BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:TCell | April 24 2008- May 24 2008 PRODID:-//strange bird labs//Drupal iCal API//EN BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080424T125400Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080424T125400Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/thanks URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/thanks SUMMARY:Thanks to .... DESCRIPTION:

On behalf of all the Disabled Community affected by the issues surrounding Disability Living Allowance.

We thank \:

Todd Carty

Actor &\; Director - Doctors\, The Bill\, EastEnders &\; Grange Hill.

for signing the 10 Downing Street petition on the Right Payment Program.

As always I link the name of our public supporters &\; friends to a site where you can see their body of work. Please take a moment to look.

Also I will add them\, with their consent to the "\;Friends &\; Supports"\; page of the website.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080424T125900Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/page/friends-and-supporters URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/page/friends-and-supporters SUMMARY:Friends and Supporters DESCRIPTION:

 \; \;Here's a list of our Friends and Supporters\:

 \;Thank you all for signing the 10 Downing Street Petition concerning the Right Payment Program (DLA-Review).

 \;

\\"Todd  \; Todd Carty\, Actor &\; Director - Doctors\, The Bill\, EastEnders &\; Grange Hill.
\\"June  \;

\\"\\"

June Brown\, MBE. Actress - EastEnders.

 \;
\\"Simon  \; Simon Callow C.B.E\, Actor &\; Writer.
\\"Hannah  \; Hannah Waterman\, Actress - New Tricks &\; EastEnders.
\\"Ann  \;

I know\, first hand\, how much distress and anxiety this review is \;
causing to men and women with long term conditions such as HIV/AIDS\, \;
Cancer and Mental Illness. \; There has been great advances in medication \;
for many of these illnesses and the scientists have our profound \;
gratitude but there are side-effects and they can be debilitating both \;
physically and emotionally and deeply distressing. \; The Government \;
doesn't seem to have taken this into account. \; The stigma and ignorance \;
attached to HIV/AIDS in particular is still very real and the pain this \;
causes is great. \; With no long term plans or solutions in place\, I fear \;
that many \; men and women will be forced onto lower benefits\, or to take \;
low-paid work -given employers reluctance to offer any real \; \;
opportunities to men and women with ongoing health issues. I urge \;
EVERYONE to contact their M.Ps \, voicing their concerns and continue to \;
support the important work being done by ThCell.

Ann Mitchell\, Actress - Widows\, She's Out\, recently - stage production of Angels in America &\; EastEnders.
\\"Kate  \; Kate Williams\, Actress - Widows\, She's Out &\; EastEnders.
\\"Race  \; Race Davis\, Actress - Roughnecks\, EastEnders &\; Men Behaving Badly.
 \;  \; Daniel Kramer\, Director - Stage Production of Angels in America.
 \;  \;

Che Walker\, Writer &\; Director.

 \;

 \;

 \;

 \;

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080424T160000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080424T190000Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/page/general-meeting URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/page/general-meeting SUMMARY:General Meeting DESCRIPTION:

ThCell General Meeting \;

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080425T094400Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/personal-message-june-brown-actress-eastenders URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/personal-message-june-brown-actress-eastenders SUMMARY:Personal Message from June Brown\, Actress - EastEnders. DESCRIPTION:

"\;I am worried that the Disability Living Allowance Review is unfair as the form is tailored towards physical disabilities only-not Mental Illness\, HIV/AIDS\, Cancer sufferers\, nor does it take into account the side effects of the medication on their general health.

Not only will people lose entitlement to Incapacity Benefit\, their free travel. motability vehicle but also the Severe Disability Premium of Income Support so they will be forced into the utmost poverty\, which can do nothing but harm their condition.

Employers will be reluctant to offer work due to the necessity of frequent hospital visits\, periods of admission and bouts of prolonged ill health.

I would ask you all to support this petition in the hope this review is reassessed and to endorse the ThCell campaign."\;

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080427T110500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080427T110500Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/what-can-i-do-help-cause URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/what-can-i-do-help-cause SUMMARY:What can I do to help the cause ... DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080427T133800Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080427T133800Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/shared-experience URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/shared-experience SUMMARY:Shared Experience DESCRIPTION:

Here is another shared experience. This was sent to in response to the request from Positive Nation for comments on this review a few weeks ago.

