We provide treatment and support to people who are affected by HIV. Your GP or another health professional can refer you, or you can refer yourself if it’s easier for you.
You can expect a completely confidential service from us.
If you are worried that you may have HIV then come to any clinic and talk to us about getting a test or order a test to be delivered to your home. Home tests are delivered in discreet packaging.
More info on HIV
Living with HIV
If you just found out that you’re HIV positive, don’t worry – we’re here to help with information, advice and support.
Modern treatment means people with HIV can enjoy long, healthy lives.
Once you are on effective medication and HIV becomes undetectable in your blood, you cannot pass the virus to others.
Find out more about living well with HIV including staying healthy or having a baby from the Terence Higgins Trust.
Talking together virtual support group
Talking together is a friendly group, set up and run by people with HIV. This is a confidential group and very welcoming to new members who live in Kent or Medway. Come along, have a chat and get advice and support if you need it.
You can also talk one-to-one with a HIV peer supporter. This is someone who is living with HIV themselves who has been trained to offer support to others.
You can hear from some of the members of the group below, some of their names have been changed.
- Steve who lives in Chatham and was diagnosed with HIV in 2018 said: “One of the best things is just being able to talk to other people with HIV, about things that matter to you, whether you are newly diagnosed or been living with HIV for many years.”
- Ben said: “Being HIV positive doesn’t change me. HIV doesn’t define me. I hope I can be an example of hope to others, that life with HIV isn’t so bad.”
- Sharon said: “I haven’t shared with many people that I have HIV, and this can, at times, create a tension for myself when around others. During the group, I don’t have to hide this part of myself, and I have a freedom to share anything about my life with HIV or anything in general. I don’t have to worry about self-editing, or worrying I may slip out something out to do with HIV. Its great! I recommend the group to anyone living with HIV, and at all stages of your journey, whether, newly diagnosed or having lived with HIV for a while. There are members from all walks of life, all at differing stages or length of time living with HIV, so lots of personal knowledge and info on what it’s like for them. I find this really useful and comforting. As a woman it has been lovely for me to meet other women living with HIV. Since joining the group, I have become more relaxed about having HIV, and seeing others living well with it, and not being defined by HIV, can be a real beacon in the dark, as one can easily believe you’re the only one with it. But no, you’re not. This group is diverse and so very welcoming. You don’t have to have this journey of HIV by yourself, you have a choice, come along and meet us.”
- Peter said: “Being able to share my own experience and offering guidance to others in limbo is something I wish I could have had myself. This is a confidential service by someone who is living with the same condition and understands the issues.”
Ask your KCHFT nurse or doctor for more information or contact via kentchft.talkingtogether@nhs.net to join the group.
Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
If you’ve had unprotected sex and think you may have been exposed to HIV it’s important to act quickly.
HIV transmission can be stopped in its tracks through a course of treatment soon after unprotected sex. The treatment must be started within 72 hours (three days) following exposure to HIV. You will need to be seen by a doctor in a clinic or at any Accident & Emergency department if the clinics are closed.
This treatment requires tablets to be taken once or twice a day for 28 days to be successful.
Find your nearest clinic or contact the sexual health service on 0300 123 1678 (Monday to Thursday, 8am to 7pm, Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm).