![\\"Motability](\\"/sites/default/files/images/logos/Motability.gif\\")
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:20120525T103539Z 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:20120525T103539Z 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.
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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.
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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. \;
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\; | If you have a car on Motability (click on logo on the left handside\, to go to their website). |
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END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z 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:20120525T103539Z 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.
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:20120525T103539Z 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:20120525T103539Z 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:20120525T103539Z 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:20120525T103539Z 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:20120525T103539Z 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:20120525T103539Z 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.
\;
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080517T173700Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/over-55 URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/over-55 SUMMARY:Over 55? DESCRIPTION: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:20120525T103539Z 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. \;
Information has been provided to Diane Abbott and we await a response. \;
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z 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:20120525T103539Z 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.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080524T153300Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080524T153300Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/medical-consent-access-your-records URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/medical-consent-access-your-records SUMMARY:Medical consent & access to your records. DESCRIPTION:This is a subject that we will come back to from time to time as we challenge the existing situation with regard to giving consent to the Department for Work &\; Pensions (DWP) with respect to signing the consent component of your forms. \;If you tick the box refusing this consent it seems\, for the time being\, that the DWP will simply see this as an end to your process and this may stop your benefit. There are issues around this which we are raising.
However the primary relationship here on this subject is the personal relationship between you and any doctor you see. \;Your doctor has a duty\, as described by the General Medical Council &\; other representative bodies\, to let you know and discuss any report they write on you to a 3rd party.
The DWP when they request a report tell your doctor they have your consent and you don't need to see the report. \;We also know they advise GP's not to discuss the report with you the patient before it is sent.
In order for you to have control and absolutely ensure your rights to see and discuss any medical report on you requested by a 3rd Party. I have added a sample letter to the Useful Documents section.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080524T154300Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080524T154300Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/personal-message-ann-mitchell-thank-you URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/personal-message-ann-mitchell-thank-you SUMMARY:Personal Message from Ann Mitchell.- Thank you! DESCRIPTION:"\;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.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080527T160000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080527T160000Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/update-legal URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/update-legal SUMMARY:Update & Legal. DESCRIPTION:Hope everyone had a good Bank Holiday weekend.
http\://www.tcell.org.uk is up and running with details of the next general meeting.
Currently engaged in securing some "\;pro bono"\; legal assistance to clarify some points in law which may apply to certain DLA claimants. Will report back when I have more information.
\;
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080529T220000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/further-response-diane-abbott-mp-thank-you URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/further-response-diane-abbott-mp-thank-you SUMMARY:Further response from Diane Abbott\, MP - Thank you DESCRIPTION:"\;Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the termination of the Right Payment Programme. I agree with you that there are concerns regarding the Special Rules review. I will be writing to the Department of Work and Pensions to highlight the points you have made in your letter and will get back to you when I have received their response."\; - Office of Diane Abbott.
Personally am still somewhat under the weather\, chest infection. So I apologise for any day I am not posting. \;
It is uplifting when every day something arrives \, someone has taken time out of their day to help us. I know we are all grateful\, I certainly am.
John.
\;
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080531T192700Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/some-good-news-or-it URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/some-good-news-or-it SUMMARY:Some good news.... or is it? DESCRIPTION:So we got our decisions today and they stay the same. \;Which seems like good news. However given the avenue of law we are pursing - thanks to one of our team. We believe that the DWP doesn't have the legal right to approach those who claimed before 1999. Of course any decision now makes all claims subject to current law moving forward. So we continue the battle. We believe our original claims should stand moving forward.
Though they said our files were NOT linked. It must therefore be pure coincidence that my partners form when back over 2 months ago and mine 2 weeks ago. With the decisions made within 24 hours and received on the same day.
What drives all of the team is the person in our minds eye that cannot deal with the issues this raised for them. \;We continue as before to campaign on this. Moving forward we will have to also deal with the Employment and Support Allowance. \;
So we move forward\, together as before. There are still many issues to overcome.
John.
