George House Trust on Supporting People Living with HIV and Authentic Workplace Allyship

George House Trust (GHT) is a service providing support for those living with HIV. Ahead of World AIDS Day, myGwork reached out to discuss their work, their vision, and their hopes for the future. With tips on how to help combat stigma, and advice for those who want to show their allyship to the community, GHT offers a helpful insight into what we can all do to support those living with HIV.

Could you tell us a little bit about your charity and the work that you do?

George House Trust’s vision is a world where HIV holds no one back. We provide information, advice and support to people living with and affected by HIV and everything we do is built around inspiring people to live healthily and confidently with HIV. We provide a wide range of support services so people can get the help they need when they need it - whether it’s someone newly diagnosed or someone who’s been living with HIV for a long time.

There are 100 dedicated volunteers at George House Trust who tirelessly support us to deliver the quality services we offer. Established in 1985 by six gay men in response to the HIV epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s, there have been remarkable medical and social changes around HIV since those early years.

HIV is now a long-term health condition that is easily managed with regular, effective treatment. People who are on effective treatment with an undetectable amount of HIV in their blood can’t pass HIV on through sex. This is known as ‘undetectable = untransmittable’ or ‘U=U’. Despite the transformational changes and huge progress around HIV testing and treatment, some people still face HIV stigma and discrimination in work, education, and healthcare, as well as rejection and judgement from people close to them.

HIV stigma is still a real issue and here at George House Trust, we’re here to provide the vital support needed to combat that.