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THT launches new support group for under-27s with HIV in Brighton

By James Ledward
Jun 23, 2011 - 8:39:04 AM
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HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) in Brighton, with support from Allsorts Youth Project, is launching a new support group specifically aimed at people living with HIV under the age of 27.

Beginning on Tuesday 5 July, sessions will run on the first Tuesday of each month from 7:30pm – 9:30pm at THT’s centre on Ship Street.
 
The group is open to anyone living with HIV between the ages of 16 and 26, and will provide a safe, confidential space for young people to discuss the issues and experiences that affect them. As the majority of new HIV diagnoses are acquired by those aged over 30, some young people with HIV may previously have felt the support groups available did not cater to their needs. By providing a more specialised forum for discussion, it is hoped that more of this group will come forward and seek support.
 
Peter Boorman, Health Promotion Co-ordinator for THT in Brighton, said:
“Finding out you have HIV is always a life-changing experience, and to find out so young can be particularly scary. These groups are a vital way for organisations like THT to engage with people with HIV, and provide them with information on how to keep themselves and others healthy; but perhaps more importantly, they are a way for group members to meet others with shared experiences, strike up friendships, and know they’re not alone. We’re thrilled to be launching this group, and would encourage anyone living with HIV under the age of 27 to sign up.”
 
Jason MacKinnon from Allsorts Youth Group said:
"It is fantastic that THT South are setting up this much needed initiative. We have no doubt that young people living with HIV will benefit enormously from having their own space."
 
In addition to the new group, THT in Brighton runs two other HIV peer support groups in the city. ‘What Next?’ is a six-week course for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with HIV. ‘Lounge’ is a group for gay men who’ve been living with HIV for one year or more. Also starting in July, ‘Lounge’ will meet fortnightly for four months.
 
For more information about any of the groups that meet in Brighton, or to attend the first session for under-27s, please contact Peter Boorman on (01273) 764225.

Or email peter.boorman@tht.org.uk

All groups meet at 61 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 3AE.
 


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