Published on 12 October 2016
University academic Andrew Dalton has received a North East Equality Award 2016, in recognition for his work and research around HIV in the North East.
On winning the 'Individuals who have made a difference' category the School of Social Sciences academic commented: "I am overjoyed to be honoured with the 'individuals who have made a difference' award at the North East Equality Awards.
"This award goes out to the hard work done by everyone who are part of the community groups I run, the campaigns I am part of and especially to my most heartfelt causes, to all of those who are LGBT (and their allies) and those who are living with HIV."
Drew was also shortlisted for the prestigious judges own award for 'Best practice', which is a tremendous achievement itself.
Both winning North East Equality Award and being nominated in the Best Practice category recognise Drew's work exploring people living with HIV and their life histories - the first research project of its kind in the North East.
Drew also established and is and now Chair of Thrive NE, a community social and support group for those living with HIV in the region and Chair of Live HIV Neutral, the first UK nationwide campaign to tackle HIV-related stigma.
At the University Drew is working with HR colleagues to develop an 'HIV Friendly' Charter Mark, which once launched will be the first of its kind in the UK and will enable UK businesses to show that they are considerate of the the effect of HIV on staff in their employment practices, recruitment, retention and treatment of employees.
In addition Drew has also recently completed research into the impact of Government cuts, nationally and locally on HIV organisations and charties and how they are coping, or not, in these times of austerity.
More information on the awards is available here.