The project helps TB and HIV diagnosed clients to address social issues and other underlying problems; providing practical advice and support on matters such as housing, benefits, debt and other financial matters.
The project supports service users to:
- manage debt and maximise their incomes;
- access training, education and employment;
- access help with immigration matters.
- find appropriate housing and work with housing services to develop pathways to ensure this.
Where there are other underlying issues which may cause a barrier in moving people forward such as mental health, substance misuse we ensure that we identify these and refer to an appropriate agency and therefore provide a holistic service. Additionally we support clients in accessing health service where they may have not done previously, such as GP and Dental services. Ultimately the projects looks to support service users so that they can concentrate on engaging with their treatment and complete this.
Find out more
If you identify a person who may benefit from this type of help and they meet the criteria, they can be referred by their TB nurse or HIV support worker. Please contact the Community TB Team (024 7696 1351) or the Integrated Sexual Health Service, Stoney Stanton Health Centre https://www.ishs.org.uk/ (0300 020 0027).
Project benefits
The project has been running since 2008. The purpose is to raise awareness of TB and HIV and offer additional help to clients who are newly diagnosed and in treatment. Clients receive one on one support from a caseworker who helps to access doctor and dental services, and apply for benefits, help with debt, offer housing advice and signpost to education, training, legal help and help with immigration issues.
The project focus has been on quality rather than quantity and the numbers it expects to support are low. However, the work that is undertaken for clients is wide ranging and on average results in financial gains of over £1k per client.
