About Us
The Eddystone Trust is an independent organisation that was started in Plymouth in 1987 by a group of volunteers who were responding to the AIDS pandemic. Since then, the organisation has grown, working with other groups and organisations across the South West to offer access to a wide range of high quality services. We are a progressive organisation and are continuously evaluating how we operate not only for our staff but also our service users.
Our overall aim is to enable people to engage in an open discussion about sexual health in the community. We are committed to improving the landscape for people living with HIV, along with working towards normalising the discussion around the subject of HIV and sexual health within the community.
We are also committed to eliminating and challenging the stigma and discrimination that continues to be prevalent for people living with HIV. As an organisation we undertake a range of activities which include outreach prevention, HIV & sexual health support and HIV testing. We also provide condom distribution and training for professionals from other organisations in order to help people make more informed choices when it comes to sex.
Our aims:
- Encourage, strengthen, and increase awareness of living well with HIV and develop knowledge, and skills that will enable and promote good sexual health
- Eliminate stigma, discrimination and prejudice faced by people living with HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Support other organisations to understand how they too can contribute to HIV and sexual health conversations
Where we work
We are proud to say we work across the South West offering a diverse range of services in Cornwall, Plymouth, Torbay, Devon, Somerset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire
What we do
We are a people focussed organisation and offer services to suit the needs of populations that use our services. Below is a list of some of the services we provide but this is not an exclusive list because we are here to help those who reach out to us in whatever way we can.
· Pre and post-test discussion
· Emotional and practical support to people affected by HIV.
· Support with housing and money issues
· Advocacy
· Peer Support
· Safer sex resources
· Condoms by post
· Information and training on blood borne viruses and sexual health for professionals
· Bespoke support to help develop HIV responsive Service.
· HIV testing
If you want to know more about what we do in your area, then please feel free to reach out to us and contact us on info@eddystone.org.uk or call us on 0800 328 3508