Learning from practice

The London Boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark have the highest HIV
prevalence rates in the country. Figures suggest that diagnosed HIV infections amongst residents of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Primary Care Trusts account for almost one in five of all diagnosed HIV infections in London (South East London Sector 2003).
This pilot was designed to set up a proactive and assertive outreach service to people living with HIV who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have communication difficulties that necessitate the need for advocacy support.
The aims of the pilot were to:
● develop an outreach service with clear eligibility criteria and referral mechanisms.
● increase contact with hard to reach users as defined by the eligibility criteria.
● increase tenancy achievement and sustainment within the client group.
● increase registration with and use of primary care services.
● improve general health amongst the target group.
● increase knowledge and satisfaction with housing and support services.


The London Boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark commissioned the Terrence Higgins Trust/Lighthouse to set up and provide the outreach service.
Two workers were employed to work intensively with individual clients to set up a housing tenancy and provide on-going support to ensure that the tenancy was maintained.
The outreach workers also made sure that clients were registered and engaged with the full range of local primary, secondary and specialist health care services and that they understood how these services should be accessed.