Since I started in November 2002, I've done everything from stocking condoms in bars to funding bids. I still enjoy the 'hands on' work, outreach stalls and training sessions. However, these days I'm often representing the sexual health needs of MSM at a strategic level; ensuring that the LGB&T community stays firmly on the health agenda, both locally and nationally.
My job is varied; no two days are the same which is great for me. Some of my work involves providing one to one support, training health professionals and the gay community around LGB issues and safer-sex. The development of national HIV campaigns, organising events, such as World AIDS Day, and working with different communities to ensure LGB&T issues are always on the agenda in a positive way. This is just a fraction of some of the work which goes on!
My primary role involves looking after all of Trade's finances. This can be day-to-day tasks such as paying invoices or more complex work like preparing the end of year accounts for our accountants. I have worked at Trade for almost three years and have been involved in many different projects and duties. I have worked on Trade's events like the Pride Health & Wellbeing Marquee, World AIDS Day Events and run the counselling service. Every day is always different.
As well as helping out with the day-to-day running of Trade and its services, my role consists of working with the Health Promotion & Volunteer Coordinator with shaping and delivering health promotion campaigns on a variety of platforms, with a particular focus on intersectionality and representation of all intersections of the LGB&T community.
I am also the lead on the Kwik Prick rapid HIV testing services and Public Sex Environments (PSE) outreach, which includes saunas and cruising grounds.
I facilitate the High Five group, which is a social and support group for gay and bisexual men living with, and affected by, HIV.
