Support for adults with HIV/AIDS
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.
What does the council provide?
Barnet Council offers a social work service for people with HIV and AIDS. The services include:
- counselling and advice
- home care
- respite care
- occupational therapy referrals
- liaison with housing service
- transport
- grants from charities
- benefits advice
- immigration service
- work with children
- referrals to African Outreach Service
- complementary therapies.
If you think you need a service or have a general enquiry you can contact us using the details opposite of Textphone(minicom): 020 8359 6011
Useful helplines
- National AIDS Helpline 0800 567 123. For other languages Tel: 0800 717 2227
- Terrance Higgins Trust Direct Helpline Tel: 0845 1221 200
