An Edinburgh-based Scottish charity that has supported people with HIV for the last three decades is to shut down. HIV Scotland said “a number of significant challenges” led to the closure, with board members “unable to identify a unifying solution that would allow the charity to resume functionality”.
A statement on the charity’s website said it has been operating within “a complex and challenging environment” and referred to significant changes in governance as well as a “precarious funding climate”. The statement from the charity’s board said: “For almost 30 years, HIV Scotland has supported thousands of people to live with HIV and thrive.
“Our teams have worked on behalf of all those living with, and at risk of, HIV to ensure that Scotland has responsive policies, quality services, and a supportive environment that enable our community to live healthy and fulfilling lives. However, due to a number of significant challenges, the board has taken the incredibly difficult decision to wind-up the charity.
“We want to thank all staff, volunteers and communities who have supported HIV Scotland since groups first came together in 1994 to support each other. We are proud of our achievements and legacy of work to improve the lives of those living with, or at risk of HIV, as we all look toward a Scotland where we can eliminate HIV transmission by 2030.”
Information below the statement on the website added: “HIV Scotland has been operating within a complex and challenging environment. This has included significant changes in governance, with the recruitment of a new chair and board and an entirely new management and staff team within the last two years.
“While this brought some stability to the charity, there have been some recent changes within the organisation’s governance which have caused concern. This has led to the chair and a significant number of the board resigning from their positions.
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“Ongoing issues which are faced by HIV Scotland include the precarious funding climate and maintaining the support of our external stakeholders. “The remaining board members were unable to identify a unifying solution that would allow the charity to resume functionality.
“The board will therefore work with staff and stakeholders as the charity is wound-down.”
The charity, established in 1995, had been threatened with closure once before — in 2018 — but was saved that time following a Scottish Government funding U-turn. HIV Scotland feared it would have to shut after losing out on Scottish Government cash earlier in the year, forcing staff lay offs.
But the Scottish Government offered the charity £231,000 over three years to keep its doors open. It had previously received around £270,000 a year from the Scottish Government before losing out in its bid in the latest funding round.
The news of its final demise which broke on Friday drew statements of regret from Twitter users. Matthew Gilbert-Straw said: "Very sad to see you closing your doors. You did brilliant work." David Thomas added: "All the very best, current and former members hold your heads high. So much caring, kindness and lives lived, lived better. Bravo!"
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