COMMENTS ABOUT ME:
UNSOLICITED COMMENTS IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATIONAL EMAIL REGARDING MY REDUNDANCY AS TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FROM 'LEICESTERSHIRE AIDS SUPPORT SERVICES' (February 2008)
"Thanks for informing me about the training. I was looking forward to the day and to visiting LASS again, as I was made most welcome by Marion when I visited last summer. Sorry to hear that you will be leaving, and I know it will be a sad loss for the Midlands area without the superb training you offer. Your sentiments regarding the voluntary sector will ring true for many other HIV support services, as they do for us here. I wish you well for the future and in all you do". Worker, HIV Agency.
"That is a real shame. Thanks for everything". Worker, Community Mental Health Team, Leicester.
"I just wanted to wish you well for the future. The announcement that your to be made redundant is a terrible loss for LASS, certainly after 20 years of dedicated service. The place won't seem the same without you! Take care and best wishes". Worker, Leicester City Council.
"What a shame your leaving and so soon. You have provide myself and my team who have always come back and gave such positive comments about your course on how useful they have been as provided them with an excellent insight into some of the sensitive issues around AIDS/HIV etc. Also regular updates via emails. Your training and presentation techniques were to the point and very factual, people who attended the courses felt at ease and comfortable speaking about issues. You are really going to be missed tremendously, wish you all the very best in your future. Who ever who work for next, you will be a asset as your knowledge and experience in this field is priceless. Restructuring: well no more said!!!!! Can't help myself.........what a bad move!!!! Take care", Senior Case Worker, Leicester City Council.
"Best wishes for the future". Consultant in Dentistry.
"I was sorry to hear that you are to be made redundant and would just like to say a big “thank you” for all the work you have done over the years. For myself, I can honestly say that through your training I have learnt so much about HIV/AIDS and how it impacts on peoples’ lives. You will be sorely missed. Thanks again and may I wish you “good Luck” for wherever you concentrate your talents next". Domestic Violence Worker.
"I'm sorry to hear that you will be leaving LASS. The contribution and variety of training regularly offered by LASS was of great importance. Here at Leicester City Council, we wish you well now and in the future" Team Manager, Leicester City Council.
"About 10 years ago you trained me on one of your HIV awareness courses, but also at the same time I was coming to terms with my own HIV status. I have just heard about LASS letting your role go, I can’t even begin to understand the sense in that decision. As a heterosexual man in the late 90’s I had some big issues dealing with my status, and just want to say that you and your training course helped me through some very dark times. LASS and the hospital were great and provide me with support but I needed hard facts and you gave me some of the most useful and honest information at the time, for that I thank you. For the record 10 years later I’m still here and plan to be for a long time yet. I wish you all the luck in the future, and hope that you find somewhere that can use you skills and talents. All the best", A LASS Service User.
"I would like to wish you well for your future and good luck. Best wishes". Worker, local organisation.
"Sorry to hear this news- just to say that your work over the years has been greatly appreciated & valued by myself & many others in the sector. Your high standards, knowledge & quality of delivery will be greatly missed".
"I am so sorry to read this. I wish you all the best for the future, although I am sure LASS will not be the same without a training department". LASS Volunteer.
"I have received training from LASS in connection with my work with children and families. I found the training to be excellent and very useful, giving me confidence to believe that I could understand a bit of what it is like for families living with AIDS/HIV. I have always felt that LASS was a valuable part of the voluntary sector in Leicester and that the training you have offered was not being offered from any other source. I am guessing that it has been an extremely difficult time for you and others at LASS and I want to thank you for your contribution you have made to helping Leicester and Leicestershire be a place where AIDS in understood and people are treated with the dignity, care, love and attention they deserve. I wish you well for the future and hope LASS will be able to continue to deliver the high level of service I have felt it has delivered in the past". Primary Mental Health Worker.
"We are very sorry to hear of your departure from LASS. Your support in providing the TB sessions has proved invaluable for us because attendees on your courses have been from such diverse and useful professional backgrounds. We would be extremely sorry to see the sessions cease. Thanks so much for all your hard work Gordon and best wishes for the future. Kind regards", Leicestershire & Rutland TB Service.
"I am sorry to hear the news of you departure. Your contribution to LASS and the wider community in raising awareness has been phenomenal. Thank you for your input into the Safeguarding adults work. Good luck in whatever you do in the future. If it's training then let me know and I will keep your contact details in case we want to commission events. Best Wishes", Staff Development Officer.
"Sorry to hear of your redundancy, although we have only touched base a few times - the last one being at BBC Radio Leicester, may I wish you well for the future, I'm sure your experience will be welcomed at another employer. All the best and take care", Community Care Worker.
"I got the email today about Friday being your last day at LASS. LASS won't be the same without you, I consider you to be a fountain of knowledge, and one of the most intelligent people I have ever met! On top of that you are a great bloke and I will miss you. Wishing you all the best for the future", LASS volunteer.
"I am sorry to hear that LASS (in their 'wisdom'!!!) have decided to make you redundant. I personally think this is short sighted and will affect the services which they currently offer. I have been on a number of courses you had delivered and had found your knowledge and enthusiasm to be second to none. I am absolutely positive that you will gain future employment in any area you wish to pursue, I only wish that there were more people around like yourself who actually cared about others. I'm sure there are hundreds of well wishers whose collective karma will ensure your talents will be used effectively in whatever you now decide to do. Regards", Life Skills Counsellor.
"I was very sad to hear of you leaving LASS and just wanted to wish you well. I have attended three of your courses over ten years. Each one I found extremely informative and from both a personal and professional perspective, invaluable. As a youth worker I believe education and information sharing is so vital in all areas of life but I do worry about a rise in the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the next few years as young people don't know how it was in the eighties they seem so complacent. To me good work should be built upon not considered done, so it saddens me to hear of your departure. Just remember all that information you gave will always be with us and reflected in our work. I would like to wish you well in your future endeavours. Maybe it’s time to put yourself first for a while. Good luck and best wishes", Youth Development Worker.
"Just like to say thank you for your organising. I have had many staff and students who have enjoyed and found the courses you had put on as being very informative, which I hope has also contributed to the care that they now offer clients and patients". School Nurse.
"Would like to wish you every success in the future Gordon, whatever you decide to do". Local Worker, Voluntary agency.
"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him. Good luck".
"I'm very sorry to hear that you are leaving, especially when you have so much experience and passion for the people you have worked with and for. I wish you all the best for your future and hope that you find comfort in the fact that I'm sure that you have made a difference", School Nurse.
"What a loss for LASS. Your enthusiasm and insight shall be missed by the health professionals who have attended any of your sessions. These were always extremely informative and to the point - and nowhere else exists for us to get this kind of information in such a succinct and enjoyable manner. Good Luck in all you do". Community Matron.
"I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear that you are leaving LASS. I have attended a few of your training sessions and always found them very interesting and informative. Good Luck with your future ventures. Best Wishes".
"I suppose it’s because I don’t work in the same circle as you do & therefore unaware of the internal workings, that I was completely shocked to learn of your redundancy. I know I have only seen you a couple of times at the Teenage Pregnancy meetings & you probably can’t bring me to mind, but that doesn’t matter – I just want to say that I have huge respect for the work you have done and what has been achieved because of your role and drive. No doubt you have plans for continuing to use your talents and energy in a way that will be gratifying to you and benefit others. I wish you happiness and fulfillment in whatever you do. Kind regards".
"I am very sorry to hear you are leaving LASS and would like to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of all hostel staff, past and present, for your excellent work in educating us in the field of HIV/AIDS. Your teaching has enhanced my knowledge in many areas and I know this has benefited many others. You have been a champion to many people and I am sure your work has left a legacy for years to come. I wish you all the best in the future and look forward to our paths crossing again one day. Kindest regards", Hostel Manager.
"Thank you for sending me this, though needless to say, I’m very disappointed in the news and feel for you at this time. I’d like to stay in touch with you, if that’s OK, and would like to thank you not just for the course that I personally attended, but for your dedication, commitment, perseverance and determination. People like you are very hard to find. Best wishes".
