HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru (THT Cymru) is launching a new support group for people living with HIV in South Wales.

Stigma and discrimination around HIV can make it really difficult to know who you can talk to. This new project is an informal and easy going support group for anyone who has been diagnosed as HIV positive. It’s a confidential space where people can provide each other with support and share experiences about how they are coping with HIV and life in general. It’s also a great place to find out about other support services on offer in South Wales.

The group meets in Cardiff every third Wednesday of the month from 11.00am - 1.00pm and the first group session starts on Wednesday 17th June.

Pete Clark, National Director for THT Cymru, said: “This is a dedicated support group for anybody living with HIV in South Wales. We have previously run separate sessions for women and gay men living with HIV, but this is the first support group locally which is open to all.

“It’s really important that local support is available because when you're living with HIV your life can seem much more complex than before you had the virus. Some people find it reassuring to talk to other people who are in a similar situation, or to meet people who have had HIV for several years and are leading healthy lives. If you’d like information or support, or if you’d just like to meet other people, please come along.”

For more information on the group, please call Lorraine O’Driscoll or Gavin Mooney on (029) 2066 6465, or email lorraine.o’driscoll@tht.org.uk.

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Notes for editors:

1. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk