HIV & PrEP
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which can be passed on through sexual health contact, needle sharing or other drug injection equipment. HIV can also be passed on to baby during pregnancy or with breast milk.
HIV is a virus that damages your immune system so it makes you more vulnerable to infections. HIV can be life threatening, however when early diagnosed can be treated. Although there's no cure for HIV, there are medicines that help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives.
Mark Santos, Director at Positive East confirms his commitment to Newham residents
We were really saddened to see the results of National AIDS Trust’s research which shows there’s still so much more we need to do to address HIV stigma. More so than ever, we need challenge barriers and champion the community’s response to knowing their status and accessing any support that they may need. We’ve been at the forefront of HIV activism and response for 32 years and we’ll continue to fight for equity of access, whilst remembering those we lost to the virus along the way.
How can you prevent HIV?
All East Integrated Sexual Health Service
We provide free and confidential sexual health services at our centres across east London, providing everything from sexual health screenings (including HIV testing) to contraception services.
SHINE Young People’s Sexual Health Services
Shine offer clinic sessions for young people aged 21 and under. Clinics are discreet, confidential and services are completely free. All sessions are walk-in and wait only, so there is no need to book an appointment in advance. Clinics are open after school and college, to ensure that they are as accessible as possible for young people.
SEXUAL HEALTH LONDON
SHL.UK is a discreet sexual health service for Londoners. Our STI testing service is for people who have mild or no STI symptoms, and would like to get themselves checked. You can also request free regular and emergency contraception (effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex) by completing a simple, secure online consultation.
Living with HIV / AIDS
Receiving a diagnosis of HIV is often a life-changing event. Living with HIV can be in fact sometimes be very difficult. However, most people diagnosed with HIV can have long and fulfilling life as long as they get and stay on treatment. Support and advice for people who are unwell, feeling lonely or have other social care needs is widely available in our borough.
Take a look at the support services below that you can access:
Positive East HIV Wellbeing and Prevention service
We provide support services for those living with HIV, including information and advice for those recently diagnosed, welfare rights and housing advice, counselling, peer support and group spaces.
Body & Soul support for children, young people and families
In 1996, Body & Soul was established to address the gap in HIV services that provided targeted support for children, young people, and families. We have developed a ‘whole person’ model of care rooted in a strengths based approach that nurtures connection, healing and growth.