Positive East is an East London charity that
provides support and advice services to people living with HIV. They have been
at the forefront of HIV service and care for over 30 years; supporting people
from point of HIV diagnosis to longer term care. While there have been some
fantastic developments in HIV medication and medical care, there are still huge
barriers that many people living with HIV face. These can include social
isolation, poor mental health and a lack of self-worth as well as issues such
as financial hardship and lack of access to stable housing.

Every year, Positive East supports more than 4,000
people with services such as counselling sessions, support groups, their advice
line and their health and wellbeing programme as well as providing free HIV/STI
tests to the local community.

Their vision is “A world where people living
with HIV are able to fulfil their potential, free from stigma and
discrimination, living full healthy lives” and their mission is to “Improve the
quality of life of individuals and communities affected by HIV”.

East London, and Hackney in particular, has a
much higher rate of HIV diagnoses than the national average yet the HIV and
sexual health sector is experiencing severe funding cuts every single year.
Positive East is now relying more than ever on the generosity of the local
community to support their vital work.