Young people's support group

The group starts on 12 March and follows on from monthly meetings HIV positive young people have held at 56 Dean Street over the past year.

The idea for the group came from a consultant who noticed the number of young people being diagnosed with HIV at 56 Dean Street was increasing.

Young people who attended the original group said they felt more supported and less alienated after meeting other young people in the same situation. They wanted information about their diagnosis and staying healthy, and wanted to work through real-life problems they were facing.

The sessions covered topics from disclosure to research, recreational drug use to the history of HIV.

We are now using what we have learned to improve the structure of the group and better reflect the needs of the users.

Being diagnosed with HIV can be stressful - nobody’s reaction or experience is the same, but the group will try to answer some of the questions people have about treatment, the law, HIV research and sex. We aim to dispel myths and answer any questions about diagnosis and prepare people for difficult scenarios that don’t have easy answers - such as disclosure, safer sex and relationships.

The sessions are delivered by a variety of professionals and people who have lived with HIV since they were young. The meetings are informal, with part of the session put aside for discussion and socialising so everyone can share experiences with each other.

You will also get to meet Health Trainers, youth workers and HIV specialists who can offer you the individual support you might need.

If you would like more information please contact Becca Thompson on 07584 086554 or becca.thompson@tht.org.uk