"After your news last week about the meeting I was worried that the outcome may be redundancy, but had persuaded myself that LASS could really not be serious about losing such a key role. It is a great shock to read your email and learn of your leaving so soon. I found your personal note very moving. It chimes so much with my own thoughts and experiences. It's hard to imagine your not being around after so long. Not only have I valued our conversations and drawn on your extensive knowledge on a one-to-one level, but also, of course, I've benefited from all the training I have attended over the years. I know it is not altogether measure-able, but surely the local levels of knowledge and awareness, must be the higher for your personal dedication to excellent prevention training and the creation of supportive communities and environments for people affected by HIV. And that's not counting your obvious passion for social justice and commitment to breaking down prejudice and discrimination wherever they are found. A personal 'thank you' Gordon for all your help to me - an inadequate expression of appreciation, I'm afraid, especially in the circumstances. I am wondering what your thoughts are about the future. Perhaps we could meet up some time for a coffee? I would be sorry to lose touch altogether. Warmest wishes".
"Sorry to hear your news. Thank you for the support of the University of Leicester events and I wish you all the very best in the future". Careers Service, University of Leicester.
"I am very sorry to hear that you will be leaving LASS. I remember when you started as it was around about the same time that I commenced in a local post. In those early days working in this field certainly wasn’t for the faint hearted and I appreciated your support at the time. I completely agree about the wonderful gay men (who are sadly no longer with us) that we both worked with in the early days in particular Kel and the fabulous and unforgettable Warren -both beautiful’ souls’. I think that that you can be justifiably proud of your significant contribution. Wishing you all the best in the future".
"I wish you every success in where ever the next stage of your future may take you. Good luck". Hostel Project Worker.
"Am really sorry and shocked to read your e-mail, i have enjoyed working with you and will miss the regular updates information and training you are involved with. I hope you find a enjoyable new job or enjoy some time out, which ever. with very best wishes". Worker, Leicestershire County and Rutland Primary Care Trust.
"Although we have never met in person you have provided excellent training for many members of staff here at our Hostel. I'm saddened to hear you are leaving and feel that LASS has lost a valuable asset. I would like to offer our very best wishes to you and your future. From all the team at the hostel". Hostel Manager.
"Thanks for your e-mail. I'm sorry to hear that you're leaving LASS due to a restructure. I appreciate that your role as training manager contributed vastly to the HIV training agenda (and HIV policy) in Leicester. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support to us in sharing information, knowledge and expertise around HIV/AIDS issues in particular through HIV/AIDS training and your input in HIV policy and practice guidance 2006/07. I will miss working with you. Wishing you all the best for the future". Planning and Service Development Officer.
"I’m so sorry, that’s really upsetting news I’m sure there will be many many people upset to hear that you won’t be there anymore. I’d like to take this opportunity to say thanks for all the help and things you've taught me and good luck with the future!! Thanks again".
"I am so very sorry to hear this Gordon. It is a loss for everybody. I hope you are successful in the future and continue to educate others about these important issues. Best wishes".
"I can hardly believe what I am reading. Is there anything that can be done to help - petition, campaigning, etc? The training sessions you have run have been invaluable in raising awareness of HIV and it's affects, impact, and related issues. I am truly sorry for you, and for others who are going to miss out on what you and your training are able to give. Having worked as one of the attached named SWs to Ward 38 in the early days, where at the time I worked mainly with Gay Men and people infected via transfusions and intravenous drug taking, I too have very fond memories of LASS. In my current role as SW in the Persons from Abroad team, I have noted it's 'evolution', particularly with regard to addressing the needs of and advocating for asylum seekers and failed asylum seekers. It just seems crazy to me to make you and your role redundant at a time when HIV is still having such an impact upon people. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Kind Regards". Social Worker.
"To be leaving LASS after 20 years of dedication both to the cause and to the organisation is bound to be a huge wrench for you and I can only begin to imagine how it must feel. I hope that you soon find another vocation to absorb your talents and energy. So often it is true, that as one door closes another opens. Best wishes".
"I am really sad to hear that you are leaving and that the wonderful resource of training at LASS is being lost. I have really enjoyed the training I have done with you. I hope you go on to bigger and better things and that you continue your very important work, thanks for all your time and effort, you will be greatly missed". Prison Drugs Worker.
