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Help Waverley Care be there for people affected by HIV and Hepatitis C at this time of national crisis

Waverley Care has taken the difficult decision to suspend in-person support and testing services across Scotland. We will, however, continue to be there for people who need support with HIV, hepatitis C and sexual health - especially those who are particularly vulnerable or isolated at this time. 

A great number of our service users are not only living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C, but are also dealing with a range of other physical or mental health issues, poverty, homelessness, isolation, domestic violence or addiction – issues which could be exacerbated by increased isolation and reductions in support services. As a result of these unprecedented times, our service users may find it even harder to deal with their situation and need our help more than ever.

We can't do this without you. 

As a result of the virus outbreak, we face a dramatic drop in donations, volunteering and fundraising. We are estimating a loss of at least £260,000 due to cancelled events and fundraising over the coming months. At a time when our service users need us most, this drop in income will put additional strain on our support services.  

Can you help us be there for those who need us?

Ways you can help 

Although you won't see our usual events and fundraising activities in our calendar right now, there are still plenty of ways you can help. 

• Set up a monthly donation 
• Make a one-off donation 
• Help raise funds by setting up a Facebook fundraiser or Virgin Money Giving page

If you would like to speak to us about making a donation, please contact the fundraising team at fundraising@waverleycare.org. 

More info about the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

A message from Waverley Care's Chief Executive, Grant Sugden, on the impact of COVID-19. 

At this time of great worry and uncertainty for us all, I hope that you and your loved ones are in good health. Here at Waverley Care, we are following Government advice and have put strict measures in place to protect our staff, volunteers and service users. 

Although we have taken the difficult decision to suspend our in-person support and testing services across Scotland, we need to continue to be there for our many service users living with HIV and hepatitis C - especially those who are particularly vulnerable or isolated at this time.  

A great number of our service users are not only living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C, but are also dealing with a range of other physical or mental health issues, poverty, homelessness, isolation, domestic violence or addiction – issues which could be exacerbated by increased isolation and reductions in support services. As a result of these unprecedented times, our service users may find it even harder to deal with their situation and need our help more than ever. 

• Nathan from our African Health Project team is working hard to get at least one month’s supply of formula milk to HIV positive mothers across Lanarkshire at a time when the supermarket stocks have been decimated and food banks are having to close. Some of the mothers have also been telling us that they are scared to continue going into work for fear of contracting Coronavirus, but also don’t feel they can tell employers why, due to fear of HIV stigma.
• Allison from our Community Outreach team in Edinburgh is continuing to support some of our service users who are already incredibly frail and isolated - people who have no one in their lives. Last week she was asked “If I can’t see anyone, will I die?”. Some weeks Allison is the only person they would see or talk to. Allison said “We may have to arrange emergency drop-offs of supplies over the coming weeks and months.”
• Christine from our Hepatitis C Recovery team in Glasgow has also been working hard to support her service users over the phone but says “That’s fine if they have a phone. But some of the most vulnerable people we work with don’t even have a phone. We only see them when they visit the office or at medical appointments. I’m worried about them most of all.”

This is all happening in parallel to a drop in our income. As you’ll be aware, we rely on generous donations and fundraising from the general public to fund our vital services. Much of this is already at risk. At a time when our service users need us most, a drop in our income will put additional strain on our support services. 

Please consider helping us reach out to people living with HIV and Hepatitis C through this incredibly difficult period, by giving what you can. 

Waverley Care was founded to support people affected by HIV, Hepatitis C and poor sexual health across Scotland. Our work is vital and I am determined that we can continue to be there for them over the weeks and months to come, when they may need us more than ever before.   

With my thanks and very best wishes.  

Grant Sugden 

Chief Executive, Waverley Care