Support for adults with HIV
Tower Hamlets supports adults with HIV/AIDS
with a range of information & advice on services such
as housing and welfare rights. We also make referrals to
clinical nurse specialists for support with social, psychological
and physical needs and assist with practical needs through
different care packages.
About HIV / AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks a
person's immune system: the body's defence against infections. If a
person is infected they are more vulnerable to infections.
When a certain amount of damage has been done to the immune
system, or if a person is very ill because of this, they may be
diagnosed as having AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).
People infected with HIV can remain healthy for years before
developing AIDS - and may not even know they are infected.
Care assessments
If you have social care needs or require some support as a
result of your HIV/AIDS status, then services may be able to be
provided to you following a community care assessment.
To be eligible for an assessment, a person must be aged between
18 and 65-years-old, be a resident of Tower Hamlets, and have a
diagnosis of HIV. We can offer an assessment of your circumstances
and see how we might be able to help.
Other practical matters that we may be able to assist
with or provide advice on include travel permits, housing
transfers, home care, home adaptation and equipment, and respite
care. We work closely with other services within the voluntary
sector, health services and other Tower Hamlets departments.
You can make a self referral or ask another person to make a
referral on your behalf.
For more information about HIV support in Tower Hamlets, contact
the First Response team on 0207 364 5005 or email us at
adultcare@towerhamlets.gov.uk