Positive East

Positive East

We offer a comprehensive and holistic range of support services for people living with and affected by HIV as well as HIV and STI testing, prevention and outreach.

Positive East is able to support you with our range of projects and activities if you are living with HIV in East London or receive your HIV clinical care in East London.

Our HIV/STI testing is available to anyone over the age of 18.

Get HIV support services

Learn more about our extensive health and wellbeing programmes for people living with HIV

Access Benefit advice

Click here to access our AQS4 Benefit Advice Service

HIV/STI testing

Book your free, rapid and confidential HIV/STI test today!

Be part of Positive East

Positive East is powered by the support and generosity of our volunteers and donors. Get involved and help keep Positive East active!

Become a Volunteer

Learn more about our volunteering opportunities

Be a part of the change

Make a donation or raise funds on our behalf to help sustain our community based services

Upcoming events

Positive East offers a range of health and wellbeing activities and events, social outings, workshops, support groups, seminars and holistic therapies. Click HERE to download the calendar as a PDF

About us

Our mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities affected by HIV.

positiveeast

Book your next HIV/STI test today! Tests are just

Book your next HIV/STI test today!

Tests are just a simple prick of the finger and you'll find out your HIV status during your appointment! We also test for Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis B & C, and you’ll get those results within 10 working days from Barts Health. You can also ask our testing team any sexual health questions you may have.

If you have any questions about testing you can take a look at our FAQs on our HIV & Testing page on our website.

Swipe to find testing locations this week or book through the link in our bio!

Find out what's happening at Positive East in Dece

Find out what's happening at Positive East in December including social and support groups, our Wellbeing Matters events and our weekly wellbeing activities!

IMPORTANT: please see second slide for changes to our regular events over the Christmas period!

UPDATE: We are also open Friday 27th December 11am-2pm

On the 1st December 2024 Positive East London were

On the 1st December 2024 Positive East London were proud to collaborate with Canary Wharf Group on a historic event, transforming a globally recognised building – One Canada Square - into a symbol of HIV awareness to mark World AIDS Day 2024. The halo, nearly 240 meters above the capital, glowed red, a colour ubiquitous to the HIV movement that signifies remembrance, reflection, hope and courage. This is the first time in One Canada Square’s 33-year history where World AIDS Day has been honoured in this way.

Before the lighting of One Canada Square’s halo, a candle lit vigil took place to commemorate those we have lost.

Since 1988, communities have aligned on 1st December in a show of strength and solidarity, to collectively raise awareness of the global impact of HIV/AIDS, remember lives lost to the HIV pandemic and galvanise the community to continue addressing HIV stigma whilst fostering hope and unity.

Thank you to everyone who made this incredible evening possible.

Today, on World AIDS Day, we are joined by million

Today, on World AIDS Day, we are joined by millions of people from around the world collectively remembering, reflecting and celebrating.

Today we uphold and cherish the memory of over 35 million loved ones who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses over the past 40 years.

Today we celebrate the incredible milestones that we, as a community, have achieved including U=U and the availability of PrEP.

We celebrate our unsung heroes who have quietly worked in the background to propel the HIV activist movement forward.

Today is a day for solidarity and a call for continued action and support.

Today we also want to thank those who stand with Positive East, allowing us to achieve our mission: improving the quality of life of individuals and communities affected by HIV.

With love and solidarity, today and everyday.

Film still by @_eddcarr_

#worldaidsday
#tacklehivstigma

POSITIVE OVER 50 is our social and support group f

POSITIVE OVER 50 is our social and support group for people over 50 living with HIV. This group is for you if you either live in any of the East London Boroughs, or get your HIV care at an East London clinic. Join us for our December events:

POSITIVE OVER 50: Lunch Group. Join us for a chat and a freshly prepared lunch provided by our friends from Food Chain!
Date: Thursday 5th December
Time: 1pm

POSITIVE OVER 50: Out and About. This festive season we’ve organised a group visit to the Museum of the Home in Hoxton!
Date: Thursday 5th December
Time: 2 - 4:30pm

Find out more about both meet ups and how to let us know you will be attending over on our events page - link in bio!

Get your next HIV test with Positive East this Wor

Get your next HIV test with Positive East this World AIDS Day!

Swipe to find out where we will be doing testing next week. You can book online or just turn up on the day.

Tests are quick, free and confidential and you can ask the team any sexual health questions you may have!

Positive East’s Project Community programme for

Positive East’s Project Community programme for City & Hackney residents aims to empower ethnic minority communities aged 16+ to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing. The project aims to improve sexual and reproductive health of black African, black Caribbean and other ethnic minorities groups.

You can find more information about the different ways you can prevent HIV & STIs, preventing unwanted pregnancy and how to access free sexual health services in the borough, including condoms, contraception, and PrEP through the link in our bio!

This project is funded by @hackneycouncil

Great to hear Tresca talk about the importance of

Great to hear Tresca talk about the importance of speaking to your GP about your HIV status.