\;
\;
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080531T193900Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/office-leader-opposition URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/office-leader-opposition SUMMARY:The Office of The Leader of the Opposition DESCRIPTION:We received a letter from David Cameron's office today. Our issues and concerns have been passed on to the Conservative Work &\; Pensions team for their further consideration. \;
Thanks to Mr Cameron &\; his team for their reply.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080601T200000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080601T200000Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/dwps-own-medical-guidance-hivaids URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/dwps-own-medical-guidance-hivaids SUMMARY:DWP's Own medical guidance on HIV/AIDS. DESCRIPTION:\;I have added this to the links page. However if you want to know what the DWP's own guidance is on HIV/AIDS and who it should be approaching for a medical report than see the section \;http\://www.dwp.gov.uk/medical/med_conditions/hiv-aids/
This information is in the blog but may have become lost in the history. So by moving it to links it is more accessible.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080603T102400Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20020203 UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/tht-launch-face-face-service-grays-inn-road URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/tht-launch-face-face-service-grays-inn-road SUMMARY:THT launch a Face to Face service at Gray's Inn Road. DESCRIPTION:*Edited 3rd June with some clarification from THT. See bottom.
Terrence Higgins Trust have launched a face-to-face service via it's THT Direct arm at Gray's Inn Road (THT HQ) from 2nd June 2008. It offers face to face advice on welfare benefits\, housing\, employment\, immigration &\; debt.
It is unclear what times this service will operate. \;
You can see the press release here \;http\://www.tht.org.uk/mediacentre/pressreleases/2008/june/june2.htm
Or the actual web page for the service here \;http\://www.tht.org.uk/howwecanhelpyou/needhelpnow/thtdirect/facetoface/
Telephone number 0845 1221 200 10am to 10pm Mon-Fri\, Midday to 6pm Sat &\; Sun.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080603T152600Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080603T152600Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/work-and-pensions-departmental-data-protection URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/work-and-pensions-departmental-data-protection SUMMARY:Work and Pensions Departmental Data Protection DESCRIPTION:\;
"\;James Brokenshire \;(Shadow Minister\, Home Affairs\; Hornchurch\, Conservative) | \;Hansard source
\;
To ask the \;Secretary of State \;for Work and Pensions whether any officials in \;(a) \;his Department and \;(b) \;its agencies were disciplined or dismissed for (i) breaches of data protection requirements and (ii) inappropriate use of personal or sensitive data in each of the last three years for which figures are available. \;
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080603T153600Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080603T153600Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/encouraging-employers-employ-disabled URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/encouraging-employers-employ-disabled SUMMARY:Encouraging employers to employ the disabled. DESCRIPTION:\;I would draw you attention to the response by the minister for the Disabled Ann MCGuire on this issue published \;http\://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2008-06-02a.208036.h&\;s=Disability#g208036.r0 \;.
Comments to this entry on the theyworkforyou.com website are those of the respective author and not endorsed by tcell.org.uk.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080603T155900Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080603T155900Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/diagnosis-forms URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/diagnosis-forms SUMMARY:Diagnosis & the forms. DESCRIPTION:\;I am minded to mention that when completing any form for new claims or reviews. Where it asks for the date when it first started\, this is the date you first realised you had an illness. That is to say the date is the date from which you first noticed the medical condition. \;This may be several weeks before a formal diagnosis was made. However the form is about you.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080604T122200Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080604T122200Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/baroness-gould-potternewton URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/baroness-gould-potternewton SUMMARY:Baroness Gould of Potternewton DESCRIPTION:I have been engaged in correspondence with Lady Gould. \;Though we differ on the role of THT. \;I am greatly encouraged that on the subject of HIV+ people\, we have another friend in the House of Lords. \;
She has taken the time to read our correspondence and reply thoroughly and she has my sincere respect for this.
From her correspondence and passing the information on. There is mention of a programme which will be similar to the "\;Positive Futures"\; project that was run by the UKC. \;I am in touch with the organisation she mentions and await full detail. I will blog on this when it is received.
