HIV and complex needs services

Each year, Hestia supports over 200 men, women and children who are living with HIV/AIDS. 85% of service users are from black African or Afro-Caribbean communities, where there is an even greater stigma than usual attached to a HIV diagnosis. As a result, they are reluctant to use services and are unlikely to seek help within their own communities. This endangers their health and makes them even more isolated. Many also are living in great financial hardship, or have additional health needs such as mobility problems, and blindness.

Hestia usually begins working with people in the year following diagnosis, aiming to help them to achieve as much stability and independence as possible. We focus particularly on helping with:

Housing issues - nearly all service users are in housing need. Many share with relatives or friends to whom they are reluctant to reveal their HIV status. Many are in arrears with rent and can be in danger of eviction. We help them obtain appropriate permanent accommodation, and where necessary negotiate the repayment of debts;

Claiming benefits - 95% of service users who are eligible for incapacity benefit, and we obtain grants for household items, mobility aids and adaptations to their homes;

Accessing medical care - most service users have difficulty coming to terms with their diagnosis. They find it difficult adjusting to the side-effects of medication and attending clinic appointments. We accompany them to clinics, provide emotional support and put them in touch with other support services to help them stabilise their health.

Click here to read about Gemma, one of service users who is living with HIV.