Annual Impact Report POSITIVELY UK 2024-25
We know how to help people living with HIV because we are people living with HIV
Contents
Welcome from our Chair Report of the Board of Trustees How we made a difference Financial review Structure, governance and management Independent Examiner’s Report Statement of Financial Activities Notes to the Accounts
4 5 10–37 40 49 59 61 66
Welcome
Foreword from our Chair
We continue to work in a complex and divided world. The past year has been marked by ongoing challenges, both nationally and internationally.
The cuts to international health aid, and their devastating impact on access to healthcare and HIV medication in some of the most affected parts of the
world, have sent shockwaves through our community. These cuts come at a time when the end of the HIV epidemic is almost within sight. This was also the year when the large PURPOSE study demonstrated that the Lenacapavir injection could provide almost 100% protection from HIV. We now have all the tools to end the epidemic, but without global political will and sustained investment, much of the progress we have made could be reversed.
In the UK, we continue to see increasing polarisation and hostility towards migrants, while the recent EHRC ruling on the definition of women has left many gender diverse people in our community feeling more anxious about accessing public spaces safely.
Progress in the UK has not benefited everyone equally. Sadly, we have seen new HIV diagnoses rising among heterosexual women and men, as well as among gay and bisexual men from global majority communities. People of Black African ethnicity, and other global majority groups, are disproportionately represented in HIV diagnoses and in those living with HIV in the heterosexual
group.
The UK HIV sector itself has faced significant challenges, including the closure of NAM-AIDS Map treatment information Charity and major reductions in services offered by organisations such as I-Base. Positively UK has also been affected, with the closure of our Gay Men’s Project due to lack of funding, despite our best
Nevertheless, our support and services are needed more than ever, and we are proud that our in-clinic peer support and NHS partnerships have gone from strength to strength. We have seen a 132% increase in the number of people supported through our clinic work. Our Getting to Zero project, in partnership with NAZ and Plus Health, has established a highly effective model of peer supporters working across five clinical sites within two Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) Chelsea & Westminster NHS Trust and North Middlesex Hospitals.
Our specialist programmes – Str8Talk, Women RISE, and GayTalk – continue to reach some of the most marginalised communities. These groups offer safe and empowering spaces to share experiences, learn strategies to live well with HIV, and build nourishing networks of support.
Our National Conference of People Living with HIV, themed “One Voice, Multiple Experiences,” brought together over 200 participants from across the UK, creating an invaluable space for learning, connection, and solidarity.
Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our services in England, with new contracts in Derby,
Derbyshire and East Anglia, covering a large geographical area and making peer support accessible to thousands more people. We are also developing new partnerships with Fast Track
Cities and other voluntary organisations to address internalised stigma, and we will continue
to expand our welfare services to include housing advice and immigration support.
These are challenging times, but Positively UK continues to adapt and grow with flexibility and determination, ensuring that people living with HIV across the UK receive the support, advocacy, and community they deserve.
efforts.
Gerard McGrath Interim Chair
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Report of the Board of Trustees
The Directors, who are also Trustees, present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1a to the financial statements and comply with the charitable company’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” and the Charities SORP “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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Our charitable objects
To promote the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV, and any associated health condition, through the provision of peer support services, service user groups . and other specialist services
To advance education and support research that aims to promote the health, wellbeing and quality of life, of people living with HIV and any associated health condition.
To provide community-based, person-centred, advice, assistance and support and undertake any other charitable activity for the benefit of people living with HIV and any associated health condition.
Our vision
A society where people with HIV live happy, healthy, and stigma-free lives.
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Our mission
To empower and support individuals living with HIV with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to live fulfilling lives, and to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV.
Our mission revolves through four core principles:
Empowerment - We believe that knowledge is the cornerstone of empowerment. We are committed to providing accessible and up-to-date information on HIV, treatment options, and self-care practices. Through education, we empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and live their lives to the fullest.
Support - Living with HIV can be challenging, but no one should face it alone. Positively UK offers a safe and supportive community where people with HIV can connect, share their experiences, and receive emotional and practical assistance. We are here to ensure that no one feels isolated or hopeless on their journey with HIV.
Stigma Reduction - One of our fundamental goals is to challenge the deeply ingrained stigma associated with HIV. By sharing personal stories, advocating for awareness, and fostering understanding, we aim to change societal attitudes and promote a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion - We are guided by the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion, and we believe that everyone deserves respect, dignity, and the opportunity to lead a life free from the shackles of HIV-related stigma and prejudice.
