This December, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching a new three-year project to help people with HIV in West Sussex live well with the condition.
The Big Lottery-funded ‘Living Positively in West Sussex’ project will see people living locally with HIV come together at monthly sessions where they can build networks of support and receive information and advice on issues related to the condition. The project will run in conjunction with local HIV charity St Peter’s House and launches in Worthing on Tuesday, December 17.
Every month, people can attend any of three meetings in Chichester, Crawley and Worthing. The sessions will be a chance to share experiences of living with HIV, meet others facing similar challenges, and learn about topics such as managing health and relationships, building confidence and managing finances. The project will also see expert guest speakers join the group to share practical tips on subjects including nutrition, complementary therapies, or accessing support from local agencies.
Each ‘Living Positively in West Sussex’ session will be delivered by staff from THT and St Peter’s House, who will be joined by trained volunteers with personal experience of living with HIV.
The sessions will take place across West Sussex at the following times:
- Worthing: Tuesday 17th December (5.30pm – 7.30pm), and on the third Tuesday of every month thereafter
- Crawley: Wednesday 18th December (11am – 1pm), and on the third Wednesday of every month thereafter
- Chichester: Monday 3rd February (5.30pm – 7.30pm), and on the first Monday of every month thereafter
According to Public Health England, there are now more people living with HIV in Sussex, Surrey and Kent than ever before. In 2012 there were an estimated 6,500 people with HIV in the region, including 346 new diagnoses that year.
Alice Booth, Manager of the Living Positively in West Sussex project for Terrence Higgins Trust, said: ”Thanks to modern treatments, someone with HIV can live a long life, well into old age. But sometimes people need extra support to help them live well with the condition. The ‘Living Positively in West Sussex’ project is designed to give people a local hub where they can meet new people, build social networks, and learn skills and to manage their health and relationships. I would urge anyone locally living with HIV who thinks they could benefit from our sessions to get in touch.”
The sessions are open to anyone living with HIV in West Sussex and surrounding areas.
To register your interest in being involved, EMAIL:
Or telephone 07769 239 295.
Refreshments will be provided.
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