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News
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Groundswell now managing Peer2Peer TB project
03 Apr 2009
London has the highest rate of tuberculosis (TB) infection in Europe, and research has shown that homeless people and drug and alcohol users are the most likely to contract TB. Treatment is intensive and can take a year of daily medication to complete, which is a challenge given that the disease strikes people who are at their lowest point. The Peer2Peer project was set up by Find & Treat and Homeless Link in January 2008, to help people experiencing homelessness to get screened, diagnosed and treated for TB.
The project recruits and trains peer educators - former TB patients who also have experience of homelessness and/or problematic drug or alcohol use. At the moment there are three peers – Josie, David and Mahad – who visit hostels, day centres and drug services alongside the Find and Treat Mobile X-Ray van, which has facilities to screen people for TB. The peers use their first-hand experience to engage with people and encourage them to get screened, as well as delivering talks and training to people experiencing homelessness, housing providers and healthcare teams. They have been through the treatment process themselves while in difficult situations, so can provide support.
We at Groundswell are delighted to be the new home of the exciting and innovative Peer2Peer project, and we look forward to some great developments in the coming year. To find out more, contact Steve by emailing steveb@groundswell.org.uk, or take a look at the Find & Treat website at www.findandtreat.com. Go to News & Events home page
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