We are pleased to update you all with some really good news.
During August and September we wrote out to all of you to let you know that Bristol City Council had informed us they were heading into a consultation period where they would be proposing a 100% funding cut to our HIV Advice and Support Service.
We are now delighted to inform you that after all of the responses they received from the online consultation and the feedback from the in-person consultation, they have reversed that decision. We want to take this opportunity to say a BIG thank you to all of you who took the time to complete the consultation and an even BIGGER thank you goes to our community. Those individuals (over 30 of you) who are living with HIV who came to the in-person consultation and who bravely and vulnerably told their story to the commissioners. Without your help, this decision would not have happened.
Bristol City Council really did listen to each and every one of you and took on board everything that was said. Their decision is to continue to fund this service for another 12 months which will allow them time to to engage with other stakeholders and health partners to ensure this service is more sustainably funded for the future.
They commented that “this service plays a pivotal role in providing HIV support to people in Bristol and the wider region” and “we acknowledge the feedback and lived experience of people from the consultation and would welcome further engagement with Brigstowe to explore ways in which we can improve inclusivity and enable people living with HIV to not face discrimination in Adult Social Care services“.
Brigstowe welcome this decision and the invitation to engage with Bristol City Council not only to ensure sustainable funding for this vital service for so many but to also make lasting positive change within Adult Social Care so everyone living with HIV can access all services confidently.
Again, we cannot thank you all enough and in the words of one of our volunteers.. “VIVA LA BRIGSTOWE!” Team Brigstowe