Thank you for allowing us to publish this here\, also. So we can all share your experience &\; views.

Sam wrote\,

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080429T122700Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080429T122700Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/week-commencing-28th-april-2008-quiet URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/week-commencing-28th-april-2008-quiet SUMMARY:Week commencing 28th April 2008 - Quiet. DESCRIPTION:

All\,

We have just started the nightmare that is the "\;Decent Homes"\; upgrade to our home.

Please bear with us.  \;I will post when I can.

Thanks\,

John. \;

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080429T164512Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080429T164512Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/some-thanks URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/some-thanks SUMMARY:Some thanks. DESCRIPTION:

Thank you to all those who signed the petition \;http\://petitions.pm.gov.uk/DLA-Review/ \;it closes on the 2nd May 2008 so there is still time to encourage people to sign. This is just one way of drawing attention to the issues around Disability Living Allowance.

Thanks to James \, you know who you are\, for the information and your efforts.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080430T180000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/medical-reports-requested-dwp URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/medical-reports-requested-dwp SUMMARY:Medical Reports requested by the DWP. DESCRIPTION:

Just to highlight comments received over the last few days.

The DWP when requesting a medical report on you. Under there own guidelines should be approaching your HIV consultant.

As there can be a delay in response from some consultants.  \;Some contributors have noticed that the DWP is sending a second medical report request to the GP.

If this has happened to you. Please let us know.

On the forms you get from the DWP you consent to them approaching any medical practioner that you deal with. For a medical report.  \;If you do not give this consent on the form this could end up with your benefit being withdrawn.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080501T140000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/bma-gmc-council-healthcare-regulatory-excellence URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/bma-gmc-council-healthcare-regulatory-excellence SUMMARY:BMA\, GMC & Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence. DESCRIPTION:

 \;Today I wrote to the British Medical Association\, General Medical Council &\; Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence.  \;To raise some of the issues with medics and medical reports that have been mentioned.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080501T230100Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080502T170000Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/page/dla-review-petition-closes URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/page/dla-review-petition-closes SUMMARY:DLA review petition Closes. DESCRIPTION:

 \;http\://petitions.pm.gov.uk/DLA-Review/ \;closes today.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080503T174000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/events-you-may-be-interested URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/events-you-may-be-interested SUMMARY:Events you may be interested in DESCRIPTION:

If you are a patient of the Kobler\, Victoria or Nkosi Johnson Clinics. The patient forum\, KVN Forum\, is meeting on Tuesday 6th May 2008 from 6pm to 8pm.  \;I understand that a person from the Terrence Higgins Trust has been invited to this meeting to give advice on the Disabiliy Living Allowance Review.

"\;Please note that we are hoping to have representation from Daniel Payet of \;THT\, who will be presenting the THT approach to dealing with DLA review \;issues. ...... so if you know anyone who may \;wish to ask Daniel any questions in particular\, then get them to come along\, \;or bring those questions / issues with you - spread the word."\; - Chair\, KVN Forum.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080503T182100Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080503T182100Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/feedback-south-london-thank-you URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/feedback-south-london-thank-you SUMMARY:Feedback South London - Thank you DESCRIPTION:

Thank you to all at the Feedback South London meeting on the 2nd May for the warm welcome &\; opportunity to mention the group ThCell &\; the efforts undertaken by the team with regard to the changes in the Benefits system.

If you live in South London please check out the website (http\://feedbacksl.org.uk) to find out what they do and how you can get involved on matters about your care.

 \;

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080503T182900Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/medical-reports-mental-health-dwp-your-doctors-please-read URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/medical-reports-mental-health-dwp-your-doctors-please-read SUMMARY:Medical Reports\, Mental Health\, DWP & your doctors. - PLEASE READ THIS DESCRIPTION:

 \;As you may have gathered from previous posts.  \;I have been greatly concerned that during the review process. If you list several specialist consultants that deal with other medical issues you have developed alongside or by virtue of your HIV\, especially mental health issues. The DWP typically only approach your HIV Consultant. Where they will not wait for this report they may approach your GP.  \;Therefore only one aspect of your health is evidenced.

