GMFA have announced that due to financial circumstances their website and FS magazine will not longer be funded – for the present.

For two decades the GMFA have been working at the forefront of  HIV and sexual health prevention aimed at gay men in London and other major cities throughout the UK.

The charity sites the slashing of HIV and sexual health prevention budgets, the large-scale reorganisation of the NHS and a move from a national sexual health prevention strategy to a local focus, as the reason for the crisis.

However, Mathew Hodson, head of GMFA programmes is determined to turn the situation around, saying: “Whilst this position is obviously a daunting one to find ourselves in, I also believe that it may prove to be a great opportunity for us, an opportunity to re-think what we do and how we do it.”

The funding crisis comes against a backdrop of increased rates of HIV transmission in the gay community. A situation largely thought – not to be a result of a lack of information about HIV transmission – but due to recreational alcohol and drug use.  MSM (men seeking men) using social media cruising sites such as Gaydar and  Grindr are  another likely contributing factor in increased HIV transmissions.

Hodson goes on to say: “ The environment in which we operate has changed enormously and continues to evolve. HIV is increasingly a manageable condition. Anyone who seeks out this information will find it, so it’s no surprise that the fear – which once prevented many people from taking sexual risks – is diminished. Despite these advances, people who live with HIV continue to suffer both physical and emotional disadvantages over the course of their lives as a result of their infection.”

If you would like to attend a GMFA community forum to discuss new ideas, or would like to support GMFA email: at gmfa@gmfa.org.uk or tweet them via @GMFA_UK or drop them a line via www.facebook.com/GMFA.UK.

A REPORT  published in the Journal of Viral Hepatitis says 13,000 people who are living with HIV in the UK may also have Hepatitis C but not realise it.

This represents nearly 70% of the total estimate of people with HIV and Hep C in the UK.

The report is based on a study by the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort, which indicates that gay men still remain a high risk group, second only to injecting drug users.

The study looked at 31,765 patients at ten specialist HIV clinics between 1996 and 2007. 36% had never been tested for Hep C, despite guidelines from BHIVA (British HIV Association) recommending screening for all HIV-positive patients.

Matthew Hodson, Head of Programmes at GMFA, said: “It’s a major concern that HIV-positive men aren’t being screened regularly for Hepatitis C. The virus often shows no symptoms and most people who get infected will not be able to get rid of it without treatment. We urge men with HIV to ask about Hepatitis C at their clinics and ensure they get tested. By getting diagnosed early, you can start treatment and stand the best chance of overcoming the virus.”

Seven per cent of HIV-positive gay men are known to have Hep C.

A blogger on Outspoken on Health GMFA’s blog site said: “I acquired HIV in 2001 and I am currently undergoing treatment for Hepatitis C for the SECOND time!” writes the anonymous blogger. “I have stopped having unprotected sex because I simply can’t stand the trauma of all the STIs and health issues that go with it any more… people have no idea how [unprotected sex] can affect your mental health. And Hepatitis C is the new HIV. It’s out there and the treatment is hard going.”

To read the full article, visit: http://www.onmedica.com/NewsArticle.aspx?id=73925b3a-b3ea-452e-9a37-4064ea870e20

ENDS

GMFA have launched an advertising campaign to tackle the rise in Hepatitis C infections among HIV-positive gay men.

The campaign aims to raise awareness about co-infection and help HIV-positive gay men to understand how the Hep C virus is spread, how to better protect themselves and the importance of early diagnosis.

According to treatment activist group HIV i-Base, there are between 250,000 to 600,000 people in the UK living with Hepatitis C and only 55,000 have been diagnosed. That means up to 91 per cent of people with Hepatitis C may be undiagnosed.

There have been a growing number of cases of Hepatitis C infection in HIV-positive men, and much of this increase is now understood to be due to sexual transmission. If left untreated, this can lead to an increased risk of cirrhosis, liver cancer and even premature death.

Matthew Hodson, Head of Programmes at GMFA has warned that with up to a third of HIV clinics may not yet testing their patients for Hep C annually. It’s important for HIV-positive men to understand the need for them to be screened for Hep C and to request the test at their clinic.

Matthew adds: “We want to encourage HIV-positive men to ask about Hep C at their clinics and ensure they get tested for the virus. Hep C often shows no symptoms and most people who get infected will not be able to get rid of it without treatment. By getting diagnosed early, you can start treatment and stand the best chance of overcoming the virus.”