"Thank you for all the training sessions, meetings, etc. Your extensive knowledge and ability to present it in a friendly fashion is much appreciated. Best wishes for the future". LASS Volunteer.
"Sorry you’re leaving...Goodbye...Good luck...really sad to see you go...take care...This card says it all Gordon. Will miss you!" LASS Volunteer.
"Very sorry to hear the new on your leaving LASS, you were obviously an asset to the organisation and am sure shall be sadly missed. Your passion and professionalism has made a difference to so many people. I hope you all the very best for the future. Please do keep in touch". Worker, Leicester City PCT.
"Many thanks for your email, sad though I was to receive it. It's certainly a big loss for LASS - and the end of two decades of your committed, professional and devoted work for all the communities of Leicester, which has been much appreciated and will be much missed. With all good wishes", Equalities Officer.
"I hope you get this email before you finish. I have only just read this email and hope to have caught you. I am really sorry to hear that this has happened and I wanted to wish you well for the future. I myself have attended training facilitated by yourself and many staff have followed in my footsteps. You are absolutely one of the most impressive trainers that I have had the pleasure of listening too and learning from. It is a real loss to LASS to not have you or the training you provide and that will undoubtedly affect the knowledge and skills within the city of those of us providing support to vulnerable people. It is such a shame but I know the climate that services work within nowadays. We never know what is around the corner. Anyway, all the best for the future and thank you for being such an expert and sharing your knowledge with us all. Take Care", Supported Housing Manager.
"Good Luck Gordon, I wish you every success in the future. Regards", Local voluntary agency worker.
"I just wanted to wish you all the very best for the future. I do hope the job search goes well and that you find a job that you really enjoy and that suits you. I know many people say that being made redundant (although awful and stressful at the time, particularly where it is not handled sympathetically) has presented opportunities that would not otherwise have arisen. I know it gave me the chance to take control of my life although I was fortunate in that I was ready to move on and I had a sympathetic boss who was also leaving and happy to support my view that I was surplus to requirements. However, my brother was also made redundant unfairly and redundancy was used as a pretext to oust him from a job at which he excelled and which he had been doing for 20 years. Once he got over the initial negative impact, he then decided to work for himself. He is now highly successfully doing something he really enjoys and has never looked back. I do so hope that will be your experience also. Best of luck with everything. Regards", LASS Volunteer.
"I have done 2 lots of training at LASS with you as trainer over the last few years - most recently last month and I was VERY impressed with the standard of the training, your knowledge and excellent presentational skills. I am VERY sorry that you are going - what a shame when education and information about HIV/AIDS is still so badly needed. I hope you find alternative employment and something where you many talents can be used. Regards", Social Worker.
"I was so shocked to hear the news of your redundancy, all the hard work you have put in and the training of so many people. LASS is not a happy place to be at the moment and not sure where it will end up. I would like to thank you personally for the training you have given to me, it has helped me to help others. If at anytime I can help please do not hesitate to let me know". A Volunteer
"Very sorry to hear of you leaving LASS, I attended the courses there about ten years ago and was about to return, to me you are/were LASS, a well known name and very much respected, I do hope you will not disappear from the field of work you have given so much to. Thanks seem so small to give for the huge amount you have given to the cause. You should be very proud of all you have achieved, I’m proud to have met you".
"I just wanted to let you know how sorry and pretty disgusted I was to learn that your position within LASS has been terminated. I hope new opportunities will soon begin to present themselves, or you will focus on things that working so hard at LASS for two decades has prevented you from concentrating on. I will keep in touch. Let me know your plans- if I hear of any jobs- and you are willing to relocate, I will let you know as soon as I hear anything. Very best wishes". HIV worker.
"Very sorry to hear this news. You have made an enormous contribution to the welfare of those affected by HIV in Leicestershire and will be missed. I hope we don't lose your expertise completely. Do you have any further plans yet?? I've enjoyed working with you. All the very best for the future". Consultant/Doctor.
"I am sorry to hear about your redundancy. It is such a shame because I really thought that your training sessions were excellent and I always looked forward to the next one. Thank you very much for such informative sessions and for giving me a great insight into the organisation and its activities. I hope that you will find something equally worthwhile to work on. Best Wishes", LASS Volunteer.
