Last reviewed, October 2008

Next due for review, October 2009

This Factsheet provides information about helplines that can provide information and support to people with HIV. Some of the organisations and helplines listed are dedicated to HIV, whilst others provide information and support on other issues, such as debt, immigration and asylum, disability, legal issues and sexual health.

Brook

0800 0185 023

Brook provide free and confidential information on sexual health and contraception to the under 25s. The helpline is open 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Consult telephone directories for your local office or visit http://www.nacab.org.uk/index/getadvice.htm

Free, confidential advice on debt, employment rights, immigration and the law.

Community Legal Service

0845 345 4 345

Monday to Friday 9am - 6.30pm.

Established by the government, the Community Legal Service is designed to help people find free, local legal advice.

DIAL UK

01302 310 123

National organisation for a network of over 140 local disability and advice services.

Equality and Human Rights Commission

0845 604 6610 - England

0845 604 8810 - Wales

0845 604 5510 - Scotland

Helpline open 9am - 5am, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 9am - 8pm Wednesday.

An independent body that works to secure the civil rights of people with disabilities.

From October 2007 the Commission for Equality and Human Rights will take over the functions of the Disability Rights Commission. Their website is: http://www.cehr.org.uk/,

fpa

0845 122 8690

Formerly known as the Family Planning Association, fpa provide contraception and advice about sexual health. Helpline open 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday.

Haemophilia Society

0800 018 6068

The helpline is open 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday.

i - Base

0808 800 6013

i-Base run a specialised information support service by phone where you can

discuss any aspect of HIV treatment in confidence. This is a freephone number within the UK.

Mon, Tues, Wed 12pm - 4pm

MIND

0845 766 0163

The information line of MIND, a mental health charity, is open Monday to Friday 9am - 5.pm and provides information on mental distress, treatment, support and services.

National Sexual Health Helpline

0800 567 123

This is a 24 hour national phoneline offering confidential advice, information and referrals on all aspects of sexual health and HIV to anyone.

NHS Direct

0845 4647

A service that provides 24 hour confidential health information. It is open every day of the year.

Positively Women

020 7713 0222

The helpline is open 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 4pm  Monday to Friday. Positively Women provide peer support to women living with HIV and services include advocacy, information on treatment, and crèche facilities.

Refugee Council

020 7346 6777 - London advice line

0113 386 2210 - Yorkshire and Humberside advice line

01473 297900 - East of England advice line

0121 234 1950 - West Midlands advice line

020 7346 1134 - Children's Panel advice line

The Refugee Council is the largest organisation in the UK working with asylum seekers and refugees.

The Samaritans

08457 90 90 90

jo@samaritans.org

The Samaritans are open 24 hours every day of the year. The Samaritans are available to anybody who is going through a personal crisis and thinking of taking their life or are lonely or depressed and feel that they have no one else to turn to for support.

THT Direct

0845 1221 200

THT Direct is a specialist HIV telephone and information and advice service provided by the Terrence Higgins Trust. THT Direct is open 10am - 10pm Monday to Friday and 12noon - 6pm at weekends.