HIV treatment is highly effective in improving the quality of life of people living with HIV. Now, with U=U (undetectable = untransmittable), treatment is also an effective way of preventing passing on HIV to partners.

YorSexualHealth (YSH) runs a free and confidential support service for people living with HIV and their partners and carers in York and North Yorkshire.

We can support you with:

• Self-management of your physical and mental health
• Assistance with benefits and getting back into work or education
• Peer support and group support opportunities
• Symptoms management 

You can be referred to the service by a member of YSH staff or you can also fill in our self-referral form or email us at yhs-tr.socialsupport@nhs.net for more information.

You will be asked on arrival at clinic if you consent for our wellbeing and support team to contact you following your appointment to discuss support needs. If you would prefer to discuss this with the clinical team instead, please do not hesitate to do so.

The wellbeing and support team run HIV peer support groups online and in person, for you to discuss issues and share experiences with others. If this may be of interest, please speak to the clinical team or the wellbeing and support team for more details and the next dates.

Upcoming HIV support group sessions:

If you would like to attend a group support session email yhs-tr.socialsupport@nhs.net for more information.

If you have any questions please contact us: email yhs-tr.socialsupport@nhs.net or call 01904 725423 for more info on available support.

There are other services you can also access for support:

• Positively UK https://positvelyuk.org
• Terrence Higgins Trust https://www.tht.org.uk/our-services/online-services
• HiVitality (originally National Long Term Survivors Group): https://hivitality.org.uk
• Positively UK run a helpline. Call 020 7713 0444

For further information on living with HIV and U=U you can visit:

• i-base http://i-base.info/u-equals-u-qa/
• Terence Higgins Trust https://www.tht.org.uk/hiv-and-sexual-health/living-well-hiv
• Avert https://www.avert.org/living-with-hiv/newly-diagnosed

Coco's story- Living with HIV:

Coco is living with HIV and was diagnosed late. Watch this video to listen to her story and hear about the importance of testing for HIV.