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Africa Advocacy Foundation OUR WORK At Africa Advocacy Foundation, we empower individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing through accurate information, advice, and guidance. We provide safe, judgment-free, and inclusive platforms for community members to discuss and engage in activities that promote healthy lifestyle choices. ABOUT US AAF UPDATE NATIONAL HIV TESTING WEEK ​ Order your free self test kit for HIV We can stop HIV - It Starts With Me CLOSED INNOVATION AAF is striving for new and creative ways to reduce health inequalities and to promote health and wellbeing for our communities. We are passionate about new healthcare technologies, the latest biomedical interventions, health services re-design, and empowering communities to be active partners in health. PROGRAMMES COMMUNITY HUB Our physical and emotional health is linked to the strength of our community. The Africa Advocacy Foundation represents a community that, like any other, is stronger, together. The more we communicate, the more we share our wisdom, thoughts and ideas- the stronger our community gets. GO TO HUB Chat Chat What is Monkeypox? Monkeypox can cause a range of signs and symptoms. While some people have less severe symptoms, others may develop more serious illness and need care in a health facility. Those typically at higher risk include people who are pregnant, children and persons that are immunocompromised. Chat Chat What is Monkeypox? Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Video of PrEP for Black Communities PrEP is now freely available across England from sexual health clinics. For more information about PrEP visit: www.africadvocacy.org Video of PrEP for Black Communities Video of PrEP for Black Communities Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing 06:41 Play Video Video of PrEP for Black Communities. Are you PrEPared to have a healthy sex life? Now Playing 01:35 Play Video Video of PrEP for Black Communities (Short Version) Now Playing 02:07 Play Video Prep and Prejudice, Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) Interviews about PrEP for Black Communities Ouma Obanda interviewed with Dr Vanessa Apea and Dr Emily Mabonga about PrEP. Upcoming Events Contact Us Online Want to know more about how to access healthcare in England? Contact Us Online Free online sessions to find out more about - Your rights to healthcare - How to access different health services - Your rights at work - Sexual health and contraception Join sessions on either Saturdays or Thursdays starting 24 February. RSVP 0 Tolerance day towards Female Genital Mutilation In acknowledgement of 0 Tolerance day towards FGM, one of our amazing service users has shared their experience with the harmful cultural practice. FGM stands for Female Genitalia Mutilation, and is to this day practiced around the world on young women and girls. It carries short and long term consequences that significantly affect physiological and psychological well-being. AAF aims to help eradicate this practice and offer support and resources to those that have been affected. AAF is open to referrals via email Vawg@africadvocacy.org . If you have been affected by this video, or know someone who has, please do not hesitate to reach out via dms or email for support or answers to your questions. Together we stand to keep our sisters, mothers, aunts, daughters, nieces and friends safe. Chat Chat

VOLUNTEER WITH US Want to use your time and skills in a rewarding way? Then join our AAF team as a volunteer! Volunteering can be a lot of fun and is a great way to meet new people and make friends. It could also help you learn new skills and gain valuable work experience. We currently have a number of volunteering opportunities that might interest you. Interested volunteers are invited to submit their application form and CV along with a cover letter to info@africaadvocacy.org . You can also contact us by phone, email or visiting us at AAF. NO VOLUNTEER VACANCIES CURRENTLY " By volunteering, I am able to stay connected with issues like VAWG that I am passionate about, gain new skills and take pride in supporting AAF's work. " Anne Flaherty | AAF Volunteer FUNDRAISE WITH US You can raise funds or donate to AAF activities. Whether you organize a one-off fundraising event or donate monthly, we guarantee that your donation you make to AAF goes directly to supporting our service users in greatest need. Thank you for your support. CONTACT US Work with us WORK WITH US ​ Vacanc i es: ​ Qualified Specialis t IDV A x 2 ​ We are looking for 2 dynamic, highly motivated and innovative and qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) to join our Hidden Voices Project team working towards addressing the current gaps in the provision of specialist domestic abuse and FGM services for black minority women and girls who are undocumented, asylum seekers, refugees, victims of trafficking and those with no recourse to public funds. ​ ​ Job Adv ert ​ Job Description ​ Application Form ​ . Closing date: Monday 4th March 2024 ​ ​ This post is funded by: The National Lottery Community Fund ​ ​ APPLY

