Project aims to tackle isolation
The Terrence Higgins Trust has launched a new Scotland-wide peer support service to enable people to live well with HIV.
Peer Support Scotland, funded by the Big Lottery Fund Scotland, will bring together people living with HIV to share their experiences, knowledge and advice, to support others diagnosed with the virus, boosting self-esteem and combating isolation.
Although advances in medication mean that people with HIV can now live long and healthy lives medically, they still face stigma and discrimination, which can lead to isolation and low self-esteem.
Nearly 60% of people with HIV in Scotland have experienced low self-esteem, and a quarter have felt suicidal.
The new service will enable people living with Aids, HIV and Hepatitis C to access a range of new services, including social activities, support groups, one-to-one peer meetings, and family workshops, wherever they are in Scotland.
To address isolation the charity will provide group telephone support sessions, where people from rural areas, such as the islands, can dial in, from the comfort of their own home, to an anonymous and confidential call with others living with the illnesses.
Robert McKay, national director of Terrence Higgins Trust in Scotland, said: “We know that general support services often don’t understand, or have up-to-date knowledge about the realities of living with HIV in 2017. This can mean people face unnecessary stigma and judgement, at a time when they need understanding and support.
“That’s why this new peer-support service will use people’s lived experience, and our charities’ expertise, to provide a confidential, stigma-free service for people with HIV and Hepatitis C in town and cities, as well as in rural areas. We’re extremely grateful to the Big Lottery Fund for its support.
“Positive advocates from across Scotland will be at the heart of this project, receiving training and support to build up their skills and experience to run groups and workshops with their peers.”
Big Lottery Fund Scotland chair Maureen McGinn said: “The funding will make a big difference to people living with HIV who are experiencing low self-esteem and loneliness, and I wish Terrence Higgins Trust every success as it goes on to develop and expand this project for the benefit of their local community.”
