Formed in 1988, when the world was first waking up to and accepting the problem of Aids and the HIV infection, the charity, which is based in Llandrindod Wells, relies entirely on volunteers, who offer a range of support, information and training services.

PALS believe that people should not have to travel long distances to access the services they need – whether they are living with HIV, are worried about a sexual health issue or are just seeking information.

A PALS spokesman said: "We are committed to ensuring that services are available locally to people living in rural mid-Wales where possible, and to assisting people to access services outside of Powys where necessary.

"People living with HIV do not need the additional burden of enduring prejudice and stigma in their communities. By providing accurate information to the public, we aim to combat the ignorance that leads to prejudice.

"The current epidemic of sexually transmitted infections among young people needs to be addressed, with accessible information, open discussion, and better availability of free and cheap condoms.

"We want to see community clinics which would offer testing and treatment for STIs as part of a general health and well-being strategy for young people."

Once again PALS marked World AIDS Day on December 1, by having a presence at various professional events and conferences, as well as sexual health stands at Coleg Powys plus other awareness and fundraising activities on the day.

PALS development worker, Gill Bradbury, said: "The UK theme for World Aids Day was understanding through communication and will be endorsed with the statement: HIV — Let's Get Talking.

"This theme aims to highlight the importance of using open communication in order to break down the silence around HIV, and to get people talking about HIV.

"The number of 16 to 24 year olds being treated for HIV has almost trebled between 1996 and 2005.

"Cumulatively, to the end of June 2007, there have been 88,627 diagnoses of HIV in the UK.

"It is estimated that one in three people living with HIV in the UK do not know that they are infected. Clearly, a more proactive approach to testing is required since the earlier someone is diagnosed, the more successful their treatment is likely to be and the less likely they are to pass the virus on to someone else."

Gill also said that PALS is grateful to have received funding from the Big Lottery Fund and the Elton John AIDS Foundation (June 2006 to July 2008) which has enabled them to undertake more sexual health awareness and outreach work, as well as ongoing development and support work.
Further funding was also received from a (PAVO administered) Small
Health Grant and the Peter Moores Foundation, to support the Positive Peer Support events, over the last year.

"Tackling stigma and discrimination is central to our mission and values and PALS aims to work closely with the police, schools, colleges and youth organisations to combat homophobia and promote supportive environments within which, young people can safely 'come out' or disclose issues regarding their sexuality," added Gill.

If you would like to receive a copy of the PALS Newsletter, become a volunteer, obtain advice and information, or if you are HIV positive and wanting some support, then please contact Gill Bradbury on: 0845 223 5209 or e-mail: info@powysaidsline.org.uk

Gill will be in India throughout February 2008, where she hopes to visit a couple of HIV Projects and services and gain a more in depth insight to HIV AIDS in India and the issues faced there.