Most services for people who have HIV are available following a Community care needs assessment. You may have an assessment if you are in hospital, in your own home or have housing complications. If you have a carer, they are also entitled to a carer's assessmentunder the Carers Act 1995.

In Surrey, we have Specialist Social Workers who are able to offer you a confidential assessment that takes into account the specific needs of your HIV diagnosis, as well as your religion, race, culture, disability and/or sexuality.

The assessment can provide time for you to meet with an assessor to explain to them what you feel you need support with. The assessor can explain to you what services and support might be available to meet your needs and how your needs can be best met or supported. If you have any other general questions about assessments, you can telephone our contact centreon 03456 009 009 to speak to an advisory officer.

If you feel that you might benefit from a specialist HIV assessment, you can contact our county liaison coordinator on telephone: 01372 832360.

You do not need to have a Community Care Assessment:

• In order to apply for a Blue badge. This helps disabled drivers to park in designated places, call 0300 200 1005 for an application form.
• If you feel that you would benefit from discounted travel on local buses, call 0300 200 1005 for an application form.

Community Organisations

In Surrey, there are four community organisations that are specifically able to support people infected or affected by an HIV diagnosis.

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT)

Tel: 01483 263 160 (Woking)
Email: woking@tht.org.uk
Website: www.tht.org.uk

Positive Action

Tel: 01252 345019
Email: info@positiveaction.demon.co.uk
Website: www.positiveaction.org.uk

St Peter's House Project (Redhill)

Tel: 01737 773917 (Admin and support)
Tel: 01737 763000 (Help line)
Website: www.stpetershouse.org.uk

The services provided might vary slightly between agencies, but generally they all offer telephone advice and support.

Counselling, emotional support, advice, welfare information, treatment advice, complimentary therapies, Peer Support Groups, internet access and other services for families and carers are all offered by our community agencies. Please check with individual agencies as to what current services are available.

Health Services

Clinical Nurse Specialists are able to offer support and information about symptoms and treatments as well as answering other medical questions. They are based in the community and are therefore able to conduct home visits if necessary.

GUM Clinics:
Leatherhead (Mid Surrey)
Consultant: Dr V,
Health Advisor: Anne Richardson
Tel: 01372 362845

Farnham Road Clinic, Farnham Road Hospital, Guildford
Consultant: Dr Howard
Health Advisor: Bridget Dunkley, Gillian Doran
Tel: 01483 537007

Blanche Herriott Clinic, St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey
Consultant: Dr Pritchard
Health Advisors: Jenny, Trisha, Jane.
Tel: 01932 722 669 Advice Line: 01932 622 390

Frimley Park Clinic, Frimley Park Hospital, Waverley
Consultant: Dr. Natarajan
Health Advisor: Debbie Gordon
Tel: 01276 604 105

Other support organisations and helplines

• Avert 01403 210202
• Blackliners Helpline 020 7738 7468
• Blackliners has been working to enhance the quality of life of black and minority ethnic people living with HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Body and Soul Charity020 7923 6880
• Cara(London) 020 7792 8299
• i-BASE (treatment info)020 7407 8488
• NAM020 7840 0050
• National AIDS Trust (NAT)020 7814 6767
• National Drugs Helpline - Talk to Frank0800 776600
• NHS Sexual Health Line0800 567123
• THT Direct0845 1221 200
• THT (Surrey)01483 263 160
• UK Coalition.