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Beyond the virus: Prioritising mental health for people living with HIV

Published:
New Report Urges Action on Mental Health Support for People Living with HIV in Scotland

A new report Beyond the Virus: Prioritising Mental Health for People Living with HIV in Scotland has been released today by HIV Outcomes UK, a partnership organised by the National AIDS Trust.

The report highlights urgent actions that the Scottish Government must take to improve mental health care for people living with HIV, revealing significant gaps in current services.

Key Findings

The report outlines that nearly 40% of people living with HIV in the UK are diagnosed with a mental health condition, yet many do not receive the support they need. These gaps in psychological care are a major barrier to Scotland’s goal of eliminating new HIV transmissions by 2030.

With mental health issues costing Scotland at least £8.8 billion annually, the report emphasises that investing in mental health services is not just essential for the wellbeing of individuals but also cost-effective for the country.

However, despite the importance of these services, the Scottish Government’s recent budget cuts have reduced mental health funding by £19 million, raising concerns about the sustainability of care.

The report outlines three critical areas where the Scottish Government must take action:

Improve Access to Mental Health Services

Mental health support for people with HIV is often inconsistent, particularly in remote and rural areas. The Scottish Government is urged to better integrate mental health services into its HIV strategy, ensuring that the care meets the British HIV Association Standards.

This includes embedding mental health specialists within HIV clinics and improving referral pathways between services.

 

Address Stigma and Discrimination

The stigma associated with HIV significantly impacts mental health and access to healthcare. The report calls for improved HIV education in health sectors and the implementation of policies and public campaigns aimed at reducing discrimination.

Tackling these issues is crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare access for people living with HIV.

 

Expand Access to Peer Support Services

Peer support services, where trained individuals with HIV provide guidance and understanding, are invaluable for mental health improvement and reducing stigma. However, these services are facing resource constraints.

The report urges the government to ensure that peer support is accessible to all individuals living with HIV, regardless of their location.

 

This report shines a much-needed light on the pressing gaps in mental health support for people living with HIV across Scotland.

Grant Sugden, Chief Executive, Waverley Care
Conclusion

Beyond the Virus presents a clear and actionable framework for the Scottish Government to enhance mental health services for people living with HIV.

Grant Sugden, Chief Executive, Waverley Care explains: “This report shines a much-needed light on the pressing gaps in mental health support for people living with HIV across Scotland.

“To bridge these gaps, it’s essential that services such as peer support, where individuals with lived experience can share guidance and understanding, are accessible to all who need them.

“At Waverley Care, we have seen first hand the transformative impact of peer support on mental health and wellbeing. However, without sustained government funding for these vital services, there is a real risk that people living with HIV will continue to experience disproportionately high rates of mental health problems”.

By prioritising these recommendations, Scotland can work toward ensuring comprehensive, accessible support for this vulnerable community, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for many.