Thames Valley Positive Support

About

Services available from Thames Valley Positive Support (TVPS):

Beyou -A social and emotional support group for any adult (aged 18+) from the LGBTQIA+ community.
Beyou Meet Up is held on the first Thursday of the month 6pm-8:30pm in the Burnham area of Slough. For the full address contact via email beyou@tvps.org.uk

- HIV testing - in person at one of their Berkshire venues or by requesting a testing kit in the post.
- Chemsex support - guidance on safe drugs use to prevent you or others from contracting HIV or sexually transmitted diseases.
- Support for people living with HIV, including one-to-one support, peer support, advice and advocacy, counselling and an Open House sessions at their venue in Slough, and a Mentor Programme.
- Wellbeing Hub - online resources on their web-site to assist with self-management of wellbeing.
- Sexual Health advice and condom distribution scheme.

HIV Support Service office: Open Monday to Friday: 8.30 - 16.30.

TVPS have two centres in Reading and Slough. Please get in touch for centre addresses, due to confidentiality, these are not widely publicised:
~Slough Centre: Drop in sessions Tuesday & Thursday 10.30am – 3.30pm, no appointment needed. Mon, Wed and Fri by appointment
~Reading Centre: Mon & Wed drop-in, no appointment needed. Tues, Thurs and Fri by appointment

About Thames Valley Positive Support

Thames Valley Positive Support's main goal is that all people are aware of their HIV status, have the right level of support if they are positive and are sufficiently informed to protect themselves if they are negative.

They do this by providing the following: Emotional and practical support to those living with, or affected by, the virus and to empower them to achieve a full and rewarding life. Increasing the level of testing to ensure people know their HIV status and to avoid late diagnosis. Increasing awareness and information so new infections can be prevented. A positive diagnosis can be a very frightening experience and TVPS are here to provide information, reassurance and support in a totally confidential and supportive environment.

The introduction of anti-retroviral drugs in the early 90's and the continuing medical advances means that many positive people now live a normal life span, albeit with side effects of the medication. However, the stigma associated with the virus is as strong as it has ever been and TVPS prides itself on its ability to constantly challenge that stigma and dispel the myths that surround this often-misunderstood condition.

TVPS provide this service across Berkshire and North Hampshire.

Good to know

User Cost/Charge Information
Free HIV Testing: on-site, community, or postal testing