I was also concerned. Minded of the DWP guidance &\; that Mental Health issues were seemingly being ignored.

In my case. I have engaged in correspondence questioning the DBD551 I submitted. Specifically how or why a decision could be reached without medical reports covering ALL my health issues from ALL my consultants.

The response states\;

"\;..... decisions are made based on a persons mobility and care needs and not the disability itself"\;

so why require any medical report if it is not required to reach a judgement on entitlement?

it then continues\;

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080505T122000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/now-time-write-your-mp-especially-seat-marginal URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/now-time-write-your-mp-especially-seat-marginal SUMMARY:Now is the time to write to your MP especially if the seat is marginal DESCRIPTION:

If you claim any benefit now. Given the current political climate where the government maybe more receptive to the issues you face.  \;It is a good idea to remind your MP of the issues you face living with HIV.

If you don't claim any benefits at the present time.  \;What is being allowed to happen today. May affect you in the future should you find yourself in the situation where you need to claim for benefits.

Either way\, please write to your local MP if only to raise the issues facing all of us who live with this illness. Problems with benefits\, loss of the 10p starting rate of tax or any issues you face trying to maintain full time employment.

You can find your MP by clicking here. \;

This web site will also tell you how your MP votes on certain issues. It maybe of interest for when you next vote.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080505T123200Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/labour-abolishing-illness URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/labour-abolishing-illness SUMMARY:\\"Is Labour abolishing illness\\" DESCRIPTION:

Picked up from the Benefits &\; Work website forums I thought is was worth highlighting this article - "\;Is Labour abolishing illness"\;- \;from The New Statesman for all visitors here to read.

Written by "\;Alison Ravetz is a professor emeritus of Leeds Metropolitan University who writes on housing policy and welfare reform"\;

The article can be found at \;http\://www.newstatesman.com/200805010024

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080506T102600Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080506T102600Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/new-letter-you-send-your-member-parliament-mp URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/new-letter-you-send-your-member-parliament-mp SUMMARY:New letter for you to send to your Member of Parliament (MP) DESCRIPTION:

We have updated the letter you can send your MP - click here.  \;Even if you have written before please continue to raise this issue\, especially relevant in the current climate.

You can find your MP by typing your post code in to this website.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080506T104700Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/some-changes-blogs URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/some-changes-blogs SUMMARY:Some changes to blogs. DESCRIPTION:

 \;The blog at http\://hivdlareview.blogspot.com has served us well however rather than update in two sites I will only be posting in this blog on this site from now on.

Thanks

John.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080506T210000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/your-gp-hiv-have-you-been-outed URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/your-gp-hiv-have-you-been-outed SUMMARY:Your GP & HIV ... have you been outed. DESCRIPTION:

Please don't worry unduly about this.  \;

I want to know if anyone has had their HIV disclosed to their GP by the DWP where they have not informed the GP in the first instance?

The DWP are supposed to go to your HIV consultant but we have seen cases where they are "\;feed up"\; of waiting for the medical report to seek on from your GP.

I just want to gauge if anyone has suffered in this way as it would be a major issue.

NO ONE HAS REPORTED THIS AS HAPPENING - I AM JUST ASKING A QUESTION - PLEASE DO NOT PANIC.

Thanks\,

John. \;

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080507T095700Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/hepatitis-c-ethnic-awareness-workshops-london-bradford URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/hepatitis-c-ethnic-awareness-workshops-london-bradford SUMMARY:Hepatitis C Ethnic Awareness Workshops in London & Bradford. DESCRIPTION:

From Feedback South London &\; Health First.