" We are a small team with big ideas. We are versatile, innovative, and love to face and overcome challenges together as a family and a community. " Agnes Baziwe | Chief Executive " I was feeling very lonely, suicidal, the doctors tried with every anti-depression which didn’t work. AAF has helped me be part of a community, it has helped me feel like I am somebody, I disclosed my HIV status to my family… I feel more confident now. " E.M. | Service User Africa Advocacy Foundation (AAF) supports and empowers vulnerable and disadvantaged people. We are a community-led initiative that aims to equip diaspora communities and marginalised people with the tools they need to find better health, safety, prosperity and opportunity to lead fulfilling and happy lives. ​ AAF works with communities both in the UK and overseas who are affected by a range of issues including: sexual and reproductive health, violence against women and girls including Female genital mutilation (FGM) and mental health issues. OUR VISION A free society where individuals can make informed choices, maintain good health, and fulfill their potential without fear or restriction. OUR MISSION AAF mission is to provide practical, social, training and community support to those who are marginalised, disadvantaged, vulnerable, facing violence, living in poverty and in poor health particularly within black migrant communities primarily in the UK, other parts of Europe and Africa OUR TEAM OUR VALUES ​ AAF is committed to the following values that underpin our standards and determine how we undertake our activities: ​​ CLIENT-CENTERED: We strive at all times to ensure that service users’ satisfaction is at the centre of our work ​ INTEGRITY & TRUST: We are committed to the highest ethical standards in our internal and external relationships at all times ​ EXCELLENCE: We seek to attain the highest quality of service delivery and outcomes for the communities we serve ​ INCLUSIVITY: We promote participation and access to services by all beneficiaries and give a voice to those who are marginalised ​ TRANSPARENCY: We are open, accountable and responsive to all our stakeholders and service users ​ COLLABORATION: We work in partnership with a variety of organisations to enhance our interagency work and improve our responsiveness to the multifaceted problems with which we concern ourselves " AAF's commitment to putting our service users at the centre of our activities builds trust in our services and gives beneficiaries a voice and the ability to influence services . " Denis Onyango | Programs Director CURRENT FUNDERS Comic Relief The National Lottery Community Fund City Bridge Trust Barrow Cadbury Trust London Community Response Fund- Covid-19 The National Lottery SE/People’s Health Trust BBC Children in Need Ministry of Justice (MOPAC) Lloyds Bank Foundation Lambeth Council HIV Prevention England Trust for London Deptford Challenge Trust Foundation Open Society Institute (FOSI) The Henry Smith Charity Independent Age Gilead Sciences The London Community Foundation Lewisham Council Merck, Sharpe & Dohme ViiV Healthcare The Clothworkers Foundation Public Health England Home Office -BSBT MAC AIDS Fund Vodafone Ministry of Justice/Comic Relief (Digital) ​ ​ ​ PREVIOUS FUNDERS The Prince of Wales Charitable Trust Peter Moores Foundation Home Office Department for Communities and Local Government European Social Fund/London Councils Fields Family Charitable Trust European Integration Fund Social Investment Business Abbvie Carers Trust Cabinet Office The Make a Difference Trust ​ Give London Trusthouse Charitable Foundation Big Lottery Fund Awards for All Cooperative Membership Foundation Metropolitan Police The Make a Difference Trust Elton John AIDS Foundation The Monument Trust Time to Change The Mrs Smith and Mount Trust Mercers Charity Metropolitan Police ​

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. We support women and girls in the community who are experiencing domestic and/or sexual abuse. We offer: Emotional & practical support Advice Confidential & non-judgmental client centered support For more information Call: 07888 618958 or 0208 698 4473 Or email: vawg@africadvocacy.org sherenne@africadvocacy.org AAF Domestic Abuse Play is now live on YouTube and will be shared to other platforms in the coming days. Our play is based on true life experiences and is led by Sherenne Collins and voiced by AAF staff and volunteers. We apologise as this video doesn’t have captions and knowing the importance of accessibility we will work on creating captions for all projects moving forward. Please give it a listen and share with your contacts

AAF has a competent and committed team of trustees, staff and volunteers who are knowledgeable on the various issues and difficulties faced by the people we serve. This includes expertise in language, faith, cultural and social issues. Our activities are supported by a team of over 40 volunteers annually. " AAF has a diverse, competent and committed team of trustees that bring a range of skills and experiences. Their vision and leadership has enabled AAF to provide 25 years of uninterrupted service and to adapt to current and future challenges. " Agnes Baziwe | Chief Executive OUR TEAM Agnes Baziwe: Chief Executive Juddy Otti: Head of HIV Services Sherenne Collins: Domestic Abuse Advisor Aisha Morgan: Uzima Youth Worker Megan Murray: Career Mentor/Job Coach Harriette Douglas: Social Media Volunteer Joy Clarke: Trainer - VAWG/Safeguarding Christabel Yeboah: Uzima Project Manager Anne Flaherty-Gupta: Mi-Health Programme Manager Hawa Sesay: FGM Advocate Angela Nzira: Lead Volunteer Beatrice Atieno: Project Manager Damiles Morgan: Project Worker Daiiana Gadeeva: M-Care Volunteer Mariama Kabba: Project Worker Milton Sawyerr: Accountant James Masangomai: FTC Volunteer Charles Oluka: HPE Project Sessional Worker Rona Sessanga: Comms Volunteer David Kalab : IT Worker Denis Onyango: Programmes Director Annette Namirembe: Youth Volunteer Joseph Ochieng: Faith Communities Volunteer Belynda Mabirizi: Fast Track Cities Volunteer Rachel Musomba: FTC Faith Project Worker Fatima Kaneez: Mi-Health Volunteer Anna Birnkammer: Mi-Health Volunteer Mary Nafungo: VAWG Volunteer ​ ​ ​ " We are extremely grateful for the grants and donations by current and previous funders, partners, donors without which we would not be able to deliver much needed and essential support to our service users." Sukainah Jauhar | Chair, Board of Trustees

