FAST TRACK CITIES INITIATIVE
AAF is proud to be a partner of the London Fast Track Initiative working to get to zero HIV infection and stigma in the capital by 2030. We are leading an initiative to provide HIV screening for people in homeless shelters, vulnerable refugees, migrants and displaced individuals and we are collaborating with other organisations to focus on early diagnosis within black African communities, rapid testing in south east London, and developing educational materials. AAF is also partnering with sexual health organisations and faith communities to develop a faith-based network of testers in churches, mosques and synagogues.
PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN & GIRLS
AAF runs a number of campaigns, support services and training to prevent violence against women and girls. We campaign against FGM and other harmful traditional practices. We run support activities for survivors of FGM, offering specialist one-on-one counselling and peer support group sessions. We also train FGM community champions and frontline professionals to competently handle FGM issues and to effectively engage with affected communities.
HIV PREVENTION & TESTING
AAF is a Local Activation Partner of the HIV Prevention England’s (HPE) national “It Starts With Me Campaign.” We deliver community engagement outreach information sessions, distribute free condoms and carry out rapid HIV testing within the community. The rapid HIV testing service is confidential and delivered in partnership with the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.
NOBODY LEFT OUTSIDE
AAF is part of “The Nobody Left Outside (NLO) Platform,” a group of organisations representing the interests of some of Europe’s most underserved communities with respect to healthcare access, such as: migrants, sex workers, the homeless, people who inject drugs (PWID), prisoners, or LGTBI people. We are working on innovative policy responses and supporting a rethink of health service design, informed by the groups affected, to address these inherent inequalities.
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV
Our weekly Peer Support Group is a friendly and vibrant group for people living with HIV. Participants have the opportunity to share everyday experiences of living with the condition and to support one another in enjoying a happy and fulfilling life. We provide newly diagnosed training services and confidential one-on-one counselling and support.
PrEP & PREJUDICE
This campaign is designed to influence how the diverse black African communities engage in HIV prevention, specifically with the use of PrEP as an HIV prevention tool. The project works to increase PrEP awareness and uptake amongst heterosexuals and MSM BAMEs in England. The programme is delivered in collaboration with other HIV organisations and commissioned Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRH) services in various localities in England.
YOUTH4LIFE CLUB
Youth4Life is a platform for young people to address a range of issues relevant to young people, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, mental health, mentorship, volunteering, careers, advocacy, independently living skills, etc. We run training programmes and a platform for the young to express themselves and to enhance social and professional networks.
Mi-CARE TRAINING PROGRAMME
Mi-Care is an annual training programme aimed at enhancing the capacity of migrant communities in Europe to participate fully in healthcare policy and practice. It also creates a platform for migrant communities to engage with key stakeholders to address barriers to healthcare access.
Mi-HEALTH EUROPE
Mi-Health Europe is a policy and advocacy collaborative that strengthens the capacity of European migrant communities to engage with services and to influence healthcare policy and practice. Through the Mi-Health HIV Partnership initiative, policy and research, capacity building activities, a resource database and a community of practice, we are working towards a healthier, more equitable Europe for all migrants.
HIDDEN VOICES PROJECT
Hidden Voices project provides culturally, language and faith appropriate support services to empower and improve the safety, health and wellbeing of black African migrant women and girls in London who are undocumented, on spousal visas and/or have no recourse to public funds (NRPF) and are at risk or experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
FIND YOUR FOUR
“Find Your Four is a campaign that aims to support people living with HIV to think about the four elements of their broader health and wellbeing that are most important to them and help them to be ready to talk to their HIV doctor, nurse or support group about why they matter. For more information and a range of resources to support those with HIV to live well, visit https://www.hivfindyourfour.co.uk. The Find Your Four campaign has been developed and funded by Gilead Sciences in collaboration with the HIV community.”
