Glen Oaks Housing Association has become the first housing association in Scotland to deliver a vital cash boost to an HIV charity.

In a trailblazing move, Glen Oaks has donated the money to HIV Scotland following a suggestion from a tenant.

This week the housing association handed over a cheque for £200 and wished the charity well in its essential work.

HIV Scotland is the national HIV policy organisation for Scotland. It exists on behalf of all Scots with and at risk of HIV to ensure that the country has responsive policies, quality services and a supportive environment which enables people living with or at risk of HIV in Scotland to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Glen Oaks said it had no hesitation in granting the suggested donation following the request from a tenant. The money will be used for HIV Scotland’s “Positive Persons’ Forum”.

Chairperson Elaine McShane said: “HIV Scotland do an incredible job not just in striving to eliminate stigma and discrimination but by speaking out on behalf of people living with and at risk of HIV.

“A long-established objective of the housing association movement is to help communities where we have our homes. Inevitably in these communities some people will be living with HIV or be affected by HIV and we are pleased to be doing our bit to help.”

A spokesperson for HIV Scotland said: “HIV Scotland would like to express our immense gratitude to Glen Oaks Housing Association for supporting the Positive Persons’ Forum, which is an annual conference created by people living with HIV for people living with HIV.

“The Forum brings people together to share experiences, learn from each other and set the agenda for change. HIV is still a seriously stigmatised illness, and this stigma has a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV.

“By bringing people living with HIV together the Forum helps people overcome some of the effects stigma can have on them, helps build community together and informs services and decision makers of the major issues affecting this community.”

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