being+ a three year project, funded by the Monument Trust, has now come to an end.

Over the lifetime of the project we have been able to provide a number of different services targeted principally at gay and bisexual men in employment and / or under 30.  

One of the legacies from the project is a diverse and committed group of HIV positive gay men who trained as Peer Mentors and have supported other gay men through difficult periods in their lives.  Here’s what some of the men said, after receiving support:

“I found it invaluable to be able to meet up with somebody in a similar position who had experience of living with HIV and was able to talk openly and honestly about issues.”

“He answered the questions that I needed to know, which made me feel more prepared when I went to the clinic to start treatment.”

“It gave me an avenue for any questions relating to the experience of being HIV positive.  As I didn’t know any other positive people at the time, this was invaluable.”

“It’s increased my confidence and self-esteem.  I also can speak more openly about my diagnosis without feeling embarrassed or ashamed.  The mentoring support changed my outlook for the future, making me more optimistic.”

We are pleased to say that our Peer Support service for gay men living with HIV will continue after the end of the project.   If you’re a gay man and you feel that you’d benefit from talking to someone else living with HIV please contact Peter Boyle.