">NAT Policy Briefing on Housing and HIV</a> which explores the changing housing advice needs of people living with HIV in February 2013, and the views of the local HIV organisations that support them.</li><li>In 2010, NAT, alongside Shelter and Chartered Institute of Housing, published <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/June-2010-HIV-and-Housing.pdf">‘Housing and HIV: a practical guide for housing officers on HIV and its impact on housing needs’</a> aimed at improving the way they assess the needs of people living with HIV.</li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/Policy/2009/Housing%20and%20HIV%20updated-1.pdf">A 2009 NAT report into Housing and HIV</a></li></ul><p>If you need further information on <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Our-thinking/Every-day-issues/Housing.aspx">housing</a> or <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Our-thinking/Every-day-issues/Benefits.aspx">benefits</a> please visit the relevant sections on NAT’s website.</p><p>More detailed information on changes to housing benefit can be found on <a href="http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance">Shelter’s website</a>.</p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</p><p> </p>
Email your MP to make Personal Independence Payment assessments fairer
<p> </p><p>People living with HIV, along with those with other disabilities, will soon be able to start making claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This is a controversial new benefit which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Many people have reported negative experiences with other benefit assessments, which have sometimes resulted in a loss of benefit. We want to make sure with this campaign that the same mistakes aren’t repeated with PIP assessments.</p><p>We are asking you to contact your MP about fairer assessments for PIP.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues:</strong></p><ul><li>From 8 April 2013, people in the North West and North East of England will start claiming PIP, and from June 2013 PIP will be rolled out across Great Britain replacing DLA. Assessments will be delivered by Atos in some areas, and in others by a company called Capita.</li><li>Many people have already reported negative experiences in assessments for Work Capability Assessments (WCA) which are carried out by Atos, and there is concern that people will face similar negative experiences in assessments for PIP.</li><li>A new report by the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), a group of over 60 charities including NAT, has highlighted some of the key issues and has made recommendations for improving assessments.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How can I get involved:</strong></p><ul><li>Email your MP about the DBC report, so they can put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to get the assessment right.</li><li>To take part in the campaign click <a href="http://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1705&ea.campaign.id=19668">here:</a></li><li>This easy campaign tool created by the DBC highlights the issues to your MP and tells them who will be doing the assessments in your area. It only takes a minute to do.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>The email to your MP could encourage them to put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to make the assessments fairer for people living with HIV and other disabilities.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Further information and resources:</strong></p><p>The full DBC report can be found <a href="http://disabilitybenefitsconsortium.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/dbc-report-shows-how-atos-and-capita-will-deliver-pip-assessment/">here</a></p><p> </p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><ul><li>If you are personally concerned about PIP or the change from DLA, please download <u><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/April_2013-PIP_Factsheet.pdf">NAT’s revised PIP Factsheet</a></u>.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</p>
Ask your MP to sign the EDM for increased asylum support levels
<p>The great majority of asylum seekers who arrive in the UK have to meet their essential living needs of food, clothing, toiletries and travel on just £5 a day. Research into poverty and HIV in the UK shows that insufficient asylum support is a key driver of extreme poverty amongst people living with HIV.</p><p>On 5 February 2013, Sarah Teather MP tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) No. 1019 on Asylum Support Rates (full text below). Getting your MP to sign the EDM sends a message to the Government that imposing poverty on asylum seekers which damages their health is not acceptable. </p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>NAT’s research into the experience of poverty amongst people living with HIV showed that the people in the most desperate need were those reliant on the asylum support provided by UKBA. With no other means of supporting themselves, their health was suffering and they had to seek hardship grants from charity to meet their basic needs.</li><li>Income Support is set at what is considered to be the minimum amount people need to meet their basic living needs. Asylum seekers have to survive on the equivalent of just 52% of Income Support while waiting for the UKBA to make a decision on their application. </li><li>In 1999, Asylum Support levels were set at 70% of Income Support, but have been decreased in recent years. Whilst Income Support is increased every year to keep up with inflation, asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011.</li><li>Asylum seekers do not have a right to seek work in the UK. If they have been waiting for more than 12 months for a decision on their asylum claim, they may apply for permission to seek work (but this is by no means automatically granted).</li><li>Some asylum seekers have had their claim refused but are permitted to stay in the UK because the Government recognises that it is currently not safe for them to return to their home country. This group do not receive any cash support, only vouchers. This is called ‘Section 4’ support and is also the equivalent of about £5 a day – but purchases can only be made at designated stores, and they cannot access cash for transport (e.g. to their HIV clinic) or any other daily costs. Many struggle to buy fresh food, warm clothing, and nappies and other essentials for their children.</li><li>NAT is a member of the Still Human Still Here campaign, which calls for an end to destitution amongst asylum seekers. Still Human Still Here and this EDM call for asylum support to be increased to <em>at least </em>70% of the level of income support, and uprated each year. As an individual charity, NAT believes it should be <em>100% equivalent</em> to income support rates. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Check if your MP has signed the EDM: <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019" title="http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019">http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2012-13/1019</a></li><li>Ask your MP to sign the EDM, the full text of which is:</li></ul><p>EDM 1019 text:<br />
<em>That this House believes that Britain can rightly be proud of its history of welcoming those fleeing persecution and war; welcomes the cross-party parliamentary report on asylum support for children and families; notes with concern the finding of that report that current asylum support levels are leaving up to 10,000 children destitute or in severe poverty; further believes that section 4 support rates are especially austere and that cashless payments impose damaging restrictions on how families buy essential items; further notes that asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011; regrets that the previous Government broke the historic link between support rates for asylum seekers and income support; calls on the Government to increase asylum support rates so that they are at least equal to 70 per cent of income support and to up-rate support rates annually; and further calls on the Government to abolish section 4 support and implement a single cash-based support system.</em></p><p> </p><ul><li>If you find your MP has already signed the EDM, you might like to email or write to them to show your support for the stand they have taken.</li><li>Use your postcode to find the name of your MP at <a href="http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/">http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/</a>, then click <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Parliamentary_Email_details_for_all_MPs_Nov_2012.xls">here</a> to find their email address.</li><li>If you would like to ask your MP to sign the EDM, you can find the template email for you to personalise <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/EDMasylumsupportletter.doc">here</a></li><li>You could also ask to meet with your MP to talk about the issue and show that as a constituent you are very concerned with poverty amongst asylum seekers. </li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>EDMs are a good way for MPs to show their views on policy issues and open up a space for debate on topics which might not otherwise be heard in the House of Commons.</li><li>If the EDM is signed by lots of MPs, campaigning organisations like NAT and Still Human Still Here can show the Government that there is support for change on this issue.</li><li>Asking your MP to sign the EDM is a good way to show them that constituents do care about the treatment of asylum seekers in this country.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Publications/Sep-2010-Poverty-and-HIV-2006-2009.pdf">Poverty & HIV: 2006-2009</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/SHSHFAQonasylummisconceptions.pdf">Still Human Still Here briefing on common asylum misconceptions (good background for a meeting with an MP)</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a>or 020 7814 6767.</p>
Write to your local authority about providing formula milk for HIV positive mothers
<p>Mother to child transmission of HIV is less than 1% in the UK thanks to current interventions during pregnancy. Breastfeeding increases the risk of transmission, yet some mothers living with HIV in the UK are forced to breastfeed because they can’t afford to buy formula milk and free formula isn't always available.</p><p>Write to your local authority to ensure they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers who can’t afford to buy it themselves.</p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended in some countries, particularly those where safe water is unavailable, in the UK bottle feeding is strongly recommended as the safest option to avoid mother to child transmission of HIV.</li><li>Current BHIVA guidelines recommend all mothers living with HIV, regardless of viral load, should be supported to bottle feed their infants to reduce mother to child transmission.</li><li>The majority of women living with HIV in the UK are from African communities, many of whom live in poverty. If these women cannot afford formula milk, they may consequently breastfeed, despite knowing the risks.