FFLAG launches second edition of support booklet for friends and families of people diagnosed with HIV 

As the national charity dedicated to supporting friends and families of LGBT+ individuals, FFLAG aims to offer invaluable support to those facing the emotional challenges that come with a loved one’s HIV diagnosis.  

With HIV now affecting as many heterosexual people as LGBT+ people, the ‘When Someone You Love is Diagnosed with HIV’ booklet is for all parents, partners and friends of anyone receiving a HIV diagnosis; irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity, be it gay, straight, trans or cisgender. 

This booklet gives those nearest and dearest to someone newly diagnosed with HIV the facts about the virus, dispelling many of the myths of the past, and explains the wonderful message that Undetectable = Untransmissible. 

Sarah Furley, Chair of FFLAG reflects: 

“Written by two mothers from their personal experience of supporting their children, this booklet shares their emotional journey as well as valuable information about an infection that was once almost always fatal but can now be controlled and may one day be eliminated. We hope it will bring reassurance to families that their loved ones can enjoy happy healthy lives.” 

The extended second version of the booklet has a greater focus on how stigma obstructs the aim of eliminating HIV/AIDS. The main message remains, of course, that individuals living with HIV, when on effective treatment, can lead lives of normal expectancy without risking transmission to partners or others. 

A Consultant in Sexual Health and HIV at Wiltshire Sexual Health, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, expresses the booklet’s significance in addressing the acute concerns of patients. Reassurance regarding effective treatments, halting transmission, and extended life expectancies can be delivered by healthcare professionals, but the emotional impact on family and friends is a dimension often challenging to address.  

“The FFLAG ‘Someone I love has HIV’ booklet provides reassurance to families from others that have been through the same experience and is priceless to our patients and their loved ones. That experience is something that we as clinicians are often unable to provide. It has become a valued resource for us to use during the first weeks of a new HIV diagnosis.” 

 

FFLAG offers support by email support@fflag.org.uk or through our Helpline (0300 688 0368) and through the materials on our website fflag.org.uk  

 

Facebook: facebook.com/OfficialFFLAG/ 

X: twitter.com/OfficialFFLAG 

Instagram: instagram.com/fflagparent2parent/  

Tags: , ,

Comments are closed.

myGwork is Celebrating 10 Years of LGBTQ+ Inclusion

myGwork, the largest global LGBTQ+ business platform often dubbed the Pink LinkedIn, is thrilled to announce its 10th anniversary, which […]

LGBTQ+ Lottery Co-Founder Turns Pension Pot into Half-A-Million Pound Fundraiser

During 2020’s lockdown, London-based Tom Gattos and his partner, David Murray, had the idea for a lottery which directly supports […]

What Makes Me: Eloise Viola

London-based singer, songwriter and vocal powerhouse Eloise Viola has just released her debut album, Glasshouse, which is a passionate pop […]

Cursed Under London

From Horrible Histories TV writer, Gabby Hutchinson Crouch  The unputdownable first novel in a new series for fans of Freya Marske, […]

Mixed Drinks Inspired by Legendary Drag Performers

Sixty iconic drag performers are the inspiration for this fun and fabulous collection of cocktails and zero-proof drinks recipes. Category […]

Fyne Meets Susie McCabe

Glaswegian comedian and podcast host Susie McCabe is coming to the Edinburgh Fringe with her new show, The Merchant of […]

Pride Events at The Mill Arts Centre

Playwriting for Pride 2-5pm Saturday 15th June Tickets £30 Celebrate pride month in this vibrant playwriting workshop! In this workshop you’ll […]

The Art of the Hen Party: Crafting the Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Crafting the perfect hen party is akin to creating a masterpiece. It’s about blending the right elements to honour the […]

Katy Baird – Get Off

Self-proclaimed ‘hot-mess’ Katy Baird brings the London premiere of her latest work Get Off to Battersea Arts Centre this May. […]

Hits Radio Pride Increases UK DAB Distribution

Bauer Media Audio UK has today announced that it will increase the distribution of its LGBTQ+ dedicated station, Hits Radio […]