This letter responds to a query about the impact of poverty on HIV in Northern Ireland. It summarizes that there is a recognized link between poverty and poor health. For those living with HIV in Northern Ireland, specialized support is available through the Regional HIV care center based in Belfast, including social work support and financial advice. Additional support organizations mentioned include Positive Life, which offers various services and a benefits clinic, and government resources on benefits and financial support.

1. Michael Campbell
Issued by email to:
editor@hivblogger.me.uk
Room C4.16
Castle Buildings
Stormont Estate
Belfast BT4 3SQ
Email:
janet.moore@dhsspsni.gov.uk
Our Ref: TOF/159/2014
Date: 24 March 2014
Dear Mr Campbell
You wrote to Minister Poots on 24 February in relation to HIV and the impact of
poverty, and enclosing a link to the Terrence Higgins Trust report on HIV and
Poverty in the UK. Your correspondence has been passed to me for a response.
There is a recognised association between poverty and ill health. The public health
approach in Northern Ireland is to encourage more targeted support for those with
greater social, economic and health disadvantage, working in partnership with other
relevant sectors and bodies. Decisions on targeted action and services are taken at
a delivery level and take account of local need.
The NI Regional Centre for HIV care based at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast,
has a multidisciplinary team offering a range of specialist support for people living
with HIV, their partners, families and carers and work closely with voluntary agencies
and community services. Its dedicated social work team offers confidential emotional
and practical support and advice, including financial advice, to people living with HIV,
as well as their partners, families and carers.
Patients on a low income may be able to get financial help from the Hospital Travel
Costs Scheme if they need Health Service treatment at a hospital, centre or clinic
and have been referred by a hospital consultant: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/hospital-
travel-costs-scheme.
The Department provides a funding contribution towards the running costs of
Positive Life, a voluntary organisation which supports and promotes positive living for
people with and affected by HIV in Northern Ireland. Positive Life may give financial
assistance to service users who need help with travel expenses to attend its

2. services. It also facilitates a benefits clinic on a Monday evening in Belfast especially
for those living with HIV.
Positive Life also offers a range of services including one to one support, support
groups, family support, advocacy, counselling, advices, therapies, and a confidential
helpline.
There are a wide variety of organisations in Northern Ireland that can assist with
social and emotional support regarding financial concerns. The services section of
the Minding Your Head website contains a full list of the support available:
http://www.mindingyourhead.info/. The Citizens Advice Bureau also provides
confidential, impartial advice and debt counselling services on a regional basis. The
Lifeline crisis response service is also available 24 hours a day for anyone
experiencing distress or despair: http://www.lifelinehelpline.info/page/lifeline-helpline.
Further information on benefits and financial support available from government
departments including Department for Social Development (DSD) and other
agencies is available at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-
services/money-tax-and-benefits/benefits-and-financial-support.htm
I hope you find this information useful.
Yours sincerely
Janet Moore
Health Improvement Policy Branch