If you have questions and would like to learn more about this we have a Wellbeing Matters event coming up on Tuesday December 3rd at Positive East focusing on getting the best from your GP.

It can be confusing and sometimes frustrating when some of our health care comes from our HIV clinic, and some is from our GP. We’ll look at some of the challenges, as well as opportunities, for us as patients, as well as for the GPs.

We’ll have Dr. Daniel Gibney, the HIV GP Champion for Tower Hamlets joining us for the event!

For more information visit our events page on our website (link in bio!)

Reposted from: @fasttrackcitiesldn

World AIDS Day RED RUN unsung community heroes!

World AIDS Day RED RUN unsung community heroes!

As part of the RED RUN we importantly celebrate our unsung HIV community heroes whose passion, dedication, and sheer hard work have, for too long, gone unsung. We created a booklet and exhibition to honour their contributions.

Unfortunately due to Storm Bert we could not display our usual heroes exhibition in the RED RUN village showcasing the incredible work of our 14 community heroes. We created a booklet to honour their contributions which everyone will have received in their RED RUN tote bags.

We were thrilled to nominate Euriza as Positive East's 2024 World AIDS Day RED RUN unsung hero!

*** Euriza has been our Project Community Coordinator since 2022. Previously a dedicated volunteer, she now leads Project Community, a project based in City and Hackney aiming to improve sexual and reproductive health of marginalised communities in the borough. Euriza has always worked tirelessly to ensure we run an inclusive and accessible service for Black African and Caribbean communities. She is very passionate about this work, and puts her heart and soul into everything she does. This is always evident when she is out in the community, speaking to people in an open and friendly manner, without judgement and sharing information to help tackle HIV stigma and fear within the community.

Within Project Community, she has worked hard to attend countless events and run workshops to engage communities across City and Hackney, and has empowered many people to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing. This is why she is our 2024 unsung community hero! ***

#REDRUNldn

We couldn’t be prouder of how amazing RED RUN 20

We couldn’t be prouder of how amazing RED RUN 2024 was.

Over 2,000 people came together, despite the storm, as a community to remember those no longer with us and to stand in solidarity with those living with HIV.

The advancements we have made through community actions in our fight against HIV stigma are remarkable but as our wonderful RED RUN hosts reminded us - we’re not done yet.

The £223,300 raised will go towards the incredibly important work delivered by the HIV sector towards a world free from HIV stigma and discrimination and where healthcare and support is accessible to all.

Thank you so much again to everyone who took part, ran, walked, sashayed, volunteered, fundraised.

Photos courtesy of @denis_shoots

Thank you to our amazing hosts @tomrasmussen @namibaa_ @ShirleyduNaughty @justmaydoes , thank you to @workoutwithpride for leading the warm up and a big thank you to our World AIDS Day RED RUN sponsors:

PLATINUM
ViiV Healthcare
MAC VIVA Glam

GOLD
Gilead

SILVER & IN KIND
MSD
Eagle London

Pryde & Co

#REDRUNldn

We couldn’t be prouder to announce that RED RUN

We couldn’t be prouder to announce that RED RUN 2024 has raised an incredible £223,300 for 31 HIV charities!

These funds will help ensure life changing HIV support and prevention services continue to make a difference.

Today we took action and laced up, we stood in solidarity with those living with HIV, we affirmed our loved ones and we shouted ‘U=U!’.

Thank you so much to everyone who took part, ran, walked, sashayed, volunteered, fundraised and came out in support despite the weather!

And thank you again to our 2024 World AIDS Day RED RUN sponsors:

PLATINUM
ViiV Healthcare
MAC VIVA Glam

GOLD
Gilead

SILVER & IN KIND
MSD
Eagle London

Pryde & Co

#REDRUNldn

🚨 Important information about the RED RUN happe

🚨 Important information about the RED RUN happening tomorrow 🚨

With only two days to go until RED RUN 2024 we wan

With only two days to go until RED RUN 2024 we want to spotlight our 1,500 incredible runners and walkers and what the RED RUN means to them.

These quotes are a perfect representation of the importance of the RED RUN. It isn't a race - it's a movement, a chance to come together in unity, to remember and raise awareness.

We can't wait to see everyone on Saturday and celebrate the progress we have made and stand in solidarity with our community.

#REDRUN2024
#Morethanarun

We are so excited to have @wellcomecollection join

We are so excited to have @wellcomecollection join us as part of the RED RUN village!

They will be presenting a small display of material from Wellcome Collection drawing out histories of HIV activism and public health.

Visit the RED RUN this Saturday November 23rd to see the pieces in person. You can also find out more about @wellcomecollection over on their page and website.

#REDRUN2024 #MoreThanARun

Today is Trans Day of Remembrance Today we pause

Today is Trans Day of Remembrance

Today we pause, reflect and remember those from the Trans community who are no longer with us.

We honour over 350 trans people killed globally this year as well as those who have died from suicide.

Today, and everyday, Positive East affirms our support for the Trans community and our commitment to platforming trans voices and celebrating trans power and visibility.