</li><li>There is currently no obligation for local authorities to provide mothers living with HIV with free formula milk</li><li>There are some examples in the UK where local authorities and charities provide free formula milk but these services are patchy and often inadequate.</li><li>NAT are asking <strong>all</strong> local authorities to provide free formula milk to HIV positive mothers who are unable to buy it themselves.</li><li>This approach is cost effective as the cost of providing free formula milk is significantly less than the cost of providing life long HIV treatment and care for a child who contracts HIV from their mother.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Write to your local authority to ask if they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers unable to afford it themselves and if not what steps they plan to take to set up this vital prevention scheme.</li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>By highlighting this issue local authorities will be made aware of the importance of bottle feeding to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV and are more likely to provide free formula to HIV positive mothers who are unable to afford it.</li><li>Your actions could help prevent a child from contracting HIV.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.writetothem.com">Find out contact details for your local councillor</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Infant-formula-milk-letter-May_2013(1).doc" target="_blank">Download the template letter which you can amend or add to and email to your local councillor.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Infant-formula-milk-letter-May_2013.doc">Download NAT’s Access to Formula Milk Paper</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactvivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 020 7814 6767</p>
Write to your local councillor about HIV social care services
<p>Despite the Government committing in the last Spending Review to take account of HIV social care needs and retaining a specific funding line in local authority Formula Grants, services are still at risk from local cuts. Ask your local Health Overview and Scrutiny committee to review HIV social care service provision in light of funding for HIV social care no longer being ring-fenced.</p><p><strong>What are the issues?</strong></p><ul><li>Social Care is very important for many people living with HIV. Counselling and peer support can help people come to terms with their diagnosis, stay well and adhere to treatment.</li><li>With HIV social care funding no longer ring-fenced and the increased emphasis on local flexibility, there is a risk that HIV social care funds could be spent elsewhere.</li></ul><p><strong>How can I get involved?</strong></p><ul><li>Write to your local councillor or Health Overview and Scrutiny committee and highlight the issue of HIV social care funding and ask that they ensure the needs of people living with HIV are met in the local area by using the funding committed to HIV social care to provide vital services.</li><li>You can also highlight the importance of HIV social care services by emailing your local councillor via the <a class="ext" href="http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=144&ea.campaign.id=7428" target="_blank">SHout Loud campaigning website here</a></li><li>If you sent an email via the SHout Loud website before January 2011, get back in touch with your Councillor and let them know how much funding for HIV social care your council will receive. This will enable your Councillor to find our more specific information from the council. <a class="ext" href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/Policy/2010/2011%20-%2012%20Settlement%20Grants%20rolling%20into%20formula%20grant-1.pdf" target="_blank">Find out how much money your council received for HIV social care here</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><ul><li>It will help to increase understanding of the importance of HIV social care amongst local decision makers.</li><li>Keeping the issue on the agenda makes it harder for funding to be diverted and services cut.</li></ul><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li>You can write to your local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee via your local Council offices. <a class="ext" href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/UKgovernment/Localgovernment/DG_073312" target="_blank">Find out contact details for your local council here</a>.</li><li><a class="ext" href="http://www.nat.org.uk/Media%20library/Files/PLWH/HIV%20Activists/Write-to-your-NHS-scrutiny-com.doc" target="_blank">Download a template letter to your local Overview and Scrutiny Committee here</a></li></ul><p><strong>Need more help?</strong><br />
Get in touch with NAT at <a class="mailto" href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 020 7814 6767.</p>
Ask how HIV will be considered in your local area’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for health and social care services
