UK’s biggest gay health charity says its future is ‘uncertain’ as it asks for donations
The UK’s biggest gay men’s health charity says its “future is uncertain”.
GMFA, founded as Gay Men Fighting AIDS, was created 25 years ago, but is now facing a difficult future.
Its chief exec has told supporters: “please don’t let GMFA die” as he admitted the organisation faces a difficult financial situation.
The charity recieves no statutory funding for its work, which is primarily focused on educating gay men about safe sex, dealing with HIV AIDS and mental health issues.
Ian Howley, Chief executive of GMFA says: “Over the last 25 years, GMFA has been at the forefront of innovated measures of HIV prevention.
“Since 1992, GMFA has provided frank and honest information about HIV, STI and safer sex.
“We’ve also supported gay men living with HIV and led with powerful HIV stigma campaigns.”
The charity reaches more than a million people through its educational website and magazine, FS.
The CEO added: “But times are changing and the needs of gay men are changing too.
“Along with the worries of HIV and STIs, chemsex is becoming a major part of some gay men’s lives, many of which are not able to deal with the affects these drugs bring.
“We are also seeing an increase of self-esteem and self-worth issues.
“Depression and suicide are all to frequent within our community. And in 2017, this is not acceptable.”
The charity has now launched a £25,000 appeal to help secure its future.
The new fundraising effort is in a bid to keep the charity afloat, as it bids to help the increasing number of gay and bi men affected by chemsex.
Mr Howley added: “GMFA wants to stop HIV. GMFA wants to stop HIV stigma.
“GMFA wants to make sure chemsex does not ruin lives. GMFA wants to improve the mental health of gay men.
“And GMFA wants to stop gay men from feeling like suicide is the best option for them.”
The UK’s biggest LGBT charity, Stonewall, was recently criticised for making £8,000 selling a holiday to St. Lucia, where gay people face a decade in jail.
