21 July marks Zero HIV Stigma Day – an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact stigma can have on people living with HIV and to reaffirm our commitment to providing compassionate, inclusive and person-centred care.

Thanks to advances in treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives. However, stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to wellbeing, preventing some people from accessing testing, treatment and the support they need.

At Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL), we are committed to creating safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environments where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Supporting the whole person

Living with HIV can affect more than physical health. A diagnosis may bring feelings of anxiety, worry, isolation or concerns about relationships, disclosure and medication.

CNWL's Health Adviser Team at the Mortimer Market Centre supports people experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties related to HIV, sexually transmitted infections or other sexual health concerns. The service offers specialist psychological therapies to help people adjust to a diagnosis, manage difficult emotions, address concerns around medication and practise safer sex in a confidential and supportive environment.

Chelsea and Westminster HIV and Sexual Health Psychology Service also offers support for your mental wellbeing

Patients attending eligible sexual health clinics can be referred by their clinical team to access this specialist support.

Specialist HIV services across London and Surrey

CNWL provides specialist HIV services that offer expert, compassionate care for people living with HIV.

Our Bloomsbury Clinic in central London provides outpatient HIV care alongside specialist doctors, nurses, psychologists, pharmacists, health advisers and peer support workers. The clinic also offers emotional support, peer-led programmes and education to help people live well with HIV.

Our Surrey HIV Service provides outpatient care from clinics in Guildford, Redhill and Woking. Alongside expert clinical care, the multidisciplinary team includes specialist doctors, nurses, psychologists and pharmacists, with access to emotional wellbeing support and advice whenever it is needed.

Everyone can help tackle stigma

Zero HIV Stigma Day is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in challenging misconceptions and creating more inclusive communities.

By learning the facts, using respectful language and treating people without judgement, we can help reduce stigma and encourage more people to access testing, treatment and support with confidence.

Together, we can help create a future where no one experiences stigma because of their HIV status.

Find out more here: 

Health Adviser Team at MMC

Chelsea and Westminster HIV and Sexual Health Psychology Service

Bloomsbury Clinic

Surrey HIV Service