An AIDS Helpline Has Been Launched In Southend

Volunteers run an advice helpline to supplement government information on AIDS.

In an office, three people are discussing their work for the AIDS Helpline at Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Anglia TV reporter Rebecca Atherstone says over 40 people have volunteered to help counsel callers and give advice on the phone line open 6 – 10 each evening. Christine talks with a caller. The helpline is for anyone who wants to find out more about the illness or is concerned they may be an AIDS carrier. Despite widespread publicity about AIDS, Southend Health Authority think there is more to be done. David Langley, AIDS Officer, says there has been a lot of unwarranted concern because the publicity tends towards the newsworthy, and gives the impression that AIDS-related issues are the norm rather than the exception. Covers of two Health Education Council leaflets – “Some Facts About A.I.D.S. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome” and “AIDS - What everybody needs to know”. Mr Langley says the publicity has improved but there is still a lot of misinformation. Christine and Colin are two of the helpline volunteers. Asked why he offered to help, Colin says people are not doing enough and that makes him angry so he wants to do as much as he can. This video was made to be shown in a news story on Anglia Television early evening news / magazine programme About Anglia.

Keywords

AIDS; Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; HIV; Helplines