Free, one-to-one counselling for people living with HIV
We have a free counselling service to support people living with HIV. Our counsellors can help you work through issues you may need help with. Feel understood and supported in a safe and non-judgemental space.
Sessions take place weekly, either online or in-person at our office in New Cross. We offer 12 free online sessions. Counselling takes place on the same day at the same time every week, and sessions last for 50 minutes each.
Lambeth, Southwark or Lewisham HIV counselling
For HIV counselling in the London boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark or Lewisham you need to be:
- Living with HIV
- Aged 18+
- Living, working or studying in Lambeth, Southwark, or Lewisham
- Be a gay man, a bisexual man, or otherwise identify as a man who has sex with men
South West London HIV counselling
For HIV counselling in our South West London project, you need to be:
- Living with HIV
- 18+
- Living, working or studying in the boroughs of Wandsworth, Richmond, Kingston, Merton or Sutton
Why people use this service
- I want to talk to someone who won't judge me
- I want to talk openly about living with HIV
- I want to achieve greater self-acceptance and improve my self-esteem
- I want support with my mental health
How we can help
- Feel more able to manage challenging situations in your life
- Improve your understanding of yourself
- Work towards increasing your emotional wellbeing
- Increase your own sense of self-acceptance
- Feel supported by someone who understands you
Ask for an initial assessment
Email counselling@metrocharity.org.uk or call our mental health team on 020 8305 5009. You can refer yourself into the service, or be referred by someone who works with you (like a GP or clinic nurse).
We'll aim to respond to you as soon as possible. In the first instance, you'll be invited to an initial counselling assessment with a member of the counselling team. This will be a chance to discuss what has brought you to counselling, and whether METRO is the appropriate service to support you. If we decide to go ahead, you will be placed on our waiting list to see a counsellor.
Everyone affected by HIV deserves to live a healthy life free from prejudice and discrimination
Despite improvements in medication and sexual health care, people living with HIV still face stigma and a lack of understanding, which can negatively impact their emotional wellbeing. Some people feel isolated or rejected or have problems in their relationships. There are also unique challenges around sharing and telling others about HIV.
Our one-to-one counselling is provided by counsellors who understand how the emotional and social impact of HIV. It's a safe and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about whatever is affecting you.
People living with HIV are more likely to experience mental health issues, stigma and discrimination, which makes it vital that they have a safe space to get support.
How we make a difference
We help people affected by HIV gain greater insight into themselves, their relationships and their life challenges. Through counselling, clients are able to increase their sense of autonomy and emotional wellbeing as they develop their own strategies for dealing with the difficulties they may face.
We also refer people to our other services, including family support, sexual health, mental health, advocacy or HIV support.