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LASS Remembers

‘In 1987 a virulent new disease was killing people in Leicester. A grassroots organisation was created to provide care and support for the dying, the sick and their loved ones. Now, 25 years later, the situation has in some ways changed dramatically, but Leicestershire AIDS Support Services (LASS) continues to provide essential services to all those affected by HIV.This book tells the story of LASS by talking to the people who founded the organisation and those who have used its services, volunteered or worked for it ever since.’
This is the blurb from an invaluable historical resource tracing the history of a local HIV/AIDS charity in Leicestershire and Rutland. Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) the book shows the important role local people – the unsung heroes – and celebrities played in challenging the disease and dealing with its effects and those who had to live – and die – with it from the dark days to the present. It also contains a moving article from our very own patrons’ officer Steve Boyce, a long time resident of Leicester who worked in both the theatre and education in the city.
In the meantime of course HIV/AIDS is still very much around and Leicestershire and Rutland in 2012 had the 6th highest rate of infection in the UK.
You can download the publication here.
The LASS website isĀ http://www.lass.org.uk/