Also\, Lady Gould mentions http\://profiles.yahoo.com/positiveactionuk \;as "\;a yahoo group solely for people living with HIV. It was formed out of a recent conference for people living with HIV- with the aim of creating a campaigning voice network for the HIV community\, not run by any official organisation"\;. \;I have no experience of this group and my mention is not to be taken as a recommendation. You will have to find out for yourself.
This may sound familiar to what www.tcell.org.uk is trying to achieve. It is the same. Only my picture is all over the place on the website so people know who I am and can approach me when I am in clinic or in a meeting.
I am keen to break down the existing barriers that organisations seem to but in place with regard to supporting one another (largely down to funding). If this method works for you I am pleased.
Thanks to Lady Gould for bring this information to our attention.
John.
\;
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080604T132600Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080604T132600Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/still-hit-miss URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/still-hit-miss SUMMARY:Still hit & miss? DESCRIPTION:In the email this morning I heard of someone who has lost there entire Disability Living Allowance. A process that started in January. It has taken the DWP 6 months to deal with this. \;Appeal is an option but what fails to be understood is that this brings with it pressure and stress as it involves preparing your case. \;I always encourage people to appeal and an ORAL appeal rather than written. However I am also very aware of why people would not want to pursue this and fully support any decision they make.
This is the reason I will continue to use my efforts to raise the issues around HIV &\; benefits. Seeking a fair\, properly considered case for those of us for which it is our only income. \;I may have recieved a favourable decision but I see this as merely one hurdle passed this time around and now campaign for the future.
Though this was prompted by the "\;Special Rules Review"\;. \;I become more concerned with those who are making new claims today. As is the nature of any progressive illness\, people claim when they need the help. I am concerned at the disparity HIV+ face filling in forms that are very general in nature. I am also concerned with one case that the DWP don't seem to consider the cumulative effect of many illness a claimant has in addition to HIV. \;
I think I can generalise and say. It is not that we as HIV+ people feel we should be treated differently. But we absolutely demand we are treated fairly and properly. If that means changing the DWP process to fully inform decisions made completely consider matters from a definite perspective of HIV than so be it. \;They can start with the general nature of existing forms\, that skews this perspective.
John.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080604T135100Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080604T135100Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/kvn-forum-lisa-power-tht-attend-1st-july-meeting URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/kvn-forum-lisa-power-tht-attend-1st-july-meeting SUMMARY:KVN Forum - Lisa Power of THT to attend 1st July Meeting. DESCRIPTION:The HIV clinics of the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital - Kobler\, Nkosi Johnson &\; Victoria clinics. Have a forum for HIV patients that attend these clinic's.
If you want to get involved because you are a patient here or want more information see http\://www.kvnforum.net \;. \;
Your own HIV clinic may also run a similar forum for it's patients. Ask at your clinic for information if you want to get more involved in your care.
KVN Forum &\; Terrence Higgins Trust (THT).
At the May 2008 meeting. Lisa Power was to have attended. However her diary commitments left her unable to attend in person but two of her colleague's were sent to address issue's the forum had. It was a robust meeting.
Lisa did say she wanted to attend a future meeting of the Forum to address issues directly. Especially as some of the questions raise\, \;her colleagues were unable to answer as they were on THT Policy. \;
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080605T132900Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080605T132900Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/nhs-60-bbc-newsnight URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/blog/nhs-60-bbc-newsnight SUMMARY:NHS at 60 & BBC Newsnight DESCRIPTION: \;The BBC![](\\"//sites/all/modules/glossary/glossary.gif\\")
are running a debate on the NHS at 60. You can find and contribute here - \;
http\://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=4884&\;edition=1&\;ttl=20080605142532
This\, as I understand will feed into the Newnight programme.
As we all use and rely on the NHS I mention this for your information.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20120525T103539Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080605T170000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20080605T190000Z UID:http://tcell.org.uk/page/general-meeting-positive-place URL;VALUE=URI:http://tcell.org.uk/page/general-meeting-positive-place SUMMARY:General Meeting at the Positive Place DESCRIPTION:\;http\://www.thepositiveplace.org.uk/find_us.html
6pm to 8pm 5th June 2008
END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR