Welcome to Health and Social Care

HIV services and advice

HIV is the virus that attacks the bodies defence system preventing it from fighting illnesses and infections.

It is not passed on by shaking hands, kissing, touching or hugging, sharing cups, cutlery, crockery or towels. HIV is not spread by sneezing or coughing or from tears or sweat. A person does not get infected with HIV from daily contact.

HIV can be passed on in the following ways:

unprotected sexual intercourse - vaginal, oral or anal without using a condom
sharing contaminated needles, syringes and 'works'
from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding
from contaminated blood or blood products

A diagnosis of HIV affects you, your family, partner and friends. Knowsley Social Services works closely with Knowsley Primary Care Trust and the St.Helens and Knowsley Specialist Health Promotion Service, and also other organisations involved in the support of the condition.

We currently provide a specialist social worker, who can support people pre and post. Every person who is considering a test can request Social Work support. All referrals to the specialist service are treated with the highest degree of confidentiality.

Any person wishing to access the service can ask at their specialist health clinic [listed below] or contact social services using the contact details at the bottom of this page. You can also apply for the service by completing the online form at the bottom of this page.