New service for HIV+ people will make them “experts in their own condition” - from Pink News - all the latest gay news from the gay community

New service for HIV+ people will make them "experts in their own condition"

By Stephanie Phillips • July 4, 2008 - 18:31

People can arrange to see a health trainer by calling THT

1 Comment on New service for HIV+ people will make them "experts in their own condition"

Two of the UK's leading HIV and sexual health charities have joined forces to launch a new London health support service for people living with HIV.

Terrence Higgins Trust and NAM have launched a new service which will offer one to one or group meetings with a health trainer.

People will be able to learn more about HIV treatments and how to manage their condition.

Adam Wilkinson, London Operations Manager at Terrence Higgins Trust, said:

"In the pilot we found that many people who didn't even think they needed this service found it useful.

"It's about making people experts in their own condition, so they can manage it better day to day. Our service really fits around the individual so people find it relevant, convenient and flexible."

The service, which was successfully piloted in south London, allows people to choose whether to have a visit from the health trainer at home, see them at their clinic or speak to them over the phone.

There will be eight health trainers working in London. It is expected that most people who are referred from a HIV clinic will need at least two sessions with the trainer.

The HIV Health Support Service is funded by the Pan London HIV Prevention Programme and the South London HIV Partnership.

People can arrange to see a health trainer by calling THT Direct on 0845 122 1200 or they can also be referred on by their HIV clinic.

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