Values and Principles
Yorkshire MESMAC is an independent group of community based sexual health and social wellbeing services that are committed to developing and delivering services that are responsive to the needs of our communities.
Building communities that have the knowledge, skills and resources needed to make choices about our lives, free from exploitation, stigma and fear.
Working with most at risk communities to eliminate health and social inequalities.
INCLUSIVENESS
We respect people, value diversity and are committed to equity.
QUALITY
We will aim for excellence continuous improvement to services, based on feedback from service users, effective use of technology, resources and our people.
PARTICIPATION
Services are better when people are able to participate in their development and delivery - as service users, volunteers staff and partners. We recognise and value the contribution of volunteers service users and staff in our organisation and in their communities.
PRIDE
Service users, volunteers, partners and staff are proud to be part of Yorkshire MESMAC group of services.
VALUE FOR MONEY
Each pound we receive can only be spent once, we will ensure that we use each one to maximise the benefits to our communities.
At Yorkshire MESMAC we are proud of our historical focus on work with Gay, Bisexual men, men who have sex with men and wider Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Questioning communities; and we are committed to continuing this work.
Yorkshire MESMAC has developed from skills and experience gained working with LGBTQ communities. We are currently made up of community based services that work predominately with those communities who are disproportionately affected by HIV, STIs and mental health inequality.
Whilst each service within the Yorkshire MESMAC Group, has a different focus they all operate within a common strategic management, support and planning framework. More importantly all services with Yorkshire MESMAC Group of services share the same core aims, values and goals.
All people, regardless of their sexuality, gender, sexual identity or HIV status, are entitled to the same rights and respect as all other people
Build an HIV and STI aware population that has knowledge, skills, and resources and access to a range of high quality, timely services.
Eliminate stigma and prejudice faced by People living with HIV (PLWH) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Eliminate Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
Improve the mental health of our target populations.
- No person’s sexual behaviour should be a problem to them if it is not abusive or exploitative; and if their sexual behaviour is not a problem to their sexual partner/s.
- All people, regardless of their sexuality, gender, sexual identity or HIV status, are entitled to the same rights and respect as all other people.
- All people, regardless of their HIV status, are entitled to a satisfying sex life, free from fear of blame or prosecution.
- We all have the potential to be experts in our own lives, though we recognise that many external factors work against us making real informed choices. Our role is to facilitate the realisation of this expertise through a range of professional and self-help services.
- All people have the right to self define and organise in a way that reflects their true concerns and life experiences.
- There are no hard to reach communities just hard to access services.
- Work with service users, service providers and funders to develop; safe, responsive, accessible, inclusive, timely and appropriate services.
- Where appropriate and possible, directly provide such services.
- Develop mechanisms and forums which ensure that service users and other community members are central to and participate in the planning and delivery of services.
- Work in partnership with other groups, individuals and organisations, to benefit our target communities.
- Ensure that all workers in the organisation, both paid and unpaid are supported and valued and have access to personal and professional development.