George House Trust wins top UK health award

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that George House Trust has been honoured with one of this year’s prestigious GSK IMPACT Awards, an accolade that recognises the exceptional work of health care charities across the UK. This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting people living with HIV and breaking down the stigma that continues to impact their lives.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our team and our strong collaborations with local NHS organisations and fellow charities, we’ve been able to make a real difference. One of the key projects that stood out to the award judges is our ‘Passionate about Sexual Health’ partnership, in collaboration with BHA for Equality and the LGBT Foundation. This programme has been crucial in Greater Manchester’s strategy to address HIV and has been so successful that it has now expanded to Liverpool.

From a record number of entries, we’re proud to have been selected as one of the 10 winners of the 2025 GSK IMPACT Awards. Celebrating its 28th year, these awards are delivered in partnership with The King’s Fund, one of the most respected organisations in the health and care sector. The recognition is not only a testament to our past achievements but also to the incredible work we’re doing now to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV.

As part of this award, we’ll receive £40,000 in unrestricted funding, which will support us in continuing to enhance our services. Additionally, we’re excited to take part in the leadership development programme provided by The King’s Fund, allowing us to grow even further in our ability to support the communities we serve.

The HIV Action Plan in England aims to eliminate new HIV transmissions by 2030, and we are committed to playing our part. In Greater Manchester alone, over 6,000 people are living with HIV, with many still unaware of their status or receiving a late diagnosis. The number of people living with HIV who are over 50 is on the rise, and this group is facing the added challenge of managing HIV alongside other health conditions. At George House Trust, we’ve been adapting our services to address these evolving needs, whether it’s through targeted support for older people or specific initiatives like our African Men’s Engagement Project or work around Chemsex.

Since our inception as Manchester AIDS Line in 1985, we are now 40 years on and we have continued to evolve and expand, now providing a wide range of services, including sexual health information, counselling, peer support, and even financial assistance for those facing hardship. In 2023/2024, we reached more than 2,600 people living with HIV, including nearly 800 individuals aged 50 and over through our Ageing Well programme. We’ve also made a significant impact through our online HIV stigma training, which has already reached 18,000 healthcare professionals and continues to spread more widely.

The judges of the GSK IMPACT Awards were particularly impressed by our community-driven approach and the way we use the lived experiences of people living with HIV to shape our services. This ensures that our support is truly person-centred and has a real impact.

As we celebrate our 40th year, we are incredibly proud of the work we do and the difference we make in the lives of people living with HIV. This award is a reflection of the passion, professionalism, and dedication of our staff and volunteers. It is a fantastic acknowledgment of the work we’ve done, and the £40,000 investment will allow us to continue evolving, improving, and expanding our services to ensure we meet the ever-changing needs of the communities we serve.

We are incredibly grateful for this recognition and are excited about the future as we continue to break down barriers, reduce stigma, and improve the lives of people living with HIV.