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New project for
black gay men seeks volunteers
10 Apr 2008- London, England- A grant from the Big Lottery Fun
has allowed sexual health charity GMFA to launch a new three-year
project targeting group that are disproportionately affected by HIV.
Big Up, the black gay men's volunteer group at GMFA, will be carrying
out research to investigate the sexual health needs of black gay men,
and in turn provide them with better services.
New volunteers are needed to become involved in peer education projects,
developing culturally appropriate HIV awareness interventions and
outreach programmes, aimed at other black gay men, including those men
who have sex with men but don't identify as gay.
Black gay men are almost twice as likely as white British gay men to be
living with HIV.
"The HIV prevention needs of gay men and of African communities are
acknowledged, but black gay men are disproportionately affected by HIV
and there is little work that acknowledges both their ethnicity and
sexuality," said Matthew Hodson, Head of Programmes for GMFA.
"We are delighted that with the generosity of the Big Lottery Fund the
Big Up group are able to continue their work in addressing the
inequalities black and ethnic minority gay men experience in regards to
their sexual health needs.
"This project will not only provide new services, but ensure that we are
able to deliver targeted health work that black gay communities identify
as needed."
The project aims to reduce the transmission of HIV among the black gay
community.
GMFA said all people, irrespective of ethnicity, sexuality or HIV
status, are invited to get involved as volunteers.
If you are interested in getting involved in Big Up, or volunteering for
GMFA, contact: newvol@gmfa.org.uk.
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