The following is a letter of support for the group.

Centre for Health Promotion.

The Centre is based within the Primary Care Trust at Regent House in central Stockport. The main aim of the centre's work is to improve the health of the Stockport population, particularly those in greatest need. The majority of the centre's work is with other health and care professionals and organisations but there is some scope to work with members of the public. The centre does work in a variety of health related areas. These include: -
Cancer prevention
Alcohol misuse prevention
Coronary Heart Disease prevention
Diet and nutrition
Physical activity
Smoking Cessation
Mental Health
Sexual Health and HIV
I feel there are several ways in which I may be able to support the group in my role: -
1) Resources
If there are specific health topics the group is interested in it may be possible to provide resources and health information about these.
2) Campaigns
The centre runs a series of campaigns during the year (E.G. World AIDS Day, World Mental Health Day, No Smoking Day). If the group was interested in planning activities around these and receiving campaigns information then I would look into this.
3) Guest Speakers / Input into the Group
If the group wanted a guest speaker on a particular topic I may be able to provide contacts.
4) HIV and Sexual Health
My topic area is HIV and Sexual Health. I am very willing to provide resources and information in this area. If the group decides they would like input in this area I am willing to work with the group on this and am happy to arrange group work / presentations. I am also involved in co-ordinating the World AIDS Day Campaign (1st December each year). If the group wanted to do any activities relating to this then we should be able to provide support - although note that for the past couple of years the Arden Arms has arranged an annual fund raising event and it may be that the group wants to link in with this. I have good links with the Lesbian and Gay Foundation and am happy to liaise with them about issues which the group raises regarding required support.
I am also a member of a group which is involved in planning sexual health services and prevention of sexually transmitted infections and HIV in Stockport. The group is keen to consult with members of the community when planning initiatives. Therefore if we are want perceptions of the lesbian and gay community I may approach the group to see if any members are interested in sharing their perceptions and giving advice. This would of course be entirely voluntary.
5) Links with the Base
I am on the management group of the Base Youth project and am keen to see links developed between the PLUS group and the Base. I feel the best way of doing this is for the group to have links with Alison Steele (project co-ordinator of the Base) but I am happy to support development of links.
6) Publicity
When the flyer is updated I will circulate to relevant health settings and will provide copies of this to LGF and ensure that information is provided to the helpline. Regarding putting an article in OUT magazine I feel its best if someone from the group writes this rather than me writing an article. If you pass this to me I will arrange for it to go in OUT.
I hope this information is clear. Let me know if you need any more information. If you are planning specific activities and feel I may be able to provide support please contact me. I hope the group is a great success and continues to develop further
All the best
Duncan Weldrake
Senior Health Promotion Adviser (HIV Prevention)
Tel 0161 426 5091