There’s so much I love about My Community! I can look at someone’s pet, get information about my diagnosis, or, if I were newly diagnosed, find help and support. But the most important thing is knowing there’s always someone there to chat with. 

If you have a question, you can ask it, and someone will be there to support you. Sometimes I browse through My Community and stumble across a live chat or an interesting post, and I think, “Oh, I didn’t know that!” That can really make a difference, spark curiosity or helping someone in a practical way.

For me, My Community is exactly that, a community. It provides support not just for me but for everyone involved. In my volunteer roles, I post events, particularly for our long-term diagnosis group, Before ’96, and for our general UK-wide group for people living with HIV. Members can register to join events and later share their experiences, what they learned, or whether they enjoyed it. It’s rewarding to see others inspired to participate and feel encouraged to come along next time. 

It’s been truly amazing and heartwarming to be part of My Community from the start. Seeing it grow to hundreds of members in just a year, and witnessing everyone support each other with understanding, care, and fun, has been incredible. Personally, I’ve gained so much from meeting new people and sharing experiences. 

Where else can you find such a safe space online for people living with HIV? It’s a place to interact, maybe for the first time ever, and truly feel like part of a community. A place where you can give support, receive it in return, and do so with no expectations. It’s awesome, and it makes me proud to be part of it.