A safe space to talk. No judgement. Just support.
Our specialist counselling service offers a confidential, non-judgemental space for anyone affected by HIV, chemsex, or sexual health challenges. Whether you're seeking change, understanding, or simply need someone to talk to, we’re here to listen and walk alongside you — at your pace.
Our counsellors are LGBTQIA+ inclusive as well as being trained to help you explore your feelings, make sense of your experiences, and take steps toward the changes you want — when you’re ready. We meet you where you’re at.
Who is our counselling for?
✔️ People living with HIV who want to talk about the emotional, social, or psychological impact of diagnosis or treatment
✔️ Anyone using chems or navigating chemsex who is seeking clarity, support, or change
✔️ People looking to improve their sexual wellbeing, confidence, or relationship with intimacy
✔️ Anyone exploring issues around gender, sexuality, or identity
✔️ Those experiencing life changes, grief, low self-esteem, or difficult emotions
You don’t need a diagnosis or be in crisis to benefit. Anyone can access counselling and gain something valuable from it.
Please note: Our counselling service is not a crisis service. If you are feeling suicidal or experiencing acute mental health symptoms, please contact your GP, go to A&E, or call Samaritans on 116 123 (free and available 24/7).
What can counselling help with?
✔️ Coming to terms with an HIV diagnosis
✔️ Navigating chemsex or drug use
✔️ Relationships, sex, and intimacy
✔️ Issues around shame, and stigma
✔️ Grief, loss, or trauma
✔️ Self-esteem and confidence
✔️ Life transitions or feeling stuck
(This list isn’t exhaustive — if you’re unsure whether it’s right for you, get in touch.)
How we deliver counselling
Counselling works through the relationship between you and your counsellor — built on empathy, trust, and respect. Your sessions are completely confidential and client-led, meaning you decide what’s important to explore. We offer:
🖥️ Online Counselling
Convenient and flexible — ideal if you're balancing work, caring responsibilities, or just prefer to talk from the comfort of home. Sessions are delivered via Microsoft Teams. All you need is a private space and a phone, tablet, or computer.
🧍 In-Person Counselling
Where available, we can offer face-to-face sessions in a private, welcoming setting (dependent on location).
About Our Lead Counsellor
Gemma Wootten (MBACP)
Person-Centred Counsellor
Gemma Wootten is a qualified person-centred counsellor and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She offers a calm, non-judgemental space where you can speak freely, feel truly heard, and explore what matters most to you.
With a warm and compassionate approach, Gemma works with adults (18+) either online via secure video or by phone—whichever feels most comfortable for you.
Qualifications and Training
- Qualified Person-Centred Counsellor
- Registered Member of BACP
- HIV Specialist Counsellor (NHS)
- LGBTQ+ affirmative practice
Costs and how to book
Counselling sessions are charged at £65 per hour. Sessions are delivered online, and payment is required at least 48 hours in advance.
You don’t need to have everything figured out — just a willingness to take the first step. We’ll talk you through how it works and find out if this is right for you.