HIV support services

Get an HIV test

Testing and early diagnosis, leading to early treatment, gives people the best chance of living a healthy life, for longer, and also reduces the risk of passing on the infection to someone else unknowingly. 

• Talk to someone in complete confidence at your local GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinic about HIV tests. You can have a test without having to identify yourself and counselling is also available if you need it. A list of GUM clinics can be found on the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust website.
• Get a 'Fast Test' through a voluntary organisation. Contact sexual health organisation, MESMAC, for more information.
• Get a free self-sampling test kit from freetesting.hiv which involves taking a simple finger prick blood test and posting it to a laboratory for testing. Results will be received within five days followed by support and treatment from a confidential clinical service if required. 

Get help following diagnosis

We work closely with doctors, psychologists and voluntary organisations to provide services that meet your needs.

When you first Contact Social Care Direct, we'll put you in touch with an HIV social worker. They'll carry out an assessment and provide you with relevant advice and tell you what services are available.

Confidential service

You may feel vulnerable about an HIV diagnosis and the consequences of telling anyone about it. Your personal information will not be shared with anyone unless you give your permission.

Support for children with HIV

We have specialist social workers who work with your consultant and health visitor. If there are further childcare issues that require the local Children in Need team to be involved, the social worker will work with them as well to ensure that you have access to the right information and support to meet your HIV needs.