The new HIV Service went live on 2nd April 2007. The service is supporting people living with HIV, their carers and families. It will also deliver a health education service that is community based and includes preventing the spread of HIV.

‘In a few months,’ they told Shout! ‘the service will have its own modern premises in Central Leeds with drop-in-spaces, quiet rooms, a crèche, access to support advice and education in a safe and comfortable space. Until that is up and running, the service will be provided by a team of staff based at Leeds Social Care & Prevention Service, Barnardos, Leeds LS18 4WB.’

The staff, including volunteers from the two existing services (Barnardos and Terence Higgins Trust) are being brought together into a single service for all the people of Leeds.

‘We may have jumped the gun about how HIV prevention and support services will develop in the article in the March issue - particularly about the name! We would like to reassure you that we are talking to service users and staff about what the service is called and how it works. We want to put our ideas forward but most importantly listen to what service users want and set up a service that is built around their issues and needs.’

The Service is managed by the Black Health Agency in partnership with local organisations, including Yorkshire MESMAC and Black Health Initiative on behalf of Leeds City Council and Leeds Primary Care Trust.