For more info about HIV and Hep C go to i-Base

For more info anout GMFA go to www.gmfa.org.uk



GMFA’s annual Gay Sports Day fundraiser is set to kick up a scrum this year with support from Rugby star and heart-throb Ben Cohen.

To get you all in the mood for some team spirited fun the he has sent you all a pre games pep talk.

“I am happy to support this year’s GMFA/RVT Gay Sports Day. Sport is an important part of my life and it’s great to see a community come together and enjoy sport in such a fun and accessible way. Plus it raises vital funds for the important work carried out by GMFA and the other charities which will benefit from the day.

“I would encourage everyone to form a team and take part or show your appreciation by making a donation on the day. I will personally be donating items that will be part of an auction at the end of the event. Best of luck to all the competitors and have a fantastic day.”

The day will see teams battle for victory in events such as the drag relay, the handbag throw and the fabulous 50m mince. Registration is now open at www.gmfa.org.uk/sportsday so you can sign your team up, get training and help raise vital money to benefit gay men and the local community. There will be trophies for the winning team, the team that raises the most money, and for the team judged to be wearing the best costumes.

The event which is co-run and held at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern will raise much needed funds to continue the work of the GMFA and other charities and has become a gay institution and a highlight of the summer calendar.

30 August – London – You can register a team until 25 August at www.gmfa.org.uk/sportsday or just go along and support those taking part. 1pm till 6pm

For nearly two decades GMFA have run innovative courses and public health initiatives that have benefited thousands of gay men.

Whether you needed to gain some self-confidence, take control of your sex life or to learn how to protect yourself, GMFA have been there to help.

The Getting a Boyfriend course – for gay men – will run in 12 cities across the UK this July. The free one-day course will help you understand more about yourself and what you want from a relationship. It also includes advice on how to stick to a safe-sex-regime when you do find Mr Right.

Matthew Hodson, of the GMFA, says: “For many of us, having some romance or even a partner to share our life with is important. However, finding and maintaining a relationship can take work. This course will help men take a fresh look at what they want from a relationship and how to go about getting it.”

This course  encourages you to think about: Whether you are ready for a relationship?  What you bring to and want from a relationship? You’ll have a chance to think about areas such as: Whether you want an open or monogamous relationship?  What sort of commitment you are after? and whether you are looking for a boyfriend in the right places.

• 17 JULY: BRADFORD – LONDON – NOTTINGHAM – SHEFFIELD
  
• 24 JULY: BRISTOL– LIVERPOOL– MANCHESTER – PLYMOUTH - SOUTHHAMPTON
  
• 31 JULY: BIRMINGHAM– BRIGHTON – NEWCASTLE
  

GMFA will run the courses with trainers from local gay charities and healthcare services including: Armistead Project, The Eddystone Trust, Healthy Gay Life, Healthy Gay Nottingham The Lesbian and Gay Foundation, MESMAC North East and Yorkshire, the Sheffield Centre for HIV & Sexual Health, Southampton Gay Community health service, and THT.

GMFA courses and workshops are free, but places are limited and need to be booked in advance. To book a place call: 020 7738 3712. www.gmfa.org.uk/national Funded by CHAPS.

This course was funded by  Community HIV & AIDS Prevention Strategy.

For nearly two decades GMFA have run innovative courses and public health initiatives that have benefited thousands of gay men.

Whether you needed to gain some self-confidence, take control of your sex life or to learn how to protect yourself, GMFA have been there to help.

The Building Your Confidence course will run in 12 cities across the UK this Summer. The one day course, will equip you with practical skills to help build your confidence, help you to talk to the men you like, and put you back in the driving seat when it comes to your sex life.

Matthew Hodson, of the GMFA, says: “Confidence can have a huge impact on our lives. Perhaps where it can have the greatest impact is on the sex we have. Research has shown that men with higher self-confidence are more likely to stick to safer sex.”

12 June: Bradford – London – Leicester

19 June: Bristol – Liverpool – Manchester – Plymouth – Sheffield.

26 June: Birmingham – Brighton – Newcastle – Southampton.

GMFA will run the courses with trainers from local gay charities and healthcare services including: Armistead Project, The Eddystone Trust, The Lesbian and Gay Foundation, MESMAC North East and Yorkshire, the Sheffield Centre for HIV & Sexual Health, Southampton Gay Community health service, Trade Sexual Health and THT.

GMFA courses and workshops are free, but places are limited and need to be booked in advance. To book a place call: 020 7738 3712. www.gmfa.org.uk/national Funded by CHAPS.