Infected Blood: How to access additional support

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There is support available for those infected and affected through the Infected Blood Support Schemes:

The Scottish Infected Blood Psychology Service supports people who contracted Hepatitis C and / or HIV from blood and/or blood products given during medical procedures in Scotland.
The England Infected Blood Support Scheme offers discretionary payments to fund independent psychology therapies for the existing beneficiaries, their families and friends.
In Wales, there is the Psychology & Wellbeing Service, where persons registered with the Wales Infected Blood Support Scheme, their family members and bereaved family members can access psychological assessment and treatment concerning the emotional difficulties of being given and living with a diagnosis of Hepatitis C and/or HIV.
In Northern Ireland, there is a dedicated regional specialist psychological service delivered within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust for persons aged 18 years and above who have been infected and affected as a result of receiving contaminated blood. The service is also for family members and provides social work support. For more information, please call 028 9615 5867.

HIV support

The Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) provides resources for people living with HIV and those newly diagnosed. You can contact THT for support, advice and information by telephone on 0808 802 1221 or by email at info@tht.org.uk.
Positively UK provides peer-led support, advocacy and information to everyone living with HIV to effectively manage any aspect of their diagnosis, care and life with HIV. You can contact them by telephone on 0207 7713 044 or by email at info@positivelyuk.org.

The Hepatitis C Trust is a patient-led and patient-run organisation. There is a confidential national telephone helpline service on 020 7089 6221 or you can email them at helpline@hepctrust.org.uk.

Haemophilia support is a UK-wide charity for all those affected by a genetic bleeding disorder - a community of individuals and families, healthcare professionals and supporters. You can contact them by telephone on 020 7939 0780 or by email info@haemophilia.org.uk.

Cruse Bereavement Care is a national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You can contact their telephone helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Bereavement UK provides bereavement support and information. You can contact them by email at support@bereavement.co.uk.

If you have any concerns about current blood donation or transfusions, you can find out more about blood transfusions on the NHS Blood and Transplant website.

Free, impartial financial support is available through MoneyHelper and the Citizens Advice Service.

There are several independent support groups that are sign posted to via the Infected Blood Inquiry’s website.