“There are some times when it’s difficult to cope. But knowing I’m not alone, that there are other people with HIV with similar experiences, and people who’ll work on my behalf makes a difference. It gives me the strength to go on to live my life.”

There are a lot of organisations to turn to if you feel stigmatised or have experienced discrimination. There are also organisations which can help you make your voice heard or who lead campaigns against the unfair treatment of people living with HIV.

Here are the details of just some of the organisations which support people with HIV.

To get details of organisations in your local area, telephone THT Direct (0808 802 1221) or ask at your HIV clinic.

The African Health Policy Network (AHPN) is an umbrella organisation that represents African community groups addressing HIV/AIDS and sexual health throughout the UK.

A number of its projects tackle HIV-related stigma and it has worked to improve faith leaders’ understanding of HIV. AHPN organises a network called Ffena which helps make the voices of African people with HIV heard.

New City Cloisters, 196 Old Street, London EC1V PFR

020 7017 8910, info@ahpn.org, www.ahpn.org

Advice and referrals on sexual health and HIV for African people in the UK. Support and advice is provided in English, French, Luganda, Shona and Swahili. Advisers have experience of talking to people about stigma in everyday settings.

0800 0967 500, Mon to Fri, 10am-6pm

www.idoitright.co.uk

The EHRC helpline gives information and guidance on the Equality Act, discrimination and human rights. Mon to Fri, 8am-6pm

• England: 0845 604 6610
• Wales: 0845 604 8810
• Scotland: 0845 604 5510

www.equalityhumanrights.com

GMFA is a gay men’s health charity doing HIV prevention work as well as projects aiming to improve the health of HIV-positive gay men.

11 Angel  Wharf, 58 Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 7ER

020 7738 6872, gmfa@gmfa.org.uk, www.gmfa.org.uk

The Haemophilia Society provides information and support to all those living with haemophilia and other blood clotting disorders and represents their interests to the NHS and government.

Petersham House, 57a Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JG

0800 018 6068, info@haemophilia.org.uk, www.haemophilia.org.uk

HIV Scotland is an HIV voluntary sector policy and support organisation, providing co-ordination and responding to issues such as stigma and health inequalities in Scotland.

Suite 2, Beaverhall House, 27 Beaverhall Road, Edinburgh EH7 4JE

0131 558 3713, info@hivscotland.com, www.hivscotland.com

NAM produces a range of HIV treatment and other related information, both in print and online. Our website includes lots of information on HIV and an e-atlas of HIV services, so you can find what’s available near you.

77a Tradescant Road, London SW8 1XJ

020 3242 0820, info@nam.org.uk, www.aidsmap.com

A campaigning and policy organisation that has taken a lead in fighting HIV-related stigma. Its campaigning work and information resources have dealt with employment, benefits, housing, confidentiality, the immigration system, criminal prosecutions and other issues. NAT takes an active role in challenging inaccurate and stigmatising media coverage of HIV.

New City Cloisters, 196 Old Street, London EC1V 9FR

020 7814 6767, info@nat.org.uk, www.nat.org.uk

Naz Project London provides sexual health and HIV prevention and support services to South Asian, Muslim, Horn of African, Portuguese-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities. Naz aims to educate and empower communities to face up to the challenges of sexual health and the AIDS pandemic, and to mobilise the support networks that exist for people living with HIV/AIDS.

30 Blacks Road, London W6 9DT

020 8741 1879, npl@naz.org.uk, www.naz.org.uk

This is a participatory research project, led by people with HIV, aiming to better understand how stigma and discrimination are experienced by people with HIV. The project is being rolled out across the world, including in the UK.

Some of the quotes used in this booklet came from Stigma Index participants in the UK. More details are available at www.stigmaindex.org/50/analysis/uk.html

www.stigmaindex.org

A national charity working for people affected by HIV, Positively UK offers one-to-one and peer support as well as information, advice and advocacy for HIV-positive women, men and families.

345 City Road, London EC1V 1LR

020 7713 0222, Mon to Fri, 10am-4pm

info@positivelyuk.org, www.positivelyuk.org

A joint project from several sexual health, contraception and HIV organisations, campaigning for better services.

www.shoutloud.org.uk

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is the largest HIV charity in the UK.  THT provides extensive published information and a wide range of support and advocacy services in towns and cities throughout England, Wales and Scotland.

THT Direct is a phone line providing a gateway to HIV information, services and support. Details of services provided by THT and by other HIV organisations can be obtained from THT Direct.

THT has also taken a leading role in campaigning for equality for people with HIV and for better sexual health services for everybody. Its campaigning website provides details of current campaigns and tips on how to influence health services.

THT Direct: 0808 802 1221, 10am-10pm Mon to Fri, 12 noon-6pm at weekends

info@tht.org.uk

www.myhiv.org.uk

www.campaigning.tht.org.uk

Information about your rights at work.

www.yourworkhealth.com