Barbara Tinubu, our National Advice Supervisor, has been honoured with the Freedom of the City of London on World AIDS Day 2023.
Also recognised with the award are Richard Angell, our Chief Executive; Dominic Edwardes, our Director of Communications; and Mark Santos, Executive Director of Positive East.
Barbara has worked for us for over 20 years, and in that time has helped thousands of people living with HIV. Her career began at Terrence Higgins Trust in 1999, and she has since worked across many parts of the organisation.
Barbara’s current role is as National Advice Supervisor, in which she helps provide legal advice for people living with HIV around social welfare, including about housing, benefits, debt, immigration and discrimination.
People living with HIV are more likely to experience poverty – 58% of people living with HIV over 50 have been defined as living on or below the poverty line (double the rate for the general population). Barbara’s helps ensure vulnerable people get the support they’re entitled to, which is vital for them to stay on treatment and for their long-term health.
Those previously honoured with Freedom of the City of London include astronaut Major Tim Peake, ex-President of the Supreme Court Baroness Hale, and anti-racism campaigner campaign Baroness Lawrence.
Speaking of the award, Barbara said: ‘It’s a privilege to be awarded the Freedom of City of London. I’m proud to have been there for people living and affected by HIV in the city for over two decades and remain dedicated to ensuring they get the support they need.’