UNSOLICITED COMMENTS IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATIONAL EMAIL REGARDING MY REDUNDANCY AS TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FROM 'LEICESTERSHIRE AIDS SUPPORT SERVICES' (February 2008)
"Thanks for informing me about the training. I was looking forward to the day and to visiting LASS again, as I was made most welcome by Marion when I visited last summer. Sorry to hear that you will be leaving, and I know it will be a sad loss for the Midlands area without the superb training you offer. Your sentiments regarding the voluntary sector will ring true for many other HIV support services, as they do for us here. I wish you well for the future and in all you do". Worker, HIV Agency.
"That is a real shame. Thanks for everything". Worker, Community Mental Health Team, Leicester.
"I just wanted to wish you well for the future. The announcement that your to be made redundant is a terrible loss for LASS, certainly after 20 years of dedicated service. The place won't seem the same without you! Take care and best wishes". Worker, Leicester City Council.
"What a shame your leaving and so soon. You have provide myself and my team who have always come back and gave such positive comments about your course on how useful they have been as provided them with an excellent insight into some of the sensitive issues around AIDS/HIV etc. Also regular updates via emails. Your training and presentation techniques were to the point and very factual, people who attended the courses felt at ease and comfortable speaking about issues. You are really going to be missed tremendously, wish you all the very best in your future. Who ever who work for next, you will be a asset as your knowledge and experience in this field is priceless. Restructuring: well no more said!!!!! Can't help myself.........what a bad move!!!! Take care", Senior Case Worker, Leicester City Council.
"Best wishes for the future". Consultant in Dentistry.
"I was sorry to hear that you are to be made redundant and would just like to say a big “thank you” for all the work you have done over the years. For myself, I can honestly say that through your training I have learnt so much about HIV/AIDS and how it impacts on peoples’ lives. You will be sorely missed. Thanks again and may I wish you “good Luck” for wherever you concentrate your talents next". Domestic Violence Worker.
"I'm sorry to hear that you will be leaving LASS. The contribution and variety of training regularly offered by LASS was of great importance. Here at Leicester City Council, we wish you well now and in the future" Team Manager, Leicester City Council.
"About 10 years ago you trained me on one of your HIV awareness courses, but also at the same time I was coming to terms with my own HIV status. I have just heard about LASS letting your role go, I can’t even begin to understand the sense in that decision. As a heterosexual man in the late 90’s I had some big issues dealing with my status, and just want to say that you and your training course helped me through some very dark times. LASS and the hospital were great and provide me with support but I needed hard facts and you gave me some of the most useful and honest information at the time, for that I thank you. For the record 10 years later I’m still here and plan to be for a long time yet. I wish you all the luck in the future, and hope that you find somewhere that can use you skills and talents. All the best", A LASS Service User.
"I would like to wish you well for your future and good luck. Best wishes". Worker, local organisation.
"Sorry to hear this news- just to say that your work over the years has been greatly appreciated & valued by myself & many others in the sector. Your high standards, knowledge & quality of delivery will be greatly missed".
"I am so sorry to read this. I wish you all the best for the future, although I am sure LASS will not be the same without a training department". LASS Volunteer.
"I have received training from LASS in connection with my work with children and families. I found the training to be excellent and very useful, giving me confidence to believe that I could understand a bit of what it is like for families living with AIDS/HIV. I have always felt that LASS was a valuable part of the voluntary sector in Leicester and that the training you have offered was not being offered from any other source. I am guessing that it has been an extremely difficult time for you and others at LASS and I want to thank you for your contribution you have made to helping Leicester and Leicestershire be a place where AIDS in understood and people are treated with the dignity, care, love and attention they deserve. I wish you well for the future and hope LASS will be able to continue to deliver the high level of service I have felt it has delivered in the past". Primary Mental Health Worker.
"We are very sorry to hear of your departure from LASS. Your support in providing the TB sessions has proved invaluable for us because attendees on your courses have been from such diverse and useful professional backgrounds. We would be extremely sorry to see the sessions cease. Thanks so much for all your hard work Gordon and best wishes for the future. Kind regards", Leicestershire & Rutland TB Service.