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Our values
We are led by people with HIV We champion human rights Our lived experience is our expertise We value diversity We collaborate We are person-centred
Our actions We provide peer support We make information accessible We facilitate connections We empower people with HIV to be involved in decisions affecting their lives We campaign and advocate to address HIV stigma and intersecting inequalities
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Community Access and Engagement
Improve peer support outreach and pathways in all UK clinics.
Strengthen and promote our online services to ensure people have access to them from across
the country.
Work collaboratively at a national level with other organisations to expand access in at least three new areas outside London.
Provide training and volunteering opportunities to develop skills for community involvement and activism.
Provide specialised services for LGBTQ+ communities, heterosexual men and women and young adults.
Work within our skillset and be clear about our boundaries.
Diversity and Inclusion
Change
Our three interconnected, person-centred aims
Focus on people who are not in care, face challenges staying in care, or struggle to be undetectable, by embedding and expanding peer services in HIV clinics and working in partnership with NHS.
Challenge HIV stigma at an institutional level by contributing to the HIV Confident charter.
Provide training, opportunities, and support so that people with HIV have the resources to challenge stigma, to be visible and to have an individual and collective voice in decisions that affect them.
Create new partnerships to work with people and communities who face additional stigma and exclusion, such as trans people, migrants, Black communities and other racially minoritised groups, young adults born with HIV, and those who are involved in chemsex.
Develop and expand links with organisations, including academic institutions, that work specifically with marginalised communities.
Build an evidence base to demonstrate how peer support works, its effectiveness and its impact, by collaborating with academic institutions and strengthening the role of peer research.
Continue and expand our provision of crisis services such as Welfare & Benefit Advice, as they are an important entry point for those who face the greatest socio-economic challenges.
Community Access and Engagement
Volunteers are at the
heart of everything we do
810 total hours of volunteer time in 24-25
Equivalent to more than £20,000!
308 hours on the telephone rota
375 hours of welfare support
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hours spent sharing our story with others
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Community Access and Engagement
Our impact
1,223 people have had access to our support
285 people have come to our groups
3,545 hours of one-to-one peer support
875 people seen in the clinic - 123% increase from last year
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Community Access and Engagement
Buckinghamshire
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Milton
Keynes
Buckingham
Brookside Clinic
Aylesbury
Wycombe
Clinic
Denham
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our peer support has helped more than 44
people living with HIV, including newly diagnosed
In 2024–25, Positively UK continued to provide peer support within Brook’s sexual health services, offering regular outreach at Brookside and Wycombe clinics. Over the year, we supported more than 44 people living with HIV, including newly diagnosed patients and those re-engaging with care. Our work addressed issues such as engaging in clinical services, pill burden, intimate relationships, telling someone about HIV diagnosis, mood, accessing/engaging in support services, home environment. We collaborated with clinicians and local voluntary sector partners to improve referral pathways and deliver awareness sessions and webinars for frontline professionals and the community.
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Community Access and Engagement
Bridges Partnership
Helping women in the inner south London boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham 30 active participants
“Women found a community – a space where they could ask questions and feel comfortable being themselves. Most women who join once return, with only a few disengaging due to ill health. We’ve also had amazing volunteers. I helped one prepare for a job interview with another HIV charity, and another has been through a real transformation. In 2024 she took
part in Positively UK’s Catwalk4Power workshops. Before that, she had never accessed any HIV-related support, but since then she has been actively involved with the South London group as a volunteer – something that makes me both proud and grateful”.
Susana de Oliveira Group co-ordinator
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Community Access and Engagement Michael’s Story When Michael went to Ealing Hospital, he thought he was starting on PrEP. Instead, he was told he was HIV positive. “I just froze”, he said. “I couldn’t think about anything else. I thought, this is the end for me”. Michael, 27, had moved from Senegal and was working in a care home while on a sponsorship visa. He didn’t know anyone he could talk to about HIV. The man he’d just started seeing didn’t take the news well, which made things worse. Kirsty, the HIV nurse at Ealing, referred him for peer support, and that’s when things slowly began to change. At first, Michael wasn’t sure what to expect, but his peer encouraged him to join the Learning to Live Well with HIV course. “That course really changed my mindset”, he said. “I met other people who had been through the same thing. I realised my life isn’t over. I can still be happy”. Michael started joining a WhatsApp group for gay men living with HIV, where people share experiences and jokes. “It’s just nice to know I’m not alone”, he said. He’s told a close friend and his brother back home, who were both supportive. His mum, who he’s very close to, doesn’t know yet – “I don’t want to upset her”, he said – but he hopes one day he’ll be ready. Now, Michael is on injectable treatment every two months and is undetectable. He’s focused on work and says he feels settled for the first time in months. “I’m not thinking about dating right now”, he said. “But one day, I’d like ' to have kids. I know that’s possible now”. The name and country of origin have been changed to protect the person’s identity. all other details are accurate 14
Community Access and Engagement
540 women received support
179 had specialised support from our Women’s Project 168 attended our groups
280 gay and bi men received support 84 gay men had support through Gay Talk 62 attended our groups
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Community Access and Engagement
38 trans women, trans men, non-binary and genderqueer people
“Peer support is really powerful – I have seen people going from depression to flourishing in no time.”
Iain, Peer Caseworker at the Royal Free Hospital
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Community Access and Engagement
North Middlesex Hospital Peer Support for Young
Adults
North Middlesex Hospital is in the London Borough of Enfield, in the north of Greater London
At the Alexander Pringle Clinic at North Middlesex Hospital, we supported 29 young adults living with HIV with challenges from mental health difficulties and substance use to homelessness and stigma. Most were born with HIV; several had recently been diagnosed or had disengaged from care. Through one-to-one sessions, outreach, and referrals to specialist services, seven young people re-engaged in treatment, five improved their housing or income, and ten reported reduced self-stigma and greater confidence discussing HIV. Our peer support also strengthened family relationships, guided career choices, and connected young people to community networks – helping them to feel seen, supported, and empowered to take control of their health.
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Diversity and Inclusion
Getting to Zero: Chelsea&Westminster and North Middlesex NHS Trusts
250+ patients received peer support
Supported by
Fast-Track Cities, this partnership is a pillar of our clinical colaborations, demonstrating how a peer support offer, when fully integrated, can transform HIV care. Throughout 24-25, over 250 patients have been supported through this partenrship.
multidisciplinary meetings, appointment scheduling, as well as fast-track referrals, to
counselling, welfare and other support, peer support has become a routine and valued part of patient care, improving both engagement and quality of life.
The peer caseworers reflect the diversity of London, supporting patients in multiple languages and across cultural backgrounds. They act not only as support workers but also as social prescribers, connecting people to specialist services that address the full spectrum of their needs. By being embedded in clinical teams, with full access to NHS systems.
Our work has supported the Trusts to introduce opt-out peer support, ensuring every
patient is automatically offered help from someone living with HIV. Piloted through Fast-Track Cities funding, this work became a model of excellence, now being expanded across all major HIV clinics.
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Diversity and Inclusion
Malia’s Story: From Asylum Limbo to a Roof Over Her Head
Malia is a trans woman from the Carribean who fled to the United Kingdom to escape transphobic and homophobic violence. She was forced to live in a refugee hotel whilst her asylum application was left in limbo. Here she was expected to eat the same meals every day and survive on an income of only £8 a week.
Our Homerton Peer Navigator, Pawel, helped Malia to access hardship grants and made referrals to The Food Chain to help her to access proper nutrition, which is crucial for managing health for people with HIV. Malia was eventually granted Leave to Remain in the United Kingdom. But the Home Office then gave her a deadline of just 56 days to leave the refugee hotel. If she was not able to find somewhere to live within this short time period, she would become homeless. The only help she received from the council was a list of properties. This list of properties was only provided in English, which she does not read or write.
Pawel made sure Malia was able to find a home. Her difficulties with written English meant that she would not have been able to understand viewing offers in time or respond to them. She also struggled to navigate public transport – but the properties on the list were scattered across London. Pawel helped her to respond to messages, travelled with her, and advocated for her rights when the local authority and housing agencies were not responsive to her needs and concerns.
Pawel also supported her in moving out of the hotel on time, and helped her to carry her belongings to the Positively UK office to be stored for a short period whilst she settled in.
I tried to ask a lot of people to help out – nobody else wanted to help me. But Positively UK, especially Pawel, was there for me. I have a real problem with taking the train on my own – I get terrible panic attacks; my chest locks up. Peer support meant that there was someone there with me, and I could do it
Pawel also advocated for her keys to be released on time, provided her with a foodbank voucher, and arranged for her belongings to be brought to her new home. He also helped her with opening a bank account and getting herself into a position to manage her own finances independently.