We stand in solidarity, pride and love always.

#transrightsarehumanrights
#transdayofremembrance

Joining Shirley Du-Naughty, we're thrilled to welc

Joining Shirley Du-Naughty, we're thrilled to welcome Tom Rasmussen, Angelina Namibia and Miss Ruby V as our 2024 RED RUN hosts!

Thank you to Angelina, Tom and Shirley for guiding us through the festivities on November 23rd 🎤👏

Angelina Namiba: @namibaa_

Originally from Kenya, Angelina has over 26 years of experience working in HIV including providing one-to-one support to people living with HIV, treatment advocacy, managing service delivery, and facilitating, promoting and advocating for the involvement of women living with HIV in local and national strategy and policy. Living with HIV for more than 30 years, she is a founding member of the 4M Network of Mentor Mothers living with HIV and sits on various national and international advisory boards and is a Trustee of National AIDS Trust. Most recently, Angelina has co-authored the book “Our Stories Told by Us,” which celebrates the African contribution to the UK HIV response.

Tom Rasmussen: @tomrasmussen

Tom Rasmussen is a musician, composer and writer. Their first album Body Building was released in 2023 to much applause. Supporting Rina Sawayama, Self Esteem, the XX’s Romy on their tours, as well as headlining their own UK tour, Tom’s music has resonated with queer and trans audiences across the nation. Their second album ‘Live Wire’ came out in October 2024, garnering widespread acclaim. They have worked closely with Positive East for almost ten years and in February became an official Patron of the charity. Tom has co-hosted the RED RUN since 2017.

@‌tomrasmussen @globetownrecords

Also, a big shoutout to @miss_rubyv_ who'll be sharing the day with us through "Ruby Does The RED RUN." Keep an eye out for her interviews and updates on our socials. Thank you, Ruby!!

Peer Support Coordinator Part-time, 21.6 hours a

Peer Support Coordinator

Part-time, 21.6 hours a week over three days, £30,690 pa pro rata + 6% pension contribution

Fixed term, initially to end of March 2026

This post will have a particular focus on supporting those diagnosed in Emergency Department settings, and those who have disengaged (or are at risk of disengaging) with their HIV care. The post will be a key point of contact with staff in clinical settings. The post will principally provide peer support at Barking Hospital’s Out Patients East HIV clinic currently running on Wednesday afternoons and evenings.

As a member of our Health & Wellbeing Team, you’ll be helping improve and maintain the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV through a range of tasks shared across the team, such as assessment of need, one-to-one support and casework, as well as our peer support groups, events and activities. You’ll also support colleagues in managing a group of trained volunteers to do the same.

To apply, please visit our website!

Closing date: 9.00am on Monday, 2nd December 2024

Interview date: Monday, 9th December 2024

Get ready to warm up with Workout with Pride! 💪

Get ready to warm up with Workout with Pride! 💪

We're thrilled to have the fabulous Workout with Pride back for the RED RUN this year! They'll be leading ongoing drop-in warm-ups for all our walkers and runners.

Join the fun starting at 11:40

Remember, it's a drop-in warm-up, so feel free to come and go as desired.

A huge thank you to @workoutwithpride for their continued support of the RED RUN!

#REDRUN2024 #MoreThanARun

RAINBOW MEN is our social and support group for ga

RAINBOW MEN is our social and support group for gay and bisexual men living with HIV, including men who have sex with men but don’t identify as gay or bisexual. This group is for you if you are HIV positive and either live in East London or get your HIV care in an East London clinic. It usually meets on the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month, but this day and time may vary especially for visits out, so its best to check these listing regularly.

This month we’re taking a look at barriers to staying engaged with your HIV care.

Date: Wednesday 20th November
Time: 6:00 - 8:00pm

More info and how to let us know if you will be attending - https://www.positiveeast.org.uk/event/rainbow-men/

AIDS Quilt UK have recorded testimonials telling t

AIDS Quilt UK have recorded testimonials telling the story behind the panels. One of the testimonials from this panel is a piece written remembering Mark:

'He was a remarkable man, a wonderful man. We were not lovers or anything like that, I wasn't even one of his closest friends but we were friends, comrades and when he died I did not smile for three months. His life had made a tremendous impact on me and so did his death...he was so many things, an Irishman, a communist, a drag queen, a student, an agitator, an organiser, a reader, a writer, a gay rights activist, a wonderful friend and a very warm and human human being'.

This is panel 13 of 42

You can listen to more testimonials of commemoration from this panel on @aidsquiltuk youtube channel.

The UK AIDS Memorial Quilt is an integral part of social history, remembering a generation of loved ones lost during the epidemic in the 80s and 90s. Each individual panel commemorates someone who died of AIDS and has been lovingly made by their friends, lovers or family.

The UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Partnership is a coalition of 7 UK HIV support charities, including Positive East, working together to find a permanent home for the UK Quilt, to conserve it and to ensure it is put on public display as often as possible. The panels are archived here at Positive East.

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