"I am sorry to hear the news of you departure. Your contribution to LASS and the wider community in raising awareness has been phenomenal. Thank you for your input into the Safeguarding adults work. Good luck in whatever you do in the future. If it's training then let me know and I will keep your contact details in case we want to commission events. Best Wishes", Staff Development Officer.
"Sorry to hear of your redundancy, although we have only touched base a few times - the last one being at BBC Radio Leicester, may I wish you well for the future, I'm sure your experience will be welcomed at another employer. All the best and take care", Community Care Worker.
"I got the email today about Friday being your last day at LASS. LASS won't be the same without you, I consider you to be a fountain of knowledge, and one of the most intelligent people I have ever met! On top of that you are a great bloke and I will miss you. Wishing you all the best for the future", LASS volunteer.
"I am sorry to hear that LASS (in their 'wisdom'!!!) have decided to make you redundant. I personally think this is short sighted and will affect the services which they currently offer. I have been on a number of courses you had delivered and had found your knowledge and enthusiasm to be second to none. I am absolutely positive that you will gain future employment in any area you wish to pursue, I only wish that there were more people around like yourself who actually cared about others. I'm sure there are hundreds of well wishers whose collective karma will ensure your talents will be used effectively in whatever you now decide to do. Regards", Life Skills Counsellor.
"I was very sad to hear of you leaving LASS and just wanted to wish you well. I have attended three of your courses over ten years. Each one I found extremely informative and from both a personal and professional perspective, invaluable. As a youth worker I believe education and information sharing is so vital in all areas of life but I do worry about a rise in the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the next few years as young people don't know how it was in the eighties they seem so complacent. To me good work should be built upon not considered done, so it saddens me to hear of your departure. Just remember all that information you gave will always be with us and reflected in our work. I would like to wish you well in your future endeavours. Maybe it’s time to put yourself first for a while. Good luck and best wishes", Youth Development Worker.
"Just like to say thank you for your organising. I have had many staff and students who have enjoyed and found the courses you had put on as being very informative, which I hope has also contributed to the care that they now offer clients and patients". School Nurse.
"Would like to wish you every success in the future Gordon, whatever you decide to do". Local Worker, Voluntary agency.
"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him. Good luck".
"I'm very sorry to hear that you are leaving, especially when you have so much experience and passion for the people you have worked with and for. I wish you all the best for your future and hope that you find comfort in the fact that I'm sure that you have made a difference", School Nurse.
"What a loss for LASS. Your enthusiasm and insight shall be missed by the health professionals who have attended any of your sessions. These were always extremely informative and to the point - and nowhere else exists for us to get this kind of information in such a succinct and enjoyable manner. Good Luck in all you do". Community Matron.
"I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear that you are leaving LASS. I have attended a few of your training sessions and always found them very interesting and informative. Good Luck with your future ventures. Best Wishes".
"I suppose it’s because I don’t work in the same circle as you do & therefore unaware of the internal workings, that I was completely shocked to learn of your redundancy. I know I have only seen you a couple of times at the Teenage Pregnancy meetings & you probably can’t bring me to mind, but that doesn’t matter – I just want to say that I have huge respect for the work you have done and what has been achieved because of your role and drive. No doubt you have plans for continuing to use your talents and energy in a way that will be gratifying to you and benefit others. I wish you happiness and fulfillment in whatever you do. Kind regards".
"I am very sorry to hear you are leaving LASS and would like to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of all hostel staff, past and present, for your excellent work in educating us in the field of HIV/AIDS. Your teaching has enhanced my knowledge in many areas and I know this has benefited many others. You have been a champion to many people and I am sure your work has left a legacy for years to come. I wish you all the best in the future and look forward to our paths crossing again one day. Kindest regards", Hostel Manager.
"Thank you for sending me this, though needless to say, I’m very disappointed in the news and feel for you at this time. I’d like to stay in touch with you, if that’s OK, and would like to thank you not just for the course that I personally attended, but for your dedication, commitment, perseverance and determination. People like you are very hard to find. Best wishes".
