By Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive, Positive Life. In May 2021 I received a phone call from our good friend and long-term supporter Kate Nicholl telling me she had been selected by her party colleagues to be the next Lord Mayor of Belfast and that she wanted Positive Life to be one of her mayoral charities. To be given the opportunity …
Do you talk to your dentist about your sex life?
Do you talk to your dentist about your sex life? At Positive Life we know that a HIV diagnosis is not the death sentence it once was, however, we also know that the uniquely associated stigma and ignorance around the condition is still alive and thriving in Northern Ireland. A recent incident experienced by one of our service users goes …
COVID-19
Over the weekend the reaction to COVID-19 has increased with further statements and decisions likely to be made in the coming days. It is a worrying time for all. On a practical level, we at Positive Life have taken all necessary precautions to ensure that we are providing a safe environment, adhering to health & safety recommendations, including regularly and …
Marking Sexual Health Week 2020
This Sexual Health Week we are calling for greater emphasis to be placed on Relationship and Sex Education in schools, to create knowledge and understanding about sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. More often than not, sex education at second and third level education teaches the basic elements, but fails to place an emphasis on maintaining good sexual health. This …
Supporting our Service Users navigate the complexity of support payments
Changes to the welfare benefits system over the past year has given cause for great concern from many who are partially or wholly reliant on support payments. The move to universal payments and the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in particular is one area that service users with us at Positive Life have highlighted issues around time and again. We have …
World AIDS Day 2019
This coming Sunday (1st December) marks World AIDS Day – The annual day for action and reflection for those people around the globe who are living with HIV or AIDS. At Positive Life we are working harder than ever to raise awareness of the now lifelong condition in Northern Ireland. However, we are doing that in a social environment that …
HIV and Mental Health in Northern Ireland
Today is World Mental Health Day, a day to reflect on how mental health awareness has changed over the years consider what more we can all do, as a society for those who live with mental health issues. According to statistics, around 20% of the Northern Ireland population have or have had a mental health problem in their lives, and …
#HumansofHIV – Paula Bradley MLA
In this series, Positive Life tells the story of the people who are part of the wider HIV community and who advocate for those living with and affected by HIV in Northern Ireland. This month we hear from Paula Bradley MLA, former Chair of the Northern Ireland Assembly Health Committee, DUP Health Spokesperson and policy maker who has been a …
Gareth Thomas and HIV image perceptions
As seen across the media last weekend, former Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas took charge of sharing the fact that he has been living with HIV for a number of years. Following on from this, the outpouring of support for Gareth was outstanding from far and wide including members of the Royal family and sports stars. While this was an …
HIV Ageing Awareness Day
Today is National HIV Ageing Awareness Day – a day to celebrate and reflect on the rising number of people who are living long and full lives with HIV. One of the many myths surrounding HIV is that it is a life sentence which will at best completely alter how you live your life and at worst, will kill you. …