Hepatitis C Ethnic Awareness Workshops in London &\; Bradford. Web address for info \: http\://hepccentre.org.uk/ethnic/ethnicflyer.html

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080507T140000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/concerns-over-confidentiality-drug-interactions-communication-barriers-integrating-gps-hiv-care URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/concerns-over-confidentiality-drug-interactions-communication-barriers-integrating-gps-hiv-care SUMMARY:\\"Concerns over confidentiality\, drug interactions\, communication\, barriers to integrating GP's into HIV Care\\" BHIVA DESCRIPTION:

 \;From the NAM website click here for the full article  \;"\;Concerns over confidentiality\, drug interactions\, communication\, barriers to integrating GP's into HIV Care"\; BHIVA

If you don't already\, you can subscribe to NAM updates here

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080507T210000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/page/government-agencies-departments URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/page/government-agencies-departments SUMMARY:Government Agencies & Departments DESCRIPTION:

ThCell is not responsible for the content of external websites. Navigation and use of information on external websites is at the users own risk. ThCell is a wholly independent organisation. You should not consider any externally linked organisation or website as endorsed or recommended by ThCell. Links are provided\, in good faith\, to information you may find useful.

http\://www.directenquiries.com is a website from The Nationwide Access Register in partnership with RADAR\, to cover accessible businesses.

10 Downing Street Petition on the DLA review can be found at http\://petitions.pm.gov.uk/DLA-Review. It'\;s closed now. . A forum by the author of the petition can be found by clicking here.

The Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board\, http\://www.dlaab.org.uk/index.asp\, is a non-departmental public body. Advising the Secretary of State for the Department for Work &\; Pensions. The "\;Special Rules"\; review is based on their report. The report can be found \;here.

UK Government Disabled Website is http\://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/index.htm \;

The Department for Work &\; Pensions (DWP) has various webpages covering benefit issues. The service you need is the Pension\, Disability and Carers Service\, launched on the 1st April 2008.  \;If you want to keep up to date on News from the Disability and Carers Service you can do so by clicking here.

DWP &\; medical guidance.

The DWP has guidance for HIV/AIDS on its own website - \;http\://www.dwp.gov.uk/medical/med_conditions/hiv-aids/.

This covers to whom the should request medical reports from as well as the most disabling conditions. You should read the whole section as it is useful.

There is an All-Party Parliamentary Groups on HIV/AIDS.

Click here for the current list of Ministers \;at the Department for Work and Pensions.

The Work and Pensions Select committee scruitinises the DWP.

The DWP Disability &\; Carers Service (DCS) is found at \;http\://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/dcs/.

The list of member groups to the DCS can be found at \;http\://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/dcs/member_groups.asp.
 \;

Details on the "\;Special Rules"\; exercise can be found at \;

http\://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/dcs/news.asp.

Direct payments. \;

"\;Direct payments are cash payments made to individuals who have been assessed as needing services\, in lieu of social service provisions."\; You can find more on this on the Department of Health website.
 \;

Don'\;t know who your Member of Parliament (MP) is. Find out at http\://theyworkforyou.com

Add If you need a sample letter to write to your MP \;click here

Local Councils websites can be found by \;clicking here. \;

\\"Motability  \; If you have a car on Motability (click on logo on the left handside\, to go to their website).

 \;

 \;

 \;

 \;

 \;

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080507T210000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/page/government-legislation URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/page/government-legislation SUMMARY:Government Legislation DESCRIPTION:

ThCell is not responsible for the content of external websites. Navigation and use of information on external websites is at the users own risk. ThCell is a wholly independent organisation. You should not consider any externally linked organisation or website as endorsed or recommended by ThCell. Links are provided\, in good faith\, to information you may find useful.

Here are is the legislation links and relevant law links. Click on the relevant legislation to navigate.

Tribunals\, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 - new structure to Tribunal system from 3rd November 2008.

Social Security Contributions Act 1992 Chapter 4 amended as/by \;Welfare Reform &\; Pensions Act 1999 (c.30) Clause 67

Further changes are due later this year to those on Incapacity Benefit\, Jobseekers Allowance &\; Income Support. They are being replaced by the Employment &\; Support Allowance. This has been introduced under the Welfare Reform Act 2007 Chapter 5 concerns these changes. Disability Living Allowance is mentioned in \;Clause 52.

The Human Rights Act 1998 can be found at \;http\://www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts1998/ukpga_19980042_en_1

The Disability Alliance UK. Have case law concerning Attendance &\; Disability Living Allowance. It is found at \;http\://www.disabilityalliance.org/dlalaw.htm#Introduction.