"After your news last week about the meeting I was worried that the outcome may be redundancy, but had persuaded myself that LASS could really not be serious about losing such a key role. It is a great shock to read your email and learn of your leaving so soon. I found your personal note very moving. It chimes so much with my own thoughts and experiences. It's hard to imagine your not being around after so long. Not only have I valued our conversations and drawn on your extensive knowledge on a one-to-one level, but also, of course, I've benefited from all the training I have attended over the years. I know it is not altogether measure-able, but surely the local levels of knowledge and awareness, must be the higher for your personal dedication to excellent prevention training and the creation of supportive communities and environments for people affected by HIV. And that's not counting your obvious passion for social justice and commitment to breaking down prejudice and discrimination wherever they are found. A personal 'thank you' Gordon for all your help to me - an inadequate expression of appreciation, I'm afraid, especially in the circumstances. I am wondering what your thoughts are about the future. Perhaps we could meet up some time for a coffee? I would be sorry to lose touch altogether. Warmest wishes".
"Sorry to hear your news. Thank you for the support of the University of Leicester events and I wish you all the very best in the future". Careers Service, University of Leicester.
"I am very sorry to hear that you will be leaving LASS. I remember when you started as it was around about the same time that I commenced in a local post. In those early days working in this field certainly wasn’t for the faint hearted and I appreciated your support at the time. I completely agree about the wonderful gay men (who are sadly no longer with us) that we both worked with in the early days in particular Kel and the fabulous and unforgettable Warren -both beautiful’ souls’. I think that that you can be justifiably proud of your significant contribution. Wishing you all the best in the future".
"I wish you every success in where ever the next stage of your future may take you. Good luck". Hostel Project Worker.
"Am really sorry and shocked to read your e-mail, i have enjoyed working with you and will miss the regular updates information and training you are involved with. I hope you find a enjoyable new job or enjoy some time out, which ever. with very best wishes". Worker, Leicestershire County and Rutland Primary Care Trust.
"Although we have never met in person you have provided excellent training for many members of staff here at our Hostel. I'm saddened to hear you are leaving and feel that LASS has lost a valuable asset. I would like to offer our very best wishes to you and your future. From all the team at the hostel". Hostel Manager.
"Thanks for your e-mail. I'm sorry to hear that you're leaving LASS due to a restructure. I appreciate that your role as training manager contributed vastly to the HIV training agenda (and HIV policy) in Leicester. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support to us in sharing information, knowledge and expertise around HIV/AIDS issues in particular through HIV/AIDS training and your input in HIV policy and practice guidance 2006/07. I will miss working with you. Wishing you all the best for the future". Planning and Service Development Officer.
"I’m so sorry, that’s really upsetting news I’m sure there will be many many people upset to hear that you won’t be there anymore. I’d like to take this opportunity to say thanks for all the help and things you've taught me and good luck with the future!! Thanks again".
"I am so very sorry to hear this Gordon. It is a loss for everybody. I hope you are successful in the future and continue to educate others about these important issues. Best wishes".
"I can hardly believe what I am reading. Is there anything that can be done to help - petition, campaigning, etc? The training sessions you have run have been invaluable in raising awareness of HIV and it's affects, impact, and related issues. I am truly sorry for you, and for others who are going to miss out on what you and your training are able to give. Having worked as one of the attached named SWs to Ward 38 in the early days, where at the time I worked mainly with Gay Men and people infected via transfusions and intravenous drug taking, I too have very fond memories of LASS. In my current role as SW in the Persons from Abroad team, I have noted it's 'evolution', particularly with regard to addressing the needs of and advocating for asylum seekers and failed asylum seekers. It just seems crazy to me to make you and your role redundant at a time when HIV is still having such an impact upon people. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Kind Regards". Social Worker.
"To be leaving LASS after 20 years of dedication both to the cause and to the organisation is bound to be a huge wrench for you and I can only begin to imagine how it must feel. I hope that you soon find another vocation to absorb your talents and energy. So often it is true, that as one door closes another opens. Best wishes".
"I am really sad to hear that you are leaving and that the wonderful resource of training at LASS is being lost. I have really enjoyed the training I have done with you. I hope you go on to bigger and better things and that you continue your very important work, thanks for all your time and effort, you will be greatly missed". Prison Drugs Worker.
