My Community is an online peer support platform for people living with HIV in the UK. Whether newly diagnosed or living with HIV for some time, members can private chat, ask questions, post information, resources, events or opportunities.
There is a strong evidence base for the benefits of peer support. Studies have also shown that when peer support is embedded in clinical pathways it can bring about a number of benefits and reduce strain on the health system. Peer support does not replace clinical advice, support and information but it can provide people with a supportive community that enables them to play a more active role in the ongoing management of their health and wellbeing.
- My Community is moderated by a team of volunteers and staff living with HIV. As a UK-wide service, there is a diverse range of stories and perspectives from members, volunteers and staff based throughout the four nations.
- My Community offers quick and easy online access to peer support for anyone not ready to engage in in-person peer support, It may be that services are limited in some areas, or people living with HIV have accessibility issues. For those in rural areas, My Community can be a lifeline for peer connection.
- My Community is safe to access via web browser or app. It is also discreet in its branding for anyone worried about confidentiality. Members only need an email to sign up and can therefore access support easily and quickly without having to give too much of their personal information away. Members feel safe to access peer support in their own home, or chat on the app on their way to work.
- Members talk about a broad range of topics. Health and diagnosis is what brings members to My Community, but active spaces include discussing books, films, gardening, winter flu jabs, how to change clinics when moving location, the weather, recipes for staying healthy, discussing side effects of treatment and emotional wellbeing tools.
- There are spaces for different communities such as a women’s space, a trans and non-binary space, a space for those living with HIV who are neurodiverse, and a space for migrants new to the UK looking for information on how to access care.
- My Community will also host Expert Talks using the “Go live” function and welcome medical professionals sharing their expertise on areas such as statins, injectables, working with your GP and growing older with HIV.
- My Community has been a lifeline to many of our service users (your patients), so we recommend signposting to My Community as soon as someone receives their diagnosis for immediate support and answers, stories, encouragement, resources and much more.
If you’d like to order some resources to signpost patients to My Community, such as A4 Posters, A6 flyers or wallet cards, please use the web form below.
