Our services
We’re here to provide both emotional and practical support to anyone living with HIV in Sussex. Through our wide range of services, we offer a safe, confidential space where you can share your experiences, explore your needs, and access tailored support. Whether you’re looking for help with physical or mental health, or guidance on housing, finances, or employment, our compassionate team is here to help you navigate life with HIV.
Day Services
Our Day Service provides access to dedicated, one-to-one support from a specialist caseworker, along with weekly group sessions designed to foster connection and understanding. This service is available to anyone over the age of 18 who would benefit from peer group support and individual guidance.
When you join our Day Service, you’ll be paired with a specialist caseworker who offers a safe, confidential space to talk. They’ll also assist you in navigating healthcare, services, and any challenges you may be facing.
Our group sessions provide a welcoming environment where you can connect with others who are also living with HIV, share experiences, and build a sense of community.
Referrals need to be through a health or social care professional.
For more information on our Day Service and how to access it please call Alan Spink on 01273 694222, or email at cst@sussexbeacon.org.uk.
Women and Families
We’re proud to offer tailored support to women living with HIV, including one-to-one casework, group sessions, and peer support.
Our specialist one-to-one casework service provides a safe, confidential space to seek emotional and practical support. Whether you need guidance on housing, immigration, finances, or employment, we’re here to help you navigate challenges and live well with HIV.
Our popular monthly women-only group has been running successfully for 9 years. It’s a welcoming, facilitated space where women can connect, share experiences, and discuss life with HIV in confidence. The group often features guest speakers on topics like aging and family life, and we provide a healthy lunch and creche facilities to make it easier for everyone to attend.
We work closely with the specialist Lawson Unit Sunflower Clinic for Women, as well as other HIV clinics and community teams. Through this collaboration, you can access a Doctor, Nurse, Health Adviser, and Women’s Caseworker from The Sussex Beacon, all in a single visit, ensuring seamless and comprehensive care.
For more information about our services for women and families, please contact us on 01273 694 222, or email her at cst@sussexbeacon.org.uk.
Peer mentoring
Peer mentoring has been shown to make a meaningful difference to wellbeing. With the support of a peer, you can better navigate challenges, feel part of a community, and gain the tools to live well with HIV. According to the British HIV Association, those living with HIV should be empowered to maximise opportunities for self management, and peer mentoring is a powerful way to achieve this.
What is peer mentoring?
At The Sussex Beacon, all our peer mentors are trained and supported to ensure they can offer the best guidance. Your needs and preferences will be carefully considered when matching you with a mentor. Our mentors are dedicated to reducing stigma, fostering connection, and helping people with HIV feel less isolated.
For information and how to apply, please contact Lucy Hutchinson on 01273 694 222, or email her at cst@sussexbeacon.org.uk.
Activities, groups and courses
We run a broad range of groups, activities, and courses for people affected by HIV. Get in touch to find out more.
Positive Fitness Class
Our Positive Fitness Class is a physiotherapy-supervised group designed to support you in living well with HIV. Each session includes personalised exercises tailored to your needs, along with educational support covering HIV, general health, and physical activity.
The classes run weekly for 1.5 hours at The Sussex Beacon, offering a supportive space to address the physical, mental, and social health challenges associated with HIV. These sessions focus on managing medication side effects, complex health needs, and the effects of aging, helping you feel stronger and more confident.
Positive Fitness Referral
If you’re making a referral, please let the service user know they’ll need to confirm with their consultant or GP that they are fit to take part.
Once the referral is received, they will be offered a physiotherapy assessment. This assessment will help identify suitable exercises for the class and support them in setting personal goals
Casework support
As someone living with HIV, you can talk to one of our caseworkers about any concerns you may have or challenges you may be facing. Your caseworker can provide advice, offer support, or advocate on your behalf. Whether you need one-to-one guidance on issues affecting you now or concerns about the future, we’re here to help.
The casework support we provide is flexible, tailored to your individual needs, and regularly reviewed to ensure it’s right for you. Where possible, we can offer home visits across Sussex, or you’re welcome to access this service at The Sussex Beacon.
For further information, please contact Alan Spink on 01273 694 222, or email him at cst@sussexbeacon.org.uk.
Peer action
Peer Action is a volunteer-led group. They provide social and therapeutic events run by and for everyone affected by HIV. Peer Action merged with The Sussex Beacon in 2023 and volunteers are supported by The Sussex Beacon team.
Keep an eye on our Sussex Beacon socials to find out about our upcoming events. Learn more at The Sussex Beacon | Brighton and Hove | Facebook and The Sussex Beacon Instagram.
Want to know how you can get involved? We’d love to hear from you!