Caroline visited the Women and Families Service at The Sussex Beacon on Friday to learn more about the care it provides for those living with HIV.

After spending some time with the group and listening to the women speaking about the challenges of living with HIV, the MP for Brighton Pavilion said:

"I am learning that not only do people living with HIV face all the problems associated with other long term health conditions, but there is also an extra layer of difficulty because of the stigma attached to it.

"So it is great to come to a place like the Sussex Beacon where, as soon as you walk in the door, you feel the positive atmosphere and a great sense of solidarity and support.

"It was really wonderful to welcome Caroline Lucas to the Beacon." said Paula Evenden, Manager of the Women and Families Service.

"We're very proud of this service which provides crucial support to women living with HIV.

"With the right help, women living with HIV can overcome a lot of the difficulties, be true to their own aspirations and inspire others to do the same."

The Women & Families Service was recently awarded a five year grant from The Big Lottery to further develop this service.

ENDS  

Notes

The Sussex Beacon is a unique centre providing innovative services to meet the changing needs of people living with HIV. Set in tranquil landscaped gardens, overlooking the South Downs north of Brighton, it is one of only two clinical care centres of its kind in England.

It cares for people via a ten-bedded Inpatient unit and through the Day Care and Health Management Services and the Women and Families service.

The Sussex Beacon opened in November 1992 as a purpose-built hospice for people dying of AIDS. Thanks to the huge advances in drug treatments it now cares for men and women living with HIV. A small but increasing number come for end of life care.

For more information, and to view a short film about the work of the Sussex Beacon, visit: http://www.sussexbeacon.org.uk/

Contact for the Women and Families Service Manager- Paula Evenden: paula.evenden@sussexbeacon.org.uk