Latest updates are found at \;http\://www.disabilityalliance.org/commtemp.htm

Adjudications can be found at \;http\://www.disabilityalliance.org/judge.htm

Thompsons Solicitors are a good source for Disabilty Discrimination Act (DDA)  \;Case Law.

The Disability Matters Law &\; Benefit review page is at \;http\://www.weblinksadvertising.co.uk/lawandbenefitreview/index.html

If you are currently getting Disability Living Allowance &\; are having your Incapacity Benefit reviewed read this http\://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1995/Uksi_19950311_en_1.htm and see the Benefit Changes coming section. Thanks to the originator of this information.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080509T162900Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080509T162900Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/update URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/update SUMMARY:Update. DESCRIPTION:

Thanks to Dr. Vince Cable MP\, Treasury spokesman for the Liberal Democrats\, for noting the content of the letter and fact sheet we sent to him. \;

Of interest to me is a comment by Peter Mandelson who can be seen on the BBC News Channel\, Hardtalk programme at 11.30pm this evening\, Friday 9th May.

I think it sums up the "\;general"\; feeling that we are all feeling at the moment.

"\;Asked later in the interview about his criticism of Mr Brown's decision to scrap the 10p tax rate\, he said\: "\;I didn't say it was a disaster\, I said it was rather a large mistake and there we are\, it was a mistake and now they're trying to put it right.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080509T181400Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080509T181400Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/my-local-mp-greg-hands-hammersmith-fulham-why-i-am-so-disappointed URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/my-local-mp-greg-hands-hammersmith-fulham-why-i-am-so-disappointed SUMMARY:My local MP is Greg Hands - Hammersmith & Fulham - why I am so disappointed...... DESCRIPTION:

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.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080511T164800Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/dwp-out-patient-gp URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/dwp-out-patient-gp SUMMARY:DWP out a patient to GP DESCRIPTION:

 \;I would like to thank the contributor for this email - as requested\, confidentiality respected.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080512T104800Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/doh-national-debate-future-care-and-support URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/doh-national-debate-future-care-and-support SUMMARY:DOH - National Debate on the future of care and support. DESCRIPTION:

 \;As reported in the news today. The government is undertaking a consultation on the future of care and support for the disabled and elderly.

You can find out more about taking part at the Department of Health website click here. Though I note at the moment if you click the "\;Join the care and support debate"\; link it generates an error page. So you may have to try later.

I note this from the report -

"\;In 20 years time\, the cost of disability benefits could increase by almost 50% (Disability Benefits (DLA\, AA and CA) long term projections\, DWP Forecasting Division\, Nov 2007) and we expect a £\;6 billion 'funding gap' for social care (PSSRU projections\, forthcoming 2008)"\;

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080513T103100Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080513T103100Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/diane-abbott-mp-thank-you URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/diane-abbott-mp-thank-you SUMMARY:Diane Abbott\, MP - thank you. DESCRIPTION:

Today we received a letter from Diane Abbott\, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

The letter (with staff details edited out) is availible in Useful Documents on the site or click here.

"\; .... I also think that this could be highlighted in and Early Day Motion ...."\;

We will submit a brief to her as she requests and pass our thanks to Diane for her response and efforts.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080513T174300Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080513T174300Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/response-general-medical-council URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/response-general-medical-council SUMMARY:Response from General Medical Council DESCRIPTION:

I wrote to the General Medical Council \, amongst others\, concerning the issues raised by you in the comments you have made to blog entries or via email.

I have scanned the response and placed it in Useful Documents on this website or click here for the letter. \;

Click here for the "\;Good Medical Practice Guide"\; mentioned in the letter or click here for the information on Confidentiality.

You can find more information by searching the GMC website.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080515T190000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/email-fro-dwp-news-you-should-be-aware-apologies URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/email-fro-dwp-news-you-should-be-aware-apologies SUMMARY:Email fro DWP\, News you should be aware of & apologies. DESCRIPTION:

Apologies for not posting often of late I am currently "\;under the weather."\;

As well as the letter written to Anne McGuire in March\,  \;the response to which is found here. I received an emailed letter from the DWP\, Anne McGuire again in response to an email sent 2nd March 2008. All this correspondence is found in the Useful Documents section of this site.

