National helplines

0845 1221 200 (calls charged at local rate, but charges may vary from mobile phones)

Mon-Fri, 10am-10pm and Sat-Sun, 12-6pm

THT Direct is a helpline provided by the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT). Advisers can help you find the answers to any questions you have about HIV, can give you contact details for services throughout the UK, can help you get the right advice on things like benefits, housing, immigration or prosecutions for HIV transmission, or can simply listen to how you're feeling and give you a chance to get things off your chest. They can also send information on various HIV-related topics to you.

As well as calling the helpline, you can also email info@tht.org.uk, or if you are in the London area you can book an appointment to see someone face to face.

0800 0967 500 (freephone, but charges may apply from mobile phones)

Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm

The African AIDS Helpline is provided by the Black Health Agency. All advisers answering calls are African men and women and there are staff who can talk to you in English, French, Portuguese, Luganda, Shona or Swahili.

The helpline offers you the time and space to explore your feelings, seek advice and get information on HIV, testing, treatment and services.

0808 800 6013 (free to call from landlines and mobile phones on the Orange network)

Mon-Weds, 12-4pm

The HIV Treatment Phoneline is a helpline provided by i-Base. Advisers are HIV-positive advocates, who provide confidential information on HIV treatment.

You can also access information produced by i-Base on their website, or email questions to info@i-base.org.uk.

0800 567 123 (freephone, but charges may apply from mobile phones)

Every day, 24 hours

Sexual Health Line is a helpline provided by the Department of Health. Advisers can give confidential information and advice on sexually transmitted infections and HIV prevention.

0800 77 66 00 (freephone, but charges may apply from mobile phones)

Every day, 24 hours

Talk to Frank is a helpline provided by the Department of Health which offers friendly, unbiased advice and information about drugs. It is completely confidential and you can also ask for information on services local to you who can offer help or treatment.

0845 4647 (calls charged at local rate, but charges may vary from mobile phones)

Every day, 24 hours

NHS Direct is a helpline provided as part of the National Health Service. It provides a 24-hour nurse advice and health information service, providing confidential information on what to do if you are feeling unwell, general information on health conditions, local health services such as GPs and late night chemists, and support and self help groups.

0845 223 4424 (calls cost 3.5p per minute, but charges may vary from mobile phones)

Mon-Fri 10.30am-4.30pm

The Hepatitis C Trust is a patient-led UK charity and the Hepatitis C Trust Helpline is staffed entirely by people with hepatitis C. The helpline provides support and information on all issues relating to hepatitis C, including dealing with diagnosis and making treatment decisions.

Callers to the helpline can also ask to be referred on to services specialising in advocacy (for example if you are having problems accessing treatment, or problems with an employer) and benefits advice (information about entitlements and help filling in forms).