SUPPORT NETWORK Throughout the year we have a series of events, groups and other online and phyical support networks - all designed to support our community of people living with HIV/AIDS. Contact Us Online Want to know more about how to access healthcare in England? Contact Us Online Free online sessions to find out more about - Your rights to healthcare - How to access different health services - Your rights at work - Sexual health and contraception Join sessions on either Saturdays or Thursdays starting 24 February. Register

The Global Majority Fund Africa Advocacy Foundation is delighted to become an intermediary technical partner of Comic Relief to deliver the Global Majority Fund alongside 10 other specialist charities in the UK. ​ ​ Our Community React Fund is NOW CLOSED for Applications. CONTACT US Covid-19 Relief Services AAF is currently providing a range of support services to enable individuals, families and the general community we serve to manage the impact of Covid-19. The support is provided based on assessed and verified need. CONTACT US 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. CONTACT US 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. CONTACT US 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. CONTACT US 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. LEARN MORE 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. CONTACT US 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. LEARN MORE AFYA eHEALTH APP Digital health has the potential to revolutionise access to health care for underserved communities and to provide patient-centred solutions. We prioritise digital health solutions for those living with long-term conditions. CONTACT US YOUTH 4LIFE 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. CONTACT US PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOME MEASURES (PROMS) Rethinking PROMs is a project that aims to empower and improve HIV care and the quality of life for black African patients who are living and ageing with HIV by working with clinicians to co-produce PROMs that accurately reflect the needs of patients. CONTACT US 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. LEARN MORE 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. LEARN MORE ARE YOUR KIDNEYS OK? Get a free kidney health check. ​ Come and check your kidney health with our dedicated Community Kidney Champions. ​ ​ Did you know people of African and Afro-Caribbean heritage are 5x more likely to develop chronic kidney disease (CKD)? LEARN MORE 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. LEARN MORE 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.” LEARN MORE

COMMUNITY FORUM The Africa Advocacy Foundation’s private, members’ only social network – a place where we can explore the issues that we face and share the information and experiences that keep us strong and healthy. ENTER AFRICA ADVOCACY STORYTELLERS Our physical and emotional health is linked to the strength of community. The Africa Advocacy Foundation represents a community that, like any other, is stronger, together. The more we communicate, the more we share our wisdom, thoughts and ideas - the stronger our community gets. ENTER SUPPORT NETWORK Throughout the year we have a series of events, groups and other online and phyical support networks - all designed to support our community of people living with HIV/AIDS during Covid-19. ENTER

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AFRICA ADVOCACY STORYTELLERS Our physical and emotional health is linked to the strength of community. The Africa Advocacy Foundation represents a community that, like any other, is stronger, together. The more we communicate, the more we share our wisdom, thoughts and ideas - the stronger our community gets. SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS, YOUR STORIES ​ AAF’s STORYTELLERS brings a new level of connectivity to our community. It is a place where we will share our stories so that we might entertain, educate and be inspired by each other. Each month we set a theme – and you email us your pictures and your words that explore that theme. We will share a selection of each month’s images on our social media channels. Over time these themes will allow us to share and explore issues that relate to the health and wellbeing of our community. To help our community grow as storytellers we have asked award-winning photographer and filmmaker Alan Compton to serve as our creative mentor. Alan will curate the content that you upload and he will send out educational tips in a monthly emailer to help us learn more about photography and storytelling. SUBMIT THIS MONTH'S THEME IS: LOCKDOWN This is a challenging time for our physical and mental health. We would like you to share your images and words with us to let us know how you are dealing with this trying period of our lives. > Closing date for submissions 30th July 2020 Interpret the theme in any way you see fit and send your pictures to us at aafstorytellers@gmail.com Please include the title of the theme in the subject line of your message and remember to add your name and a caption: the who, what, where, and when of your images. ​ Upcoming Themes: ​ HOME - deadline TBC ​ HEALTH - deadlineTBC ​ LOVE - deadline TBC