<p> </p><div><p>From April 2013, most commissioning (planning and paying for health and social care services) will be done at a local level. As HIV is a specialised condition, commissioning for treatment and care will be done centrally by the NHS Commissioning Board. However, all other services relevant to HIV including prevention, testing, social care and other health needs will be decided locally. The plans that are made for these services will depend upon the results of the local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).</p><p> </p><p>Take five minutes to find out how your council is considering the needs of people living with and at risk of HIV in the JSNA, and how they are involving people living with HIV in the process.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>What are the issues:</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>All planning of healthcare and social care in a local area has to be done within the framework of a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Health and Social Care Bill 2012 transforms the way all NHS and social care services are commissioned. Important decisions will now be made predominantly at a local level. There are a number of different organisations responsible for commissioning (planning and paying for) the various aspects of health and social care, but they are expected to come together in a local authority's Health and Wellbeing Board. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Health and Wellbeing Board will undertake a JSNA to assess the health and social care needs of their local population. The JSNA will also be the basis of a strategy (known as the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy or JHWS) to meet those needs. All the more detailed decisions then made about service priorities and planning have to be in line with the JSNA and the resulting JHWS.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>So it is really important to make sure now - as local authorities are working on their JSNA - that they are thinking about the needs of people with HIV and the communities most affected by HIV. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>How Can I help?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Email your local councillor(s) to ask for an update on your local JSNA, how HIV is being considered, and how people with HIV and relevant local organisations can get involved. </li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Use the information you receive to get involved with planning services in your area and encourage other people living with and affected by HIV in your community to do the same. You might want to share the findings with your local HIV organisation.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>What difference will it make?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Get decision-makers in your local area thinking about HIV now, so that the needs of people living with and affected by HIV will be met by their commissioning plans from 2013.</li><li>It might well make the difference between HIV being taken seriously in your local area and being neglected.</li><li>Increase the involvement of people living with HIV in decision-making about the services that are relevant to them.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Further information and resources</strong></p><ul><li>Find out contact details for your <a href="http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=358&LGIL=8&Service">local councillor.</a></li><li>Download the <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/PLWH/HIV_Activists/Emailtocouncil_JSNA.doc">template letter </a>which you can amend or add to and email to your local councillor</li><li>Download NAT’s factsheet <a href="http://www.nat.org.uk/media/Files/Policy/2012/March-2012-%20NAT-The-New-Approach-To-The-NHS.pdf">The New Approach To The NHS, Public Health and Social Care</a></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Need more help?</strong></p><p> </p><ul><li>Get in touch with NAT at <a href="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk" title="mailto:HIVactivist@nat.org.uk">HIVactivist@nat.org.uk</a> or 0207 814 6767</li></ul></div>
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HIV Activists Network Campaigns
Once you have joined the HIV Activists Network, there are several campaigns you can get involved in.
Ask your council to support the housing needs of people living with HIV
Welfare reform and the changes to housing policy are significantly altering both the way housing is allocated, and, due to the cuts in housing benefit, the resources available to people living with HIV who need to apply for housing support from their local authority.
We would like HIV Activists to contact their local councillor and ask them how their local authority is responding to these changes, and help make the case to them that the housing needs of people living with HIV should be a priority.
People living with HIV and other disabled people should be able to expect that their housing needs will be properly assessed, and that they should continue to receive the housing support they need to lead healthy and independent lives.
While welfare reform affects the whole of the UK, the changes to housing allocations only affect England, which means this is a campaign directed at English Councils. If you don't live in England and want to campaign on benefit issues please take a look at some of our other campaigns.
What are the issues?
- The Government has made substantial changes to the level of housing benefit available, including extending the shared room rate up to the age of 35, and introducing the ‘bedroom tax’.
- While councils have to implement these changes, they have also been allocated funding by the Government called the ‘Discretionary Housing Payment’ (DHP), which is designed to provide support for people affected by reductions in their housing benefit. The funding for DHP is unlikely to cover everyone affected by these changes, and people applying for DHP will be assessed on a needs basis by their local authority.