Following the various Statements in the House of Parliament by the Prime Minister yesterday. I would draw your attention to the news page on Benefits &\; Work website.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080515T235600Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080515T235600Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/letter-10-downing-street URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/letter-10-downing-street SUMMARY:Letter from 10 Downing Street. DESCRIPTION:

"\;If I have been accused of not listening in the past\, I'm listening and I'm learning all the time"\; - Gordon Brown 30th April 2008

Letter received this morning from Mr. Gordon Brown's office at 10 Downing Street.

 \;

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Just to let you know.  \;We have seen over the last few weeks the Special Rules Review extended to the over 55 year olds.  \;We have had reports of the DBD551 forms being received by several in this group.

The DWP have left this age group until last.

Presently\, many are in the process of waiting for a response on there last submissions.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080519T210000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080519T210000Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/i-wanted-highlight-comment-over-55-topic URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/i-wanted-highlight-comment-over-55-topic SUMMARY:I wanted to highlight this comment to the \\"Over 55?\\" topic DESCRIPTION:

I pulled this out from the comments to the "\;over 55?"\; thread as I want it to have more prominence.

"\;Unfortunately\, this review - whilst under the guise of removing non genuine claims to DLA\, whatever they may be - is unconstitutional if one refers to the letter of the law in this matter.


It is a blatant violation of human rights as well as the Disability Discrimination Act as this has not been repealed or amended to exclude HIV being defined as a Disability.

My view on this is that\, unless your consultant gives your current medical diagnosis as AIDS rather than seropositive\, you are on shaky ground in terms of your award remaining unchallenged.

I would be interested to see if the statistical evidence from people who have lost their awards bears this out.

I would contact NGOs such as CRUISAID as they have legal contacts who would organise a challenge to the government and are not gagged in the same way as THT. \;

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080521T093400Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/diane-abbott URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/diane-abbott SUMMARY:Diane Abbott DESCRIPTION:

Information has been provided to Diane Abbott and we await a response. \;

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080521T231800Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/funding URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/funding SUMMARY:Funding. DESCRIPTION:

Hello all\,

Sorry but yes I have my begging bowl out.

We have been able to do this because many people have given their time &\; expertise free donating hours of their time. Of course because of issues around illness no one can do everything and time is limited acordingly\, we are grateful to those of you who have helped.

However stamps\, paper\, meeting rooms (etc) cost money. Thus far the expense's for doing this have been met from our own pocket at a time when like many we face the DWP review.

If you would like to contribute to help with these cost's and wish to donate you can make a payment via your online banking. The details you need are \:

The Co-operative Bank.

Account name\: Tcell

Account sort code \: 08-92-99

Account number \: 65291663 \;

We will keep full accounts and this is just to help with the costs of stamps\, paper\, web-hosting\, meeting rooms (yes charities charge for this) etc. no one gets paid for this. £\;5.00 goes along way it pays for many stamps.

Over the next few days we will add a payment method online for anyone who wants to donate by credit card. This will be a "\;charity friendly"\; provider.

Thank you.

John.

Any questions please email me.

END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T102731Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080523T105900Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/general-meeting-some-help-venue-please URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/general-meeting-some-help-venue-please SUMMARY:General meeting & some help with a venue please. DESCRIPTION:

Hello All\,

We are holding a general meeting on the 5th June 2008 from 6pm until 8pm at the Positive Place in Deptford.

There will be a presentation on ThCell the group - who\, what we have done\, what we want to do. As well as the DLA\, what we know. This will be followed by a Question &\; Answer session.  \;If you would like to attend. Please let me know as it is a small venue and places are restricted.

Help with a Venue.

We plan to undertake a meeting in Brighton in the coming months\, along the lines described above.  \;If you know of a venue or have a venue we could use to hold a "\;meeting"\; then please get in touch with me.  \;Funds are limited so "\;gratis"\; would be greatly appreciated if possible\, cheap is also good.

Thanks\,

John.

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