As I have an interest in local politics in my area and spending most of my time at home. I subscribe to local blogs & email lists for politicians at all levels and of all parties. 

This includes my constituency MP, Greg Hands.

The area of Hammersmith and Fulham has a large population of HIV+ people in London, though it is one of the smallest boroughs.

I wrote to Mr. Hands about my personal situation, and the wider impact to the HIV+ Community, with regard to the Disability Living Allowance first, via email, back on the 2nd March 2008. I wrote to him at the House of Commons week commencing 15th April 2008 quoting my home address. I received NO reply. Usually I always get some response when I email Mr. Hands.

So I wrote to him again this week via the House of Commons.  Reminding him I am a constituent and I would appreciate a response.

Today in his weekly email, issue 174, he mentions - "Met with representatives of the Terence Higgins Trust to discuss issues around HIV/AIDS and AIDS education." and www.tht.org.uk gets his website of the week.

He doesn't elaborate on the content of the meeting or who attended.

Up until the 31st March 2008, Terence Higgins Trust (THT) provided no services to residents of Hammersmith & Fulham.  As the telephone conversation my partner had with THT confirms they provide no help to the HIV+ residents of the borough.

Since the new tendering process this year, THT now only provide the "complementary therapy services" at The River House. Breaking up the complete valued service offered by The River House Trust. 

Hopefully Mr. Hands is now suitably informed to be able to answer either my earlier email or letter.  Or enquiries from other HIV+ constituents.

After all I am just one of his constituents and seemingly less important than an organisation that many feel has been extremely poor on this issue and provides little to no service to the HIV community in Hammersmith & Fulham.

However other MP's and members of the House of Lords have been courteous enough to reply if only to acknowledge receipt of my letters sent on behalf of us all.

I will email Mr. Hands the link to this entry and post any comment he wishes to make.

If you live in Hammersmith & Fulham and wish to contact Mr. Hands you can email him at mail@greghands.com or write to him at: Mr Greg Hands, MP. House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.