Services we Offer

All services are aimed to enable independent living and are equally available to those who are infected with HIV and those who are affected; carers, partners and family members. All services are provided free of charge although donations are always welcome and gratefully received.

Information Services

Advice and Information about HIV

Advice and information about HIV, transmission, prevention and testing is available at the Centre by email and post or by calling our helpline.

HIV Treatment and Health Support

HIV treatment can be complicated; it can be hard to take and difficult to adhere to. We support clients to decide whether and when to start treatment, to adhere to treatment regimes and to manage the side effects.

Our support with HIV treatment and living well compliments that given by healthcare professionals and is additionally supported by a Community Clinical Nurse Specialist who attends the Centre regularly.

Emotional and Practical Support

Support for New Diagnosis

We can provide extensive personal support for individuals receiving a positive diagnosis who may not have the confidence to access peer support whilst coming to terms with managing a life long condition.

One-to-One Support

Our Client Services Manager is able to provide dedicated one-to-one support on a wide variety of issues and to make referrals to other expert professionals as appropriate.

Counselling

Whilst many people living with HIV are experiencing a better quality of life than previously available, mental health issues are increasingly prevalent as individuals struggle to maintain a ‘normal’ lifestyle whilst discreetly managing a strict drug regime and often unpleasant side effects or the ‘secret’ of their diagnosis.

PA provides the opportunity for clients to be supported with managing the impact of living with HIV by accessing therapy delivered by qualified psychotherapists.

Life Coaching

A life coach can help you set clear goals towards achieving the life you want. Having helped you to identify these goals, a life coach will help you to prioritise them and encourage you to believe that they really are achievable and to help you achieve them. Life coaching helps you to break negative belief patterns and set challenging aspirations.

Advocacy

We are able to help clients who need the assistance of an advocate to communicate on their behalf or to support them during clinical or formal meetings.

Social Services

The HIV specific social workers in Hampshire and Surrey both regularly host support sessions at PA and receive referrals for clients needing support with respite, alterations in the home and additional assistance.

Complementary Therapies

Many clients find that complementary therapies help to promote general well being as well as alleviate stress and the side effects of clinical treatment.

We are fortunate in being supported by a number of qualified therapists offering therapies including massage, shiatsu, aromatherapy, reiki, Indian head massage, breathing and relaxation, reflexology, seated acupressure massage, Bach flower remedies and accupuncture.

Sexual Health Services

Sexual Health Promotion/ Safer Sex Guidance

We work closely with the Hampshire HIV Prevention Project/Positively Sexy to provide information on all aspects of sexual health including negotiating safer sex, how to communicate better with sexual partners and how to get a fulfilling sex life.

Condoms

Condoms, lube, female condoms and oral dams are freely available to clients at the Centre or by post.

Social Support

Drop-in Sessions

The drop-in sessions provide the opportunity to meet other clients and professionals in a safe and confidential environment. Many issues are discussed in an open and non-judgemental atmosphere, and peer support and networking is evident.

Back to Work Skills

PCs are available for use by clients wishing to access information but also to research employment opportunities, prepare CVs and job applications and to update their IT skills in a bid to return to work or education.

Social Integration

Lunch is provided each Wednesday and Friday, which always provides opportunity for social interaction. Social events are held during the year which all clients are invited to attend.

Financial Services

Debt, housing and welfare benefits advice

It is common for an HIV+ diagnosis to make a significant impact upon a person’s livelihood and ability to maintain employment, this often results in a need to seek additional or alternative support.

Aldershot Citizen’s Advice Bureau provides an invaluable outreach support at the Centre.

Financial Support

A study undertaken by Crusaid demonstrates a link between HIV and increased poverty. Where appropriate we make applications for discretionary grants to alleviate hardship and to provide other essential goods.

Financial assistance with transport costs incurred by travelling to the Centre is available.

Hardship Support

Many clients experience hardship and we support where possible with food parcels and clothing, bed linen, laundry facilities and furniture.

Cultural Services

Immigration Advice

We are able to make referrals to legal services for specialist immigration/asylum advice and support.

Cultural Support

We work in close partnership with professionals who can provide cultural support to individuals and families from black and minority ethnic communities, particularly the Black and Minority Ethnic worker for Surrey.