Pawel says,
When we first met, this client was completely lost and scared. She didn’t know where to start, and everything
in the system felt too difficult for her. I knew I had to walk alongside her, step by step. Finding safe housing
for her was not easy. We travelled across London together, sometimes all day, but I didn’t want her to face this alone. She needed someone who would not give up. The systems we have can be confusing even for people born here. For someone new to the country,
with language barriers and trauma, it can feel
Some of the properties were in dangerous condition and were not suitable for habitation. Pawel was the only person there to help her to raise complaints with the agencies and make sure they could not quietly drop her case. After several weeks of advocacy and submitting complaints, the local authority began to send more suitable viewing options. On the very last day of the 56 day deadline, Pawel helped Malia to secure a cappedrate studio in an appropriate location. They attended the appointment to sign the tenancy agreement to make sure that she understood the terms and that the details were correct and fair.
impossible. That’s where Peer Navigators make the difference. When she finally got the keys to her own place, she cried and said she felt safe for the first time
in years. That moment reminded me why this job matters. Even after she moved in, I kept helping her with the small but important things – setting up bills, opening a bank account, finding internet. For someone
with trauma, these steps can be huge. As a Peer Navigator, I support people living with HIV. Having a roof over your head is the first step to living well with HIV. Everything else – health, confidence, hope – starts from there.
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Diversity and Inclusion
More than half of people living with HIV struggle financially . Positively UK provides the only pan-London welfare advice service that helps them regain stability, ease financial stress, and improve both their health and wellbeing.
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Diversity and Inclusion
305 people received advice and advocacy around benefits 634 hours of support provided
Monthly benefits surgeries at Royal Free Hospital, St Mary’s Hospital, Harrow Hospital, and Ealing Hospital
Over £1m benefits secured
Plus, we have seen a great improvement in clinical teams’ understanding of how to write welfare support letters – a key step towards improving the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV.
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Diversity and Inclusion
Rebecca’s Story
“Sometimes people just need to know that someone cares enough to stay with them”
Rebecca is an African woman frocountry where gay people are heavily persecuted. Six years ago, she was visiting London with a friend when her husband back at home found an old phone that she had forgotten about. He learnt that she was in a secret relationship with a woman. Her husband told her that when she came home, she would be killed. He revealed her sexual orientation to the community, so that even if she escaped violence, she would be locked up by the state. He also manipulated their children, who now refuse to have any contact with her. Fearing for her life, Rebecca felt that she had no choice but to stay where she was. She tried to make a claim for asylum, but the British government failed to follow up on it, leaving her trapped under the radar for years with no access to benefits or support. Previous services had been unable to help Rebecca with her monetary needs. Positively UK was able to arrange for her to get financial support from our THT Hardship grant and the Catalyst Grant.
I had been in [another HIV service] for a year; but when I joined Positively UK, within a week I got the grant
Our peer navigator, Pawel, empowered her to take action and stop living in hiding. He followed up on the asylum claim which had been simply ignored for half a decade, and within four months, Rebecca had been granted Leave to Remain.
Pawel [Peer Navigator at Homerton] has been on my side from the word go up to where I am now. He has done his best for me. I say to him that there is no way I can thank him: it is only God who is going to reward you
He helped her to get access to an eating wellness group, food bank vouchers, and a gym to get her health and fitness back. He also transferred her NHS care from Newham to Homerton so that she could access a social care coordinator. Rebecca now attends social events that have helped to connect her with LGBTQI+ community and empowered to start thinking about the future. She is now planning to apply for housing and start to build an independent life in the UK.
Positively UK’s peer supporters take the time. They find a solution to everything. They are 110%. I don’t know how to explain it, but Pawel has been there for me up until today
Rebecca’s story shows that HIV peer support is not only about giving information - but sometimes that people just need to know that someone cares enough to stay with them and help them find their way. The systems we have can be confusing even for people born here. For someone new to the country, with language barriers and trauma, it can feel impossible. That’s where Positively UK’s peer supporters make the difference.
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Diversity and Inclusion
Hardship Grants
£7,560 distributed amongst 226 people living with HIV Bh is | in urgent financial need
This included individual grant payments by Terrence Higgins Trust, our annual London Catalysts hardship fund, as well as a dedicated hardship fund for patients of North Middlesex Hospital. In addition, one of our Peer Caseworkers fundraised £800 around World AIDS Day, and it was her will to use the money for hardship payments to those most in need!
