Reflections on 2025

This year we provided direct support services to 34 families; 36 parents/carers and 53 children, through a team of 17 volunteers.

We have provided 15 outings in the school holidays, taking an average of 25 children each holiday. We continue to provide a varied activities programme to provide new opportunities and experiences. 

This year’s outings included trips to Tower Bridge, Thames river boat rides, Mudchute farm, go-karting, climbing, bowling, watersports at Herts Mariners activity centre in Cheshunt and Otherword VR. 

The summer’s main event was due to be a beach trip to Folkestone which sadly had to be cancelled, due to extreme weather conditions. A small group did go later in the summer and a simple trip to the splash park at Victoria park proved to be very popular. 

Parents and carers have continued to express their gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities that these outings provide for their children, many of whom do not get to take part in activities over the holiday season outside of those offered by Alongside You. After Christmas outings one parent left a very heartfelt message, "Thank you very much, thank you so much. My kids are very happy. Thank you for buying gifts for them." A child said to a volunteer on an outing, “You are like family. We must be special because you take us on these nice trips.”

Engaging with the HIV team at Homerton hospital was a reminder of the value of the work being done by AY. As the manager of the team commented, "No-one else is doing what you are doing." 

The staff were overwhelmingly encouraging about the work of Alongside You and its impact on the lives of those living with HIV. This was said in the light of the deeply relational approach of Alongside You. Medically, the team said, the world of HIV has changed dramatically over recent years but the stigma and isolation sadly has not. People are still experiencing rejection as a result of diagnosis, including from family and friends. 

So, as an organisation we aim to continue to support those who have experienced the trauma of stigma and isolation, bringing positive experiences and trips that create great memories.