Charity aims to tackle needs of black gay men
Gay Men Fighting AIDS has been awarded a grant by the Big Lottery Fund for their work around peer education projects and deliver health promotion initiatives to the black gay community in London.
Sigma Research data from December 2005 found that black gay men are more likely to be diagnosed with HIV compared to other ethnic groups in the UK – 11.1% compared to 6.4% white British gay men – or have a partner with HIV.
When looking at levels of risk, black men who have sex with men are more likely to have sex which could result in HIV transmission.
GMFA’s Reaching Communities grant by the BIG Lottery Fund will enable black gay volunteers to pioneer peer education projects and deliver health promotion initiatives to their community.
“We’re delighted that the increasing need for focused black gay men’s work has not been ignored,” said Matthew Hodson, head of Programmes for GMFA.
“This grant opens up a new post at GMFA which will not only increase the services we can make available for black gay men, but ensures that the work is tailored and targeted to the communities’ needs.”
GMFA are currently recruiting a new project manager to kick-off phase one of this project. Details of this post and how to apply can be found at www.gmfa.org.uk/jobs or by calling 020 7738 6872. The closing date is 5th November.
