May 2006:

Launch of Body and Soul Campaign 

Hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on AIDS

At Body & Soul’s Parliamentary launch of the ‘a smile is a gift’ campaign on Monday 15^th May, the diversity of people in attendance paid tribute to the hard work that Body & Soul has put into this campaign, as well as highlighted our message that HIV has no bounds; we are all affected and people of all ages, backgrounds, professions and interests must come together on this issue and make sure that prevention, awareness and support are adequately put in place so that HIV does not continue to raise alarm in this country.

The reception was hosted by Neil Gerrard MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on AIDS and showed representation from all areas of Government. Sandra Gidley MP, health spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats; the Rt Hon Harriet Harman, Minister for Justice; and Emily Thornberry MP were among the 25 Members of Parliament who came along to show their support. Attendance also included representatives from the Office of the Children’s Commissioner; the African HIV Policy Network; Gilead and Roche Pharmaceutical Companies; Positive Nation magazine; the Centre for Racial Equality; Principle Affairs; Help a London Child; and the UK Coalition. Mix this dynamic group with Body & Soul staff and volunteers, and 15 teenagers living with or closely affected by HIV, and you have a true celebration of hard work and passion!

The speakers were exciting and motivational, and each brought a unique and positive message of endorsement for this campaign. Neil Gerrard MP and the Rt Hon Harriet Harman MP spoke of the need for MPs in HIV policy making to listen to the young people that it affects every day. Annmarie Byrne spoke of her experiences with stigma and prejudice as an HIV positive woman and Lynn Hill, winner of the national 2005 Year of the Volunteer Award for Impact discussed how Body & Soul has been a lifeline for her growing up. Lastly, in a booming and charismatic voice, CBBC presenter Sidney Sloane showed his ultimate support and love for the ‘a smile is a gift’ campaign by reciting two original poems. The night was chaired by the charismatic, intelligent and equally charming Max who is 18 years old and living with the HIV virus. Look out for Max on the next Labour ballot!

The launch marks the beginning of a six-month campaign to raise public awareness of HIV, tackle the related stigma and help build Body & Soul’s new centre for services.