People Affected by HIV and AIDS

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is HIV/AIDS?
• Can Tameside Adult Services support you?
• What services may be available to you?
• Is the service confidential?
• How will we arrange services?
• Complaints, Suggestions and Compliments

What is HIV/AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). It attacks the bodies defence system, preventing it from fighting illness and infections.

HIV can be passed on through:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse - vagina, oral or anal without using a condom
• Sharing contaminated needles and syringes
• An infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

It can only be passed on to another person if those fluids get into that person's body.

Can Tameside Adult Services support you?

If you are living with HIV/AIDS, Adult Services may be able to support you. We will talk with you about your social, physical, medical, emotional and financial needs. This is called an assessment and means we can find out how best to meet your needs. The range of services available to you depends on your personal circumstances. We may also signpost you to other organisations which may be able to help you. Information on Adult Assessments.

If you have a carer, they are entitled to an assessment in their own right to see if we can support them in their caring role. More information on Carers' Assessments.

What services may be available to you?

• Home support including home care (personal care, laundry, meal preparation); help with transport issues; minor adaptations (grab rails, ramps)
• Advice and information on HIV/AIDS related issues as well as topics such as housing, employment and benefits. We may also signpost you to other relevant organisations.
• Counselling and emotional support - it may be difficult for you to talk about your thoughts and feelings with your family, carer, partner. We offer emotional and psychological support in a confidential and non-judgmental environment. We can also refer people for in-depth counselling to a voluntary organisation.

Is the service confidential?

The service provided is confidential. We will only pass information on to other organisations with your consent or when we deem a person at risk.

How will we arrange services?

Adult Services will provide a service to you direct or you may be interested in Direct Payments. These are payments made to you that allow you to buy your own support by employing a personal assistant or buying a service direct from a home care agency.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Tameside Adult Services Stalybridge Resource Centre Waterloo Road Stalybridge SK15 2AU View local map
0161 342 2400
0161 342 2460
0161 342 2577