The e at the end of Brownlee HIVe stands for engaged and this is about the services that are led by patients, or the opportunities for patients to be more involved and have a say in how services are delivered.
Above all the Brownlee HIVe services aim to connect people living with HIV to share what it’s like living positively.
Brownlee HIVe Patient Forum
The Brownlee HIV Patient Forum is a safe space where patients attending the Brownlee Centre can discuss HIV-related issues and challenges affecting their lives.
The focus is on HIV treatment, care and associated programmes within NHSGGC. The Forum provides a way for patients to formally communicate with the Health Board and they provide input and consultation on the delivery of local services.
They work hard to ensure as wide a range of patients are consulted and have their say about the services they receive. They also want to encourage and empower patients to make better healthcare choices.
If you’d like to participate in the Forum or find out more about it you can email us at ggc.brownlee.hiv@nhs.scot. Alternatively you can ask any member of staff when you are next at the Brownlee.
Peer Support
“I have hope for the first time (since diagnosis). It feels less traumatic. They really understood me.”
– Brownlee Patient
Many people have questions surrounding their diagnosis, treatment or other issues related to living with HIV. Unless they know someone else living with HIV they often struggle to speak to someone who really understands things from their perspective.
The Peer Support Project provides a confidential environment for one HIV positive individual to meet with another more experienced HIV patient, who will listen to your concerns and fears and share what it’s like living positively.
The service is open to all current HIV positive patients in NHSGGC, regardless of how long they have been diagnosed, and who could benefit from speaking to another person living with HIV. This could be related to issues such as; shock of diagnosis, stigma, relationships, disclosure, work, social isolation, beginning treatment and other constraints or questions a person might have related to living with HIV.
“I was cynical…I did not expect the impact meeting the peer has had. It has changed my outlook totally.”
Brownlee Patient
To access Peer Support, or find out more about the service, get in touch with us:
Telephone: 0141 211 1074 or 0141 232 2175
Email: ggc.brownlee.hiv@nhs.scot
Alternatively, you can ask any member of staff when you are next at the Brownlee.
Peer Volunteers
Peer Volunteers are HIV positive people who attend the Brownlee Centre for their own treatment and care. They have valuable first-hand experience of the physical, psychological and emotional support needs that others with HIV might face. After training, they are able to share their knowledge and experience to support, and build confidence in others living with HIV.
To meet with a Peer Volunteer or if interested in becoming a Peer Volunteer yourself, get in touch.
Telephone: 0141 211 1074 or 0141 232 2175
Email: ggc.brownlee.hiv@nhs.scot
Alternatively, you can ask any member of staff when you are next at the Brownlee.
Seminars & Events
Regular seminars and events with the content determined by people living with HIV, take place throughout the year. Previous topics have included the basics of HIV, HIV and the law and ageing with HIV.
These free, informal sessions are a way to connect with others, learn more about HIV and speak directly to the experts. You can register for future events by emailing us at ggc.brownlee.hiv@nhs.scot or alternatively you might want to get in touch with an idea for a seminar.