- The Localism Act 2011 allows local councils greater freedom in how they allocate social housing through their local allocations polices. They can for instance now choose to discharge their homelessness duties into private sector accommodation and make greater use of properties outside of the local area.
- These changes could all have a significant impact on people living with HIV, from increasing the chance they may end up living in unsuitable shared accommodation to being forced to move away from their HIV support organisations and their HIV clinic.
How can I get involved?
- You can email your local councillor using this downloadable email template to ask them to raise these issues with your local council to ensure they support the needs of people living with HIV.
- To find out who your local councillors you can use:
- Writetothem.com or
- DirectGov
What difference will it make?
- It will help ensure that the issue of housing and HIV is considered by local councillors who will be making decisions about local housing allocations policy.
- The responses you receive will help NAT understand how local councils are responding to the changes to housing and benefits, giving NAT more information as they campaign to ensure that councils take into account the housing needs of people living with HIV are taken into account.
Further information and resources:
If you need further information on housing or benefits please visit the relevant sections on NAT’s website.
More detailed information on changes to housing benefit can be found on Shelter’s website.
Need more help?
Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk
Email your MP to make Personal Independence Payment assessments fairer
People living with HIV, along with those with other disabilities, will soon be able to start making claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This is a controversial new benefit which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Many people have reported negative experiences with other benefit assessments, which have sometimes resulted in a loss of benefit. We want to make sure with this campaign that the same mistakes aren’t repeated with PIP assessments.
We are asking you to contact your MP about fairer assessments for PIP.
What are the issues:
- From 8 April 2013, people in the North West and North East of England will start claiming PIP, and from June 2013 PIP will be rolled out across Great Britain replacing DLA. Assessments will be delivered by Atos in some areas, and in others by a company called Capita.
- Many people have already reported negative experiences in assessments for Work Capability Assessments (WCA) which are carried out by Atos, and there is concern that people will face similar negative experiences in assessments for PIP.
- A new report by the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), a group of over 60 charities including NAT, has highlighted some of the key issues and has made recommendations for improving assessments.
How can I get involved:
- Email your MP about the DBC report, so they can put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to get the assessment right.
- To take part in the campaign click here:
- This easy campaign tool created by the DBC highlights the issues to your MP and tells them who will be doing the assessments in your area. It only takes a minute to do.
What difference will it make?
- The email to your MP could encourage them to put pressure on the Government, Atos and Capita to make the assessments fairer for people living with HIV and other disabilities.
Further information and resources:
The full DBC report can be found here
Need more help?
Get in touch with HIVactivist@nat.org.uk
Ask your MP to sign the EDM for increased asylum support levels
The great majority of asylum seekers who arrive in the UK have to meet their essential living needs of food, clothing, toiletries and travel on just £5 a day. Research into poverty and HIV in the UK shows that insufficient asylum support is a key driver of extreme poverty amongst people living with HIV.
On 5 February 2013, Sarah Teather MP tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) No. 1019 on Asylum Support Rates (full text below). Getting your MP to sign the EDM sends a message to the Government that imposing poverty on asylum seekers which damages their health is not acceptable.
What are the issues?
- NAT’s research into the experience of poverty amongst people living with HIV showed that the people in the most desperate need were those reliant on the asylum support provided by UKBA. With no other means of supporting themselves, their health was suffering and they had to seek hardship grants from charity to meet their basic needs.
- Income Support is set at what is considered to be the minimum amount people need to meet their basic living needs. Asylum seekers have to survive on the equivalent of just 52% of Income Support while waiting for the UKBA to make a decision on their application.
- In 1999, Asylum Support levels were set at 70% of Income Support, but have been decreased in recent years. Whilst Income Support is increased every year to keep up with inflation, asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011.
