Support services for people living with HIV in Brighton and Hove

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with HIV for decades, we have a range of services available.

All of our support is confidential and you can access our services in a way that suits you. We can meet and support you in your own home, out in the community at a venue you are comfortable with, at our office, via video call or over the phone.

If we can’t help you directly, we’ll try to connect you to the information, support or advice you need.

We work closely with other NHS HIV teams where it’s beneficial to you and your care needs. Working collaboratively like this can help us to ensure your support feels joined up and centred on you.

Our services are available to people aged 18 and over. Services are free but donations are always welcome.

To access one of our services, you can:

Call us on 01273 764200 or 07833 555 847.
Email us on [email protected].
Ask your HIV nurse or doctor for a referral to the service.

Counselling

Our counselling service provides a safe, confidential space for people to reflect on the issues, problems or challenges they’re facing in life. It’s available to anyone living with or affected by HIV who lives in the Brighton and Hove area.

We offer up to 12 sessions. These can take place at our Ship Street office in Brighton, via video call or by phone.

All of our therapists are qualified or in advanced stages of training. Our talking therapies follow the new BACP Ethical Framework.

Welfare rights and advice

We provide help and advice to people claiming or thinking of claiming welfare benefits. This service is available to people living with HIV and their families or carers.

We can help you on a practical level with:

Completion of benefit claim forms such as Employment & Support Allowance (ESA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Universal Credit (UC).
Challenging ESA, PIP and UC decisions at review and appeals, including representation at first tier tribunals.
Sorting out benefit payment queries.

HIV support service

If you’re struggling with aspects of living with HIV, or other issues are making it harder for you to live a full and healthy life, we can offer advice and support.

Our friendly and confidential service can advise around a wide variety of health and social care issues, such as:

Linking you to peer support and social connections if you feel isolated.
Coping with diagnosis and dealing with disclosure.
Form filling.
Accessing community resources and projects.
Accommodation issues.
Signposting and referrals to other services if needed, including specialist counselling or debt and benefits advice.

Appointments are one on one and user led.