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Diversity and Inclusion
Living Well With HIV: Our workshops for people newly diagnosed with HIV
A positive diagnosis is a critical point in a person’s life. Not everyone has the skills to live well with the virus. In 2024–25, we continued our partnership with Terrence Higgins Trust, Positive East and Metro Charity and hosted a two-day development weekend course attended by 10 people recently diagnosed with HIV. The programme covered key topics including dealing with diagnosis, treatment, stigma, relationships, U=U, and sharing status with family, friends, and sexual partners. Participants – a mixed group “~ of mostly gay and bisexual YS s=. ew men, alongside one Fe wv i = ‘ heterosexual man and as:>? N a.S 2. P ele . ihe 4gerr” ? three women – came —_= — ‘ | : | Rese oe. re together to learn, connect, and explore how to live ie x 9? SS oS, \ well with HIV.
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Diversity and Inclusion
175 heterosexual men had one-to-one support
50 had group support through our specialist programme for straight people, Str8Talk 25
Diversity and Inclusion
Donal’s Journey from self-stigma to peer supporter
Self-stigma was the only thing that has ever threatened my life with HIV
Donal received his diagnosis in 2021. “It was a late diagnosis with a 74 CD4 count – my partner told me I needed a check and came as a big surprise”. His relationship came to an end, and although he had support from friends and family, the “self-stigma slowly snowballed”. He had been told of U = U, but knowing this on paper did not translate into feeling confident or safe. He experienced discrimination at work and felt like he would never have another relationship again. He reached out to a counsellor, but despite her professional qualifications, he did not feel that she understood his experiences. His support network put him in touch with a second counsellor; and he persuaded Donal to attend a workshop at Positively UK. “I was physically shaking on the way in … after sitting in a circle with people living with HIV, I described it as a complete game changer. I had met people with completely different lives, but common issues”. Our caseworkers running the workshop spotted right away that Donal could be a powerful advocate for himself and others living with HIV. They offered to support him with getting involved in public speaking, and he agreed. “I thought I may as well throw myself into the deep end and tackle some of this stigma. “One of my main points, in public speaking, was that self-stigma was the only thing that has ever threatened my life with HIV”.
A year later, when Positively UK advertised a vacancy for a peer supporter, Donal put in for the role. “I do feel like a different person now, using my recent life experience and work history for a cause where I can help someone like me who is struggling to find support. “My life doesn’t revolve around HIV anymore. That’s thanks to this support”. 26
a Change
more than 150 attendees, all living with HIV
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Change Natlonal Confer•nc• of People Living with HIV 2024
Onev
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Change
National Conference of People Living with HIV
In June 2024, Positively UK hosted the sixth National Conference of People Living with HIV at Holiday Inn Regent’s Park, bringing together more than 150 participants from across the UK under the theme “One Voice, Multiple Experiences”. We held a powerful space for reflection, learning and solidarity, uniting both long-time activists and those attending an HIV conference for the first time.
Discussions focused on the role of peer support, mental health, ageing, and tackling inequalities in access to care. Participants called for greater investment in mental health services, especially in rural areas, and long-term funding for community organisations that support people as they age with HIV. You can read the findings by scanning the QR code below:
The conference also reaffirmed that peer support remains the most powerful way to overcome stigma, reduce isolation and promote wellbeing.
We thank our sponsors – Gilead, MSD, ViiV Healthcare and Pasante – for supporting this vital national platform for dialogue and action.
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Change
The Jonathan Mann Clinic at Homerton Hospital is a pioneering leader in developing and delivering a model of holistic, person-centred care, seen by many as the “gold standard” for HIV. Our Peer Support Evaluation Report explores the role of peer support in improving and maintaining good health and wellbeing for people attending the Jonathan Mann Clinic. It shows that the lived experience of people living with HIV within the team has been crucial. You can read the evaluation by scanning the QR code below:
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Change
Sheila’s Story
ee ee
At the International AIDS Conference in Munich, we premiered a short film about Sheila Gilchrist – our defiant founder, who created one of the first organisations for women with HIV.
In July 2024, at the International AIDS Conference in Munich, Positively UK hosted a premier of “Sheila’s Story” – a compelling short film produced by our CEO Silvia Petretti in collaboration with our long-term ally Kat Low from King’s College London, and shot by a team of women film makers led by Director Chuck Lowry. The film explores the remarkable journey of Sheila Gilchrist, one of Positively UK’s founders. Set in the 80s, in an era when the needs of women with HIV were overlooked by support services, Sheila defied social norms and pioneered change. The film tells of her quest to establish Positively Women, now Positively UK, one of the first charities dedicated to addressing the specific challenges faced by women with HIV. The film was followed by a panel discussion with international women activists.
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Change
Positively UK continues to lead the way in peer mentoring training and activism within the HIV sector. >
Over the past year, we’ve delivered one online and two in-person peer mentor training sessions for NHS Trusts and peer caseworkers across London.
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Building on our leadership in peer advocacy, we have also developed and delivered four training sessions elsewhere in the UK.
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Change
In partnership with National AIDS Trust and UK HSA, we co-led Beyond Positive Voices, a national project supporting people with HIV in analysing the findings of the . government’s Positive Voices 2022 survey
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Change
Beyond Positive Voices Our project focused on the lived experiences of some of the most marginalised people with HIV: Beyond Positive Voices amplified the voices of
trans and gender-diverse people
women migrants
those aged 50+
Through peer-led focus groups, participants shared honest insights about stigma, mental health, and unequal access to care and peer support. The findings revealed that, while U=U brings hope, understanding and inclusion still vary widely . The project’s recommendations are now shaping national HIV policy and guiding how we design truly inclusive peer support at Positively UK.
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Change
charter
is our joint initiative with National AIDS Trust. In 24/25, it launched in full across a range of sectors. The positive impact of the charter mark is clear – there are growing numbers of organisations wanting to be part, and there is substantive evidence of significant changes to levels of HIV knowledge and awareness.
Over 5,000 staff have completed HIV Confident surveys, highlighting significant gaps in knowledge and lack of confidence to contribute to HIV-inclusive workplaces eLearning modules have seen improvements of 10-40% across HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and confidence
Over 50 GP practices and over 15 NHS trusts have committed to becoming HIV Confident +
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Change
Becoming the secretariat for UK-CAB
Positively UK proudly took on the role of support organisation and secretariat for the UK Community Advisory Board (UK-CAB) this year, marking an exciting new chapter in our shared mission to empower people living with HIV. UK-CAB brings together activists, advocates, and community representatives to influence HIV policy, research, and treatment standards across the UK. This partnership builds on our peerled approach and long-standing commitment to the meaningful involvement of people living with HIV.
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Change
Eli Fidzgerald, our Peer Integration Manager, chairing a High Level dialogue at the International AIDS Conference 2024, discussing barriers to young people in accessing HIV care.
Memory Sachikonye, a longterm HIV advocate and our Finance and Admin Lead, sharing her personal story as a woman living with HIV and how peer support has helped her, at a World AIDS Day event at 10 Downing Street.
Positively UK at IAC Munich, screening Sheila’s story at the Global Village; Rebel by Default workshop; Our peer Learning and Partnership Lead, Harun Tulunay, leading on session around peer support, language and chemsex.
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Public benefit statement We review our aims, objects and activities annually. This review looks at what we have achieved and the outcomes of our work for the past 12 months. It considers the success of each key activity and the benefits they have brought to the groups that we were set up to help. The review helps us to ensure our aims, objects and activities remain focused on our stated purposes . We have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objects and in planning our future activities.
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All of our charitable activities focus on
Promoting the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV , and any associated health condition, through the provision of peer support services, service user groups and other specialist services .
Advancing education and supporting research that aims to promote the health, wellbeing and quality of life, of people living with HIV and any associated health condition.
Providing community-based, personcentred, advice, assistance and support and undertaking any other charitable activity for the benefit of people living with HIV and any associated health condition.
All activities are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit. Directors are satisfied that the charity meets the Charity Commission’s guidelines with regard to delivering public benefit.
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Financial review
With a total income of £849,901 (2024: £869,905) and total expenditures of £963,322 (2024 £874,228), the Statement of Financial Activities on page 66 shows a negative net movement of funds for the year of £113,421 (2024: surplus of £3,777). This movement was made up of
a deficit on core unrestricted activities of a £28,370 (2024: surplus of £12,833);
the planned expenditure of designated funds b brought forward of £nil (2024: £50,000); a timing difference in the expenditure of c restricted funding, resulting in a deficit of £85,051 (2024: surplus of £40,944).
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With total reserves carried forward at the year end of £273,181 (2024: £378,502), the directors decided not to designate any unrestricted funds to support identified gaps in the funding of our services in 2025/26. Following this decision, as at 31 March 2025, restricted funds stood at £203,437 (2024: £288,488) and unrestricted general funds stood at £69,744 (2024: £90,014) which is in line with our reserves policy.
Restricted income came through grants from charitable trusts and the National Community Lottery Fund . Additional grants were also received from the Henry Smith Charity for Complex Needs Project , the Homerton Hospital charitable wing (for our Peer Navigator project), and St Mary’s for peer casework. Make a Difference Trust supported the Gay Men’s Project, Sophia Forum – Connect to Care project, and Middlesex Hospital – youth-focused peer support.
Fast Track Cities’ ‘ Getting to Zero ’ fund supported our clinic-based peer support in collaboration with Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust and North Middlesex Hospital. It also supported our Welfare and Benefits Advice Project and our work with the National AIDS Trust on the HIV Confident Charter
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Looking forward, statutory income – along with project funding from charitable trusts and the National Lottery Community Fund – continues to . perform well
Corporate funding came from GILEAD , MSD , ViiV , and Pasante for our National Conference of People Living with HIV. MSD also supported the UK-CAB treatment activist network and GILEAD supported the Beyond Positive Voices project, which we delivered in partnership with the National AIDS Trust.
We have developed an individual donors and community fundraising strategy with the aim of . securing more unrestricted funds
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2025 Income: £849,901 (2024 – £878,005) Income from charitable trusts stands at £247,438 (2024 – £222,926) Income from statutory contracts stands at £411,056 (2024 – £442,277)
Income from the National Lottery Community Fund stands at £96,605 (2024 – £96,713) Donations received were £32,139 (2024 – £28,379)
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Income from corporates, notably pharmaceuticals, stands at
£52,080 (2024 – £62,181)
thanks to grants from GILEAD for Beyond Positive Voices and GILEAD, ViiV (GSK) and Pasante for the National Conference of People Living with HIV.
Other income from consultancies £7,687 (2024 – £22,194) Bank interest received was £2,896 (2024 – £3,317)
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Investment powers and policy
The Memorandum and Articles of Association authorise the Directors to make investments using the general funds of the charity. The Directors have the power to invest in any way that they see fit.
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Reserves policy
Positively UK aims to keep a minimum working balance of reserves equalling three to six months of operating costs, to cover future contractual liabilities, staff salaries and rent. The Directors consider that the Charity’s reserves will enhance the services provided and provide financial security for the future. If at any time reserves fall below this target then any positive balance at the end of the financial year, which is not tied to a specific project or programme, will in principle be added to these reserves until they have reached the appropriate level. The target unrestricted funds the Directors wish to hold is £60,000 to £120,000 (2024: £60,000 to £120,000).
Our total unrestricted reserves on 31 March 2025 stood at
£69,744
(2024 – £98,114)
Total restricted funds on 31 March 2025 were
£203,437
(2024 – £288,488)
with total reserves of the charity standing at £273,181
(2024 – £386,602)
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Going concern
Positively UK’s Board is aware of the uncertainties and challenges ahead in terms of the funding landscape, but it is confident that Positively UK is in a good position to continue to operate and provide impactful services to our beneficiaries, and to fundraise successfully.
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Community Access and Engagement
In 2025/2026, we will continue to pilot new initiatives and deliver direct peer support to increase access to – and reduce inequalities in – HIV care.
Within our statutory contracts, our caseworkers will provide tailored support to over 400 people across Camden & Islington, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Brent, Ealing, and Harrow. As in previous years, we hope that over 90% of users will report an improved quality of life.
We will actively reach out to people living with HIV by offering a combination of face-to-face and online
We will continue expanding our integrated peer support nationally, with growing services in Buckinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire, and East Anglia.
peer support.
We will strengthen our in-clinic collaborations by providing Peer Navigation at St Mary’s Hospital and Homerton Hospital
Change
Diversity and Inclusion
Future activities
In 2025/2026, we will continue to influence change by promoting the meaningful involvement of people living with HIV, disseminating evidence on effective peer support, and tackling HIV stigma at both individual and institutional levels.
In line with our new strategic vision, our activities over the coming year will support us in helping people living with HIV to achieve the best possible physical, emotional and social wellbeing.
In 2025/2026, we will focus on reaching people who are not currently in care, who face challenges staying in care, or who struggle to achieve and maintain u0ndetectable status. Our aim is to embed and expand peer services in HIV clinics and work closely with the NHS to ensure equitable access to care and support for all.
We will continue to raise the profile of peer support through engagement with key agencies, including NHS England, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and Fast-Track Cities, to promote good commissioning & integration of lived-experience–led services.