- Asylum seekers do not have a right to seek work in the UK. If they have been waiting for more than 12 months for a decision on their asylum claim, they may apply for permission to seek work (but this is by no means automatically granted).
- Some asylum seekers have had their claim refused but are permitted to stay in the UK because the Government recognises that it is currently not safe for them to return to their home country. This group do not receive any cash support, only vouchers. This is called ‘Section 4’ support and is also the equivalent of about £5 a day – but purchases can only be made at designated stores, and they cannot access cash for transport (e.g. to their HIV clinic) or any other daily costs. Many struggle to buy fresh food, warm clothing, and nappies and other essentials for their children.
- NAT is a member of the Still Human Still Here campaign, which calls for an end to destitution amongst asylum seekers. Still Human Still Here and this EDM call for asylum support to be increased to at least 70% of the level of income support, and uprated each year. As an individual charity, NAT believes it should be 100% equivalent to income support rates.
How can I get involved?
EDM 1019 text:
That this House believes that Britain can rightly be proud of its history of welcoming those fleeing persecution and war; welcomes the cross-party parliamentary report on asylum support for children and families; notes with concern the finding of that report that current asylum support levels are leaving up to 10,000 children destitute or in severe poverty; further believes that section 4 support rates are especially austere and that cashless payments impose damaging restrictions on how families buy essential items; further notes that asylum support rates have not been increased since April 2011; regrets that the previous Government broke the historic link between support rates for asylum seekers and income support; calls on the Government to increase asylum support rates so that they are at least equal to 70 per cent of income support and to up-rate support rates annually; and further calls on the Government to abolish section 4 support and implement a single cash-based support system.
- If you find your MP has already signed the EDM, you might like to email or write to them to show your support for the stand they have taken.
- Use your postcode to find the name of your MP at http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/, then click here to find their email address.
- If you would like to ask your MP to sign the EDM, you can find the template email for you to personalise here
- You could also ask to meet with your MP to talk about the issue and show that as a constituent you are very concerned with poverty amongst asylum seekers.
What difference will it make?
- EDMs are a good way for MPs to show their views on policy issues and open up a space for debate on topics which might not otherwise be heard in the House of Commons.
- If the EDM is signed by lots of MPs, campaigning organisations like NAT and Still Human Still Here can show the Government that there is support for change on this issue.
- Asking your MP to sign the EDM is a good way to show them that constituents do care about the treatment of asylum seekers in this country.
Further information and resources
Need more help?
Get in touch with NAT at HIVactivist@nat.org.ukor 020 7814 6767.
Write to your local authority about providing formula milk for HIV positive mothers
Mother to child transmission of HIV is less than 1% in the UK thanks to current interventions during pregnancy. Breastfeeding increases the risk of transmission, yet some mothers living with HIV in the UK are forced to breastfeed because they can’t afford to buy formula milk and free formula isn't always available.
Write to your local authority to ensure they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers who can’t afford to buy it themselves.
What are the issues?
- Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended in some countries, particularly those where safe water is unavailable, in the UK bottle feeding is strongly recommended as the safest option to avoid mother to child transmission of HIV.
- Current BHIVA guidelines recommend all mothers living with HIV, regardless of viral load, should be supported to bottle feed their infants to reduce mother to child transmission.
- The majority of women living with HIV in the UK are from African communities, many of whom live in poverty. If these women cannot afford formula milk, they may consequently breastfeed, despite knowing the risks.
- There is currently no obligation for local authorities to provide mothers living with HIV with free formula milk
- There are some examples in the UK where local authorities and charities provide free formula milk but these services are patchy and often inadequate.
- NAT are asking all local authorities to provide free formula milk to HIV positive mothers who are unable to buy it themselves.
- This approach is cost effective as the cost of providing free formula milk is significantly less than the cost of providing life long HIV treatment and care for a child who contracts HIV from their mother.
How can I get involved?
- Write to your local authority to ask if they provide free formula milk for HIV positive mothers unable to afford it themselves and if not what steps they plan to take to set up this vital prevention scheme.
What difference will it make?
- By highlighting this issue local authorities will be made aware of the importance of bottle feeding to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV and are more likely to provide free formula to HIV positive mothers who are unable to afford it.
- Your actions could help prevent a child from contracting HIV.
Further information and resources
Need more help?
Get in touch with NAT at HIVactivist@nat.org.uk or 020 7814 6767
Write to your local councillor about HIV social care services
Despite the Government committing in the last Spending Review to take account of HIV social care needs and retaining a specific funding line in local authority Formula Grants, services are still at risk from local cuts. Ask your local Health Overview and Scrutiny committee to review HIV social care service provision in light of funding for HIV social care no longer being ring-fenced.
What are the issues?
- Social Care is very important for many people living with HIV. Counselling and peer support can help people come to terms with their diagnosis, stay well and adhere to treatment.
- With HIV social care funding no longer ring-fenced and the increased emphasis on local flexibility, there is a risk that HIV social care funds could be spent elsewhere.
How can I get involved?
- Write to your local councillor or Health Overview and Scrutiny committee and highlight the issue of HIV social care funding and ask that they ensure the needs of people living with HIV are met in the local area by using the funding committed to HIV social care to provide vital services.
- You can also highlight the importance of HIV social care services by emailing your local councillor via the SHout Loud campaigning website here
- If you sent an email via the SHout Loud website before January 2011, get back in touch with your Councillor and let them know how much funding for HIV social care your council will receive. This will enable your Councillor to find our more specific information from the council. Find out how much money your council received for HIV social care here.
What difference will it make?
- It will help to increase understanding of the importance of HIV social care amongst local decision makers.
- Keeping the issue on the agenda makes it harder for funding to be diverted and services cut.
Further information and resources
Need more help?
Get in touch with NAT at HIVactivist@nat.org.uk or 020 7814 6767.
Ask how HIV will be considered in your local area’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for health and social care services
From April 2013, most commissioning (planning and paying for health and social care services) will be done at a local level. As HIV is a specialised condition, commissioning for treatment and care will be done centrally by the NHS Commissioning Board. However, all other services relevant to HIV including prevention, testing, social care and other health needs will be decided locally. The plans that are made for these services will depend upon the results of the local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).
Take five minutes to find out how your council is considering the needs of people living with and at risk of HIV in the JSNA, and how they are involving people living with HIV in the process.
What are the issues:
- All planning of healthcare and social care in a local area has to be done within the framework of a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).
- The Health and Social Care Bill 2012 transforms the way all NHS and social care services are commissioned. Important decisions will now be made predominantly at a local level. There are a number of different organisations responsible for commissioning (planning and paying for) the various aspects of health and social care, but they are expected to come together in a local authority's Health and Wellbeing Board.
- The Health and Wellbeing Board will undertake a JSNA to assess the health and social care needs of their local population. The JSNA will also be the basis of a strategy (known as the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy or JHWS) to meet those needs. All the more detailed decisions then made about service priorities and planning have to be in line with the JSNA and the resulting JHWS.
- So it is really important to make sure now - as local authorities are working on their JSNA - that they are thinking about the needs of people with HIV and the communities most affected by HIV.
How Can I help?
- Email your local councillor(s) to ask for an update on your local JSNA, how HIV is being considered, and how people with HIV and relevant local organisations can get involved.
- Use the information you receive to get involved with planning services in your area and encourage other people living with and affected by HIV in your community to do the same. You might want to share the findings with your local HIV organisation.
What difference will it make?
- Get decision-makers in your local area thinking about HIV now, so that the needs of people living with and affected by HIV will be met by their commissioning plans from 2013.
- It might well make the difference between HIV being taken seriously in your local area and being neglected.
- Increase the involvement of people living with HIV in decision-making about the services that are relevant to them.
Further information and resources
Need more help?