"Thank you for all the training sessions, meetings, etc. Your extensive knowledge and ability to present it in a friendly fashion is much appreciated. Best wishes for the future". LASS Volunteer.
"Sorry you’re leaving...Goodbye...Good luck...really sad to see you go...take care...This card says it all Gordon. Will miss you!" LASS Volunteer.
"Very sorry to hear the new on your leaving LASS, you were obviously an asset to the organisation and am sure shall be sadly missed. Your passion and professionalism has made a difference to so many people. I hope you all the very best for the future. Please do keep in touch". Worker, Leicester City PCT.
"Many thanks for your email, sad though I was to receive it. It's certainly a big loss for LASS - and the end of two decades of your committed, professional and devoted work for all the communities of Leicester, which has been much appreciated and will be much missed. With all good wishes", Equalities Officer.
"I hope you get this email before you finish. I have only just read this email and hope to have caught you. I am really sorry to hear that this has happened and I wanted to wish you well for the future. I myself have attended training facilitated by yourself and many staff have followed in my footsteps. You are absolutely one of the most impressive trainers that I have had the pleasure of listening too and learning from. It is a real loss to LASS to not have you or the training you provide and that will undoubtedly affect the knowledge and skills within the city of those of us providing support to vulnerable people. It is such a shame but I know the climate that services work within nowadays. We never know what is around the corner. Anyway, all the best for the future and thank you for being such an expert and sharing your knowledge with us all. Take Care", Supported Housing Manager.
"Good Luck Gordon, I wish you every success in the future. Regards", Local voluntary agency worker.
"I just wanted to wish you all the very best for the future. I do hope the job search goes well and that you find a job that you really enjoy and that suits you. I know many people say that being made redundant (although awful and stressful at the time, particularly where it is not handled sympathetically) has presented opportunities that would not otherwise have arisen. I know it gave me the chance to take control of my life although I was fortunate in that I was ready to move on and I had a sympathetic boss who was also leaving and happy to support my view that I was surplus to requirements. However, my brother was also made redundant unfairly and redundancy was used as a pretext to oust him from a job at which he excelled and which he had been doing for 20 years. Once he got over the initial negative impact, he then decided to work for himself. He is now highly successfully doing something he really enjoys and has never looked back. I do so hope that will be your experience also. Best of luck with everything. Regards", LASS Volunteer.
"I have done 2 lots of training at LASS with you as trainer over the last few years - most recently last month and I was VERY impressed with the standard of the training, your knowledge and excellent presentational skills. I am VERY sorry that you are going - what a shame when education and information about HIV/AIDS is still so badly needed. I hope you find alternative employment and something where you many talents can be used. Regards", Social Worker.
"I was so shocked to hear the news of your redundancy, all the hard work you have put in and the training of so many people. LASS is not a happy place to be at the moment and not sure where it will end up. I would like to thank you personally for the training you have given to me, it has helped me to help others. If at anytime I can help please do not hesitate to let me know". A Volunteer
"Very sorry to hear of you leaving LASS, I attended the courses there about ten years ago and was about to return, to me you are/were LASS, a well known name and very much respected, I do hope you will not disappear from the field of work you have given so much to. Thanks seem so small to give for the huge amount you have given to the cause. You should be very proud of all you have achieved, I’m proud to have met you".
"I just wanted to let you know how sorry and pretty disgusted I was to learn that your position within LASS has been terminated. I hope new opportunities will soon begin to present themselves, or you will focus on things that working so hard at LASS for two decades has prevented you from concentrating on. I will keep in touch. Let me know your plans- if I hear of any jobs- and you are willing to relocate, I will let you know as soon as I hear anything. Very best wishes". HIV worker.
"Very sorry to hear this news. You have made an enormous contribution to the welfare of those affected by HIV in Leicestershire and will be missed. I hope we don't lose your expertise completely. Do you have any further plans yet?? I've enjoyed working with you. All the very best for the future". Consultant/Doctor.
"I am sorry to hear about your redundancy. It is such a shame because I really thought that your training sessions were excellent and I always looked forward to the next one. Thank you very much for such informative sessions and for giving me a great insight into the organisation and its activities. I hope that you will find something equally worthwhile to work on. Best Wishes", LASS Volunteer.