Peer Support at tHrIVe
Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can make a huge difference. Our peer support is delivered by people with lived experience, in a relaxed, private, no-pressure environment. You choose the pace, and you choose what you want to talk about. Many of us remember how intense those first few weeks and months after diagnosis can feel, and we’re here so you don’t have to carry that alone.
- Confidential one-to-one chats
- Judgment-free conversations
- Emotional support, reassurance, and shared experience
- Help with navigating diagnosis, treatment, and everyday worries
- Available online or in-person (Nottinghamshire)
What to expect
Everyone’s reason for reaching out is different — and that’s completely okay. Our peer support is relaxed, friendly and shaped around your pace. You choose what you want to talk about, when you talk about it, and what feels comfortable for you.
- You’ll be welcomed by a peer with lived experience
- No pressure to share anything you’re not ready to
- Conversations stay confidential and judgement-free
- Sessions can take place online or in person
- You’re always in control of the pace and direction
Our aim is simple — to make sure you feel supported, understood and never alone while navigating your HIV journey.
How our sessions work
Every conversation is shaped around you. There’s no script, no clinical language, and no pressure — just a genuine, human chat with someone who understands what you’re going through.
- Flexible format — meet online, by phone or in person
- Relaxed and informal — talk about whatever matters most to you
- Your pace — short check-ins or longer conversations
- One-to-one focus — private, confidential support from a peer
- Follow-up optional — connect again whenever you feel you need to
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, feeling overwhelmed, or just want someone to talk to — we’re here when you’re ready.
Is peer support right for me?
Peer support is for anyone who wants a safe, supportive space to speak openly — without judgement, pressure, or assumptions. You don’t need to be struggling, and you don’t need a specific reason to reach out.
Some people in the group have experience of pregnancy, fertility treatment, adoption or parenting while living with HIV. You don’t have to share anything you’re not ready to, but you may find it helpful to hear from others who’ve navigated these decisions.
You may find peer support helpful if you:
- Want to talk to someone who truly understands the HIV journey
- Feel isolated or unsure who to confide in
- Are newly diagnosed and need space to process
- Want reassurance, clarity, or help to make sense of things
- Need emotional support around relationships, treatment, or wellbeing
- Prefer talking to someone outside medical settings
If any of this sounds like you, peer support can make things feel lighter — and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Meet our peer support team
What you can expect from our team
- A friendly, non-judgemental space to talk
- Lived experience of HIV, diagnosis, and treatment
- Respect for your privacy and personal boundaries
- Conversations that go at your pace
- Support shaped around your needs — not a one-size-fits-all approach
Our team is here to listen, reassure, and empower you — whether you’re newly diagnosed, facing something difficult, or simply want someone who “gets it”.
Our peer support team
A small, dedicated team offering lived-experience support. Here’s who you might meet when you reach out.
Chris
Peer Support Volunteer
Chris has lived experience of HIV for nearly 40 years and offers calm, grounded support for people who are adjusting to a new diagnosis or simply need to talk through what they’re feeling.
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Peer Support Volunteer
? focuses on confidence-building, stigma reduction and empowerment. They bring warmth and humour to their sessions and make sure everyone feels truly heard.
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Peer Support Volunteer
? is passionate about helping people understand treatment, side effects, and navigating clinics. They provide reassurance, clarity and a non-judgemental space to ask anything.