HIV charity has been saved from closure after Scottish government funding U-turn
HIV Scotland will now receive £231,000 over a three year period
By Steve Brown
An HIV charity has been saved from closure following a funding U-turn by the Scottish Government.
HIV Scotland nearly had to shut its doors after losing out on vital funding earlier this year causing multiple staff lay-offs, but now, Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick revealed the government has offered the charity £231,000 over a three year period, the Express and Star reported.
The money will enable the charity to seek extra funding to secure a sustainable future, they said, and had previously received around £270,000 a year from the government before losing out in its bid.
FitzPatrick said: “The Scottish Government has agreed to offer HIV Scotland £231,000 over the next three years.
“This funding will support the organisation to move to a sustainable financial position.”
He also revealed the Scottish Government has given £2.13million to organisations dealing with sexual health and blood-borne viruses between 2018 and 2021.
HIV Scotland board chairwoman Nicoletta Policek: “We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with the Scottish Government to contribute to our core operating costs.
“This new, arms-length relationship with the government will allow us to develop new relationships with other funders to secure a sustainable future, whilst continuing our award winning work which protects the human rights of people living with and at risk of HIV.”