Russell T Davies’ mini series It’s A Sin premiered in January and has since encouraged people to better understand HIV, the realities of living with the condition and the progress that has been made so far. The Terrence Higgins Trust announced that 8,200 tests were ordered in one day during HIV testing week in February, more than three times the previous daily record. As more people start to have meaningful dialogue about HIV and the way in which people with the condition have been stigmatised, it is important to look at what charities and organisations are providing the best information, support and guidance.
Here is a list of charities in and around Hackney which you can reach out to.
Rise Community Action
Formerly known as Hackney Women’s Project, Rise Community Action was established in 2004 to provide information, care and support to women living with HIV in Hackney. Their aim is to promote social inclusion, individual well-being and self-esteem. They are currently doing 1-to-1 sessions over the phone and can organise food delivery. They can offer information, education and advice on HIV and HIV services.
How to get in contact:
Telephone: 07983 124 500 OR +44 7528793863 OR (for food delivery) 020 880 66868
Email: info@risecommunity.org.uk
Website: https://www.risecommunity.org.uk
Address: Halkevi Community Centre, 31-33 Dalston Lane, London, E8 3DF
The Terrence Higgins Trust
The Terrence Higgins trust used to be based in Hackney but now has its headquarters in Islington. While their main office is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, they are still providing support. If you are living with HIV and aged over 18 you can get access to online counselling and emotional support, HIV testing through the post, and advice and information online or over the phone.
They also have a community forum in which you can meet other people living with HIV, weekly peer supports groups on Tuesdays and host #WorkOutWednesdays on Instagram and Twitter @THTorguk.
How to get in contact:
Telephone: 0808 802 1221
Email: info@tht.org.uk
Website: https://www.tht.org.uk/our-services/at-home
Address: 437 Caledonian Road, London, N7 8BG
Positive East
Positive East is London’s largest community-based HIV charity. Based in East London, they support people from the point of HIV diagnosis to long term care. They provide health and well-being programmes which include counselling and workshops as well as HIV testing and prevention.
On 20 March from 5pm to 6pm, the charity will be hosting a Facebook Live event Bee Live: Women & HIV. The event will involve discussions on whether women are invisible when it comes to HIV responses in the UK. Here’s the link: http://www.facebook.com/PositiveEast.
How to get in contact:
Telephone: 020 7791 2855
Email: talktome@positiveeast.org.uk
Website: https://www.positiveeast.org.uk
Address: 59 Mile End Road, London E1 4AQ
Body & Soul
Body & Soul is a charity that addresses the effects of childhood adversity in people of all ages. It does not primarily focus on HIV, but it was established in 1996 to fill the gap in HIV services which provide targeted support for children. The charity supports its members in dealing with health issues, bereavement, isolation, relationships, anxiety or depression, financial hardship, housing, benefits, immigration status and past trauma. They create tailored programmes and aim to create compassionate spaces where people can “connect, heal and grow.” Many of their programmes and sessions are now being carried out online.
Support for Adults
Programmes for adults, parents or families living with or affected by HIV include regular support sessions, creative sessions and discussion groups, and 1-to-1 sessions. Young adults can get support in transitioning to early adulthood, including with healthcare, financial stress, independent living, accessing higher education and employment.
Support for Children
Adventurers – programme for children under 10 years old living with or closely affected by HIV. It includes weekly sessions which aim to provide children with emotional and academic skills to cope with day-to-day life. It also includes working with families to help lay the foundation for their children to develop a full understanding of HIV as they grow up.
The BaSe – A group for children aged 10-12 who are living with closely affected by HIV in which they are prepared to manage the transition into adolescents and develop a strong sense of self. The BaSe provides a safe environment for young people to ask questions, connect with others who have similar experiences, develop friendships, build confidence, and express themselves through art, music and sports.
Teen Spirit – teenagers can benefit from being given a peer mentor, workshops, projects, courses, legal experts, counsellors, help with schoolwork and help with housing and employment.
How to get in contact:
Telephone: 020 7923 6880
Email: enquiries@bodyandsoulcharity.org
Website: www.bodyandsoulcharity.org
Address: 99-119 Rosebury Avenue, London, EC1R 4RE
EXTRA INFORMATION
To get a free HIV testing kit posted to your address visit https://www.test.hiv
Advice from Hackney Council for adults with HIV: https://hackney.gov.uk/hiv-support-adults
Advice from Hackney Council on supporting children with HIV: https://hackney.gov.uk/hiv-support-children
