Thames Valley Positive Support (TVPS), a charity supporting people affected by HIV and providing LGBTQ+ support across Berkshire, is pleased to share that its new project, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, is now well underway. The project brings together people living with HIV and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, with a focus on reducing isolation, tackling stigma, building confidence and ensuring that lived experience helps shape the services and systems that affect people’s lives.

Since the project began, it has been progressing well, creating opportunities for people to come together in safe and welcoming spaces, build meaningful connections and share their experiences. Through these conversations and activities, participants are able to connect with others who understand their experiences, strengthen their confidence and resilience, and have a greater voice in the issues that matter to them. A key part of the project is ensuring that these voices are heard beyond TVPS. Alongside its community work, TVPS is working with local stakeholders, healthcare providers, public services and other organisations across Berkshire to improve understanding of the experiences of people living with HIV and LGBTQIA+ communities. Through lived experience, training, community engagement and partnership working, the project is helping to open up conversations about stigma, inclusion and inequalities, while encouraging services to become more responsive to the communities they support.

Sarah Macadam, CEO of TVPS, said: “We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and to National Lottery players for making this project possible. It has been fantastic to see the project taking shape and people coming together, connecting and sharing their experiences. Too many people living with HIV and members of the LGBTQIA+ community still experience stigma, discrimination and isolation. This project gives people a space where they can feel safe, valued and empowered to be themselves, while making sure lived experience plays a central role in improving services and reducing inequalities across Berkshire.”

John*, a TVPS service user, said: “For me, living with HIV and being part of the LGBTQIA+ community has sometimes felt like carrying two layers of stigma. That’s exactly why this project is needed, to bring us together and make sure our voices help shape the services we rely on.”
*Name changed to protect anonymity.

As the project continues, TVPS hopes to see more people feeling confident in who they are, stronger community connections and increased participation in local groups and decision-making. The project will also continue working towards more inclusive healthcare and public services and greater understanding of HIV and LGBTQIA+ identities across the wider community.

For more information about TVPS, visit www.tvps.org.uk.