Manchester charity the Lesbian & Gay Foundation have been forced to remove their services from the town of Stockport after the NHS slashed their funding by 100 per cent.
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The move was first mooted when the LGF received a letter from NHS Stockport in November last year, stating that their sexual health funding was being discontinued in full.
Despite a long-running appeal, funding expired on 19 May along with Manchester-based HIV charity George House Trust, who have also experienced 100 per cent cuts.
The services stopped include: Rapid HIV Testing Clinic, Outreach Clinic, Face 2
Face Counselling, Groups, Advice Surgeries and Brief Intervention
Pop-ins.
Richard Popplewell, Managing Director of NHS Stockport, has defended the decision commenting: “The LGB community in Stockport can, along with all of our residents, access NHS Stockport’s comprehensive and high quality sexual health services.
"All of the services provided by the LGF in Stockport are also run by NHS Stockport and are available locally to everyone.
"We provide the full range of sexual health screening and treatments through the local Contraceptive and Adult Sexual Health Services in a range of clinics around the borough. In addition, NHS Stockport gives out free condoms through its Contraceptive and Sexual Health clinics at The Choices Centre in central Stockport and the Woodley, Hazel Grove, North Reddish and Adswood clinics.”
However, the LGF’s Director of Programmes and Performance, Rob Cookson, highlighted the negative impact that the cuts will have on lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Stockport.
“Along with direct condom and lube provision in Stockport venues, we will also no longer be able to attend local events or distribute resources such as our community magazine outnorthwest, sexual health and well-being information in the area.
“It is not in our DNA to stop services to those residents who wish to receive support and information. LGF has built up a reputation of being able to distribute information right in the heart of local communities. While this will no longer be possible in Stockport, any lesbian, gay or bisexual person from Stockport will continue to be able to access our services at our Community Resource Centre in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village, even though Stockport no longer make any contribution to these services.”
Now, the Lesbian & Gay Foundation are encouraging those who live and work in Stockport to campaign against the cuts.
To urge NHS Stockport to reconsider their funding decision, visit www.lgf.org.uk, for a letter template.
