Peer Support Scotland

Peer Support Scotland (PSS) is a funded project led by dedicated members of our Living Well team.

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

Our holistic approach emphasises the value of helping people to help themselves and each other, working across several key areas to identify opportunities for personal growth.

All of our support is confidential and you can access our services in a way that suits you.

Peer Support Scotland and National Living Well are co-delivering a new set of six online workshops for people living with HIV.

Our free and confidential workshops will support you to build your confidence, meet new people and live well with HIV.

Living Well

Thursday 25 January 2024, 6pm – 8pm

An interactive workshop exploring ways in which you can support your physical and mental health to live well.

Sexual Health and Relationships

Thursday 22 February 2024, 6pm – 8pm

An interactive workshop with guided discussion exploring your questions and concerns about sex, dating and relationships.

Self-Management

Thursday 21 March 2024, 6pm – 8pm

An interactive workshop with guided discussion to explore tips and techniques to take set goals and control of your wellbeing

To find out more and register your interest, please email [email protected], specifying which sessions you are interested in.

• One-to-one support
• Peer-led groups
• Welfare and benefits advice
• Living Well drop-ins
• Skillshops
• Special events
• Volunteering.

Our team can provide support on an individual basis via Zoom, phone, text or in-person.

‘Check-in's are available weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

All our groups are trans inclusive and non-binary inclusive.

United Women online

Meets online on the last Monday of every month, 11am – 12.30pm.

Men United (for gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men)

Meets in person on the third Wednesday of each month, 7pm – 8.30pm. This group is held at our Glasgow office.

United Together (mixed)

Meets in person every Friday (except first Friday of the month), 11am – 12.30pm. This group in held concurrently at our Dundee and Glasgow offices.

United Together online (mixed)

Meets online on the first Friday of each month, 11am – 12.30pm.

Our drop-ins provide the opportunity to speak with our staff about any issues affecting you:

• Tuesday, 9.30am – 4.30pm, at our Glasgow office.
• Thursday, 9.30am – 4.30pm, at our Dundee office. 

To make an appointment, please contact a member of the team on 0141 332 3838 or email [email protected].

If you're unable to travel to either office, we can offer an online appointment via Zoom.

This is a new series of workshops specially designed for people living with a blood-borne virus (BBV), specifically HIV and/or Hepatitis C.

Our personal development programme has been created to empower people with the tools they need to live well and thrive with their diagnosis, and manage disclosure and stigma. These sessions also provide a springboard to further opportunities, both within peer support services and our wider organisation.

Over seven weeks, we will support you to take positive steps towards sustainable personal development goals in a safe, supportive environment.

What can I gain from Skillshops?

• Get support to reflect on your skills, strengths and experience
• Develop and renew skills
• Meet new people
• Develop confidence and self-esteem
• Learn to live well
• Overcome personal barriers.

Skillshops take place on Thursdays, from 11am to 1pm, in the Glasgow office.

Sessions covered:

• Confidence
• Self-management
• Diagnosis and disclosure
• Ageing with a BBV
• Creativity and self expression
• Sexual health and relationships
• Living well.

How do I get involved?

To book a place, please contact Niamh Millar on [email protected].

Throughout the year we have a series of both in-person and online events, from partnership projects such as creating an interactive art installation with Centre for Virus Research, to celebrating Terrence Higgins Trust’s 40th anniversary.
 
We also encourage and support peers to suggest and implement their own ideas and events.

If you have lived experience of HIV and/or Hepatitis C, live in Scotland and want to become a peer volunteer for the project, we'd love to hear from you. We have a structured recruitment and training programme for volunteers including:

• Peer Advocate
• Peer Mentor
• Assisting with in-person events at PSS groups/events, admin and reception
• Facilitator within our group work, or providing one-to-one support.

To find out more about becoming a peer volunteer, please contact [email protected].

For more information, email [email protected] or call 0141 332 3838.

Our services are available to people aged 18 and over living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C.

Peer Support Scotland is made possible by funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, the ALLIANCE, the Scottish Government, the William Grant Foundation, the Gannochy Trust and guests of Brand g Vacations.

Grateful thanks also go to a range of other donors, including Glasgow FrontRunners, Riding Room, Alexander Moncur Trust, the Russell Trust and QMU Campaigns & Charities Committee.