NAZ PROJECT the London based HIV and sexual health charity that provides services to the black, Minority and Ethnic communities (BME) is facing closure, and needs to raise 75k to keep existing projects up-and-running.

The charity that was founded 20 years ago has launched an urgent appeal to raise the money and has given itself till the end of October to achieve the target or face closure. At present they have pledges amounting to £5,635.

Bryan Teixeira, Chief Executive, told PinkPaper.com: “We are asking our supporters to invest in sustaining one of the premier BME sexual health and HIV organisations in the UK. And we need that investment now.

“While other sectors get bailouts, specialist charities like Naz Project that are addressing the ever widening gap in health inequalities in our Big Society must not be left to go to the wall.”

Parminder Sekhon, the Deputy Chief Executive, blames the organisations financial problems on the after-effect of recession and told PinkPaper.com that despite the recession starting in 2008: “We all knew that the real impact for the voluntary sector would be 2010.”

“The impact of NAZ disappearing from the sexual health landscape in London and nationally will be the slowing down and eventual reverse of what has been achieved to reduce prejudice and stigma experienced by BME people living with HIV,” the charity said in a statement on its website.

If you would like to donate to this urgent appeal click here for details:  www.virginmoneygiving.com

If you would like to find out more about the vital work that the Naz Project is involved in, go to:  www.naz.org.uk