Support for Adults with HIV

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It attacks the body's defence system preventing it from fighting illnesses and infections.

HIV is not passed on by shaking hands, kissing, touching or hugging, sharing cups, cutlery, crockery or towels. HIV is not spread by sneezing or coughing or from tears or sweat. A person does not get infected with HIV from daily contact.

How can HIV be passed on?

HIV can be passed on in the following ways:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse - vaginal, oral or anal without using a condom
• Sharing contaminated needles, syringes and 'works'
• From an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding
• From contaminated blood or blood products

A diagnosis of HIV affects you, your family, partner and friends. This site describes the help available and provides details of who to contact for further information and advice.

What do Social Services provide?

Social Services provides a confidential service for anyone regardless of gender, sexuality, lifestyle or racial origin. We can provide information about HIV and specialist services such as counselling, and a range of private and voluntary sector organisations working in this field, and help to put you in touch with these services.  Telephone our main office on (01803) 208500

National AIDS Helpline 0800 567 123. For other languages 0800 717 2227.