Founded in 1986 as Cambridge AIDS Helpline, DHIVERSE was amongst the first voluntary sector organisations to form in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Over the years DHIVERSE has grown and developed, responding to changing needs and involving those people who use our services every step of the way.
From the employment of our first staff positions in 1993, to the opening of a new office in Huntingdon in 2003, DHIVERSE has remained at the forefront of the battle against HIV and sexual ill health.
DHIVERSE now works across Cambridgeshire, in partnership with Peterborough HIV Support Services; and through direct work and partnerships within parts of the surrounding areas.
< Top of pageThe work to be done has never been greater. More people than ever before are being diagnosed HIV positive, and the need for both support and education grows.
We carry out a range of activities to prevent HIV and to promote better sexual health. We organise outreach stalls and events; provide talks in schools; provide training and skills development opportunities; support people on a one-to-one basis and supply information, leaflets and resources. All of these activities are only made possible through the support of our volunteers.
Through the Positive Options programme we provide a range of services and opportunities to people living with HIV. These services include advocacy and information, peer support groups, drop-ins, hardship funds for those in poverty and urgent need, complementary therapies, befriending, counselling, and access to the regional Positive Living Project.
Our third focus is in campaigning to raise awareness, and to tackle stigma, misunderstanding and discrimination.
< Top of pageAs an organisation we fundamentally believe in the importance of local service planning and delivery. We believe that those communities affected by HIV are best placed to develop local solutions. DHIVERSE therefore works with local organisations working around HIV and sexual health in the Eastern region.
We are currently developing a grants scheme to provide financial and other support to local community organisations in developing community based projects that impact upon local HIV and sexual health need.
We currently provide funding to the East Anglia-wide Positive Living Project, housed within the Fightback Trust and are supporting the development of a regional HIV voluntary sector forum.
< Top of pageWe believe in the power of people and of communities to effect positive change in their lives. We believe that in diversity there is strength, and in bringing people together there comes empowerment.
People living with HIV are involved in every aspect of the organisation from the Board of Trustees and Directors, to the staff team. Every person with HIV who uses our services is a member of the charity and limited company and is able to vote at our AGM in deciding the direction of the organisation.
DHIVERSE is funded through a wide range of grants, company support and donations from the public. Whilst the need to fight the rising rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections is growing rapidly in the UK the availability of funding from government is declining. For this reason the support of the public and of companies has never been more important to DHIVERSE. To find out more about ways to support DHIVERSE why not visit our fundraising pages or make a donation today.
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