METRO and HIV clinics across south London
1. What problem are we trying to solve?
People living with HIV often face more than just a medical diagnosis. They can experience stigma, isolation, and difficulties staying on treatment. These challenges can affect both mental and physical health.
Our aim was to tackle these barriers by improving quality of life, treatment adherence and engagement with care. By addressing stigma and creating space for real connection, we can help more people achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load and live well with HIV.
2. What did we do?
We brought peer support directly into HIV clinics across South London. A peer support team was recruited to provide in-clinic support for people living with HIV at clinics across South West and South East London
Peer Mentors – people with lived experience of HIV – now offer one-to-one support both in person and remotely, helping others to:
- Adjust to their diagnosis
- Stay on their medication (ART)
- Overcome stigma
- Feel less isolated
The peer support team works closely with Kingston, Croydon, King’s College Hospital, and Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trusts, ensuring support is integrated into everyday clinic life.
We’re also expanding the programme by:
- Recruiting and training new Peer Mentors
- Introducing joint supervision with clinics to share learning
- Developing an opt-out referral system, so everyone newly diagnosed or re-engaging in care is automatically offered peer support.
3. What impact have we seen so far?
By March 2025, 25 people living with HIV had received peer support, with each person having around four interactions on average.
Early results are promising:
- Fewer missed appointments (lower DNA rates)
- Stronger engagement with care teams
- Better overall experiences in clinic
The team is growing and connecting with wider networks like the Fast-Track Cities London “Getting to Zero” Community of Practice and in-clinic Lost to Follow-Up teams.
Despite some early recruitment challenges, the initiative continues to move forward – focusing on building a diverse, well-supported team and creating a monthly clinical supervision model to sustain progress.
4.Why it matters
By bringing peer voices into the heart of HIV care, clinics are becoming more welcoming, understanding, and person-centred. It’s proof that lived experience can transform health services and lives.
“It’s asking a lot of someone newly diagnosed and who knows little about living with HIV to reach out to a support service. The stigma associated with HIV can be a huge barrier. Having a peer support worker based within the HIV clinic takes the pressure off. That connection removes that sense of isolation and makes it easier to get a handle on what you need to do next – it’s a key way to ease the adjustment to diagnosis and treatment.” – Garry Brough, HIV campaigner and activist for over 25 years, Fast Track Cities London.