We will continue leading on the Getting to Zero Partnership for North West and North Central London, in collaboration
We will convene the seventh Biannual National Conference of People Living with HIV, creating a space for dialogue, learning, and collective empowerment.
with Fast Track Cities, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, North Middlesex Hospital, PlusHealth, and NAZ.
Through our collaboration with North Middlesex Hospital, we will continue focusing on young people at risk of disengaging from care.
This year, the UK-CAB (UK Community Advisory Board) has moved under the umbrella of Positively UK, and we plan to expand its training and support offer for HIV treatment advocates across the UK, strengthening the voice of people living with HIV in treatment access and research.
We will continue to provide dedicated and inclusive spaces for women, heterosexual men, and people aged 50+ living with HIV, ensuring that no one is left behind.
We will continue to partner with the National AIDS Trust in developing the HIV Friendly Charter, in collaboration with Fast Track Cities and the Getting to Zero Partnership, to address HIV stigma at an institutional level.
While funding cuts mean we will have to reduce our provision of services for gay men, we remain committed to continuing our monthly peer support group.
We will train new peer mentors and buddies across London and beyond, and develop new training modules to equip peer workers with the skills to support people disengaged from care and help re-engage them into services.
We will continue providing crisis services, including the Welfare and Benefits Advice service, and we have secured funding to employ a housing advisor and provide immigration support – vital entry points for people facing the greatest socio-economic challenges.
We will continue collaborating with academic institutions and NHS Trusts to strengthen peer- and community-based research, including ongoing projects with Nottingham University (access to digital health) and King’s College London (peer leadership and creativity).
We will develop an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Strategy to ensure these principles are embedded across all areas of our work.
Structure, governance and management
Organisational structure
Positively UK is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association. The liability of each member in the event of winding up is limited to a maximum of £10.
Recruitment and appointment of Directors
Positively UK’s constitution states that 50% of the Board of Directors . and the Chair of the Board should be living with HIV
We recruit Directors through advertisements on our web site, and through social media, partner organisations, e-mail, and personal contacts. Efforts are made to identify and ensure that we have a good mix of skills on the Committee. People interested in becoming a Director are invited to submit a letter and CV to the Director and Chair of the Board, who then shortlist, interview and appoint suitable candidates. Occasionally a suitable candidate for the Committee is coopted during the year and appointed formally after three meetings.
Director induction and training
Each new Director goes through a formal induction programme which includes meetings with key staff and briefings on the key responsibilities of Directors and the vision, mission and strategic aims of the organization. Directors receive regular work updates from the various departments, as well as updates on relevant topics and current issues within the organisation and the surrounding external environment.
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The Directors have delegated all day-to-day management to the Chief Executive Officer, Silvia Petretti. The CEO is supported by the Leadership Team, who are in turn responsible for service delivery within their areas, as shown in the chart below.
Silvia Petretti Chief Executive Officer
HIV Chartermark Annie
Beatrice Sarah Clinical Outreach Services Lead
Harun
Peer Learning and Partnerships
Ellie
Fundraising and Communications
Memory
Admin and Finance
| Royal Free | Women’s Team | Eli | Jaime | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iain Derbyshire |
Ruth and Michelle |
ChelWest NMH Peer Support |
East Anglia Peer Support |
|
| Homerton Iain, Susana, and Julie Brent Joyce |
Catwalk4Power Ruth Buckinghamshire Vacant |
GTZ caseworkers Esther and Iain Integration |
Luton and Milton Keynes Sasha Integration |
|
| Janine and | Cambridgeshir | |||
| Pawel | Complex Needs | Donal and Kon | ||
| East London | Samantha | Mid and | ||
| Pawel Ealing |
St Mary’s Michelle and |
South Essex Saul and TBC |
||
| Amy | Samantha | |||
| Harrow Julie |
Young Adults Michelle |
|||
| Camden and | ||||
| Islington | South London | |||
| Iain | Susanna | |||
| Clinical | Services | |||
| Outreach | Volunteers | |||
| Volunteers |
Cambridgeshire Donal and Konzo
Welfare and Benefits Rosa and Fotios
Admin Assistance Kerry IT Support
Housing and Immigration Hugo
Fundraising and Communications Kerry
Fundraising and Admin Communications Volunteers Volunteers
Positively UK staff are committed to helping people living with HIV to achieve the best physical, emotional and social well-being. In line with our peer-led ethos, all front-line staff are people living with HIV who understand the implications of living with the virus. All are fully trained with P100 Peer Mentoring to help people to self-manage their conditions. 50
Related parties
We believe working together is crucial to meet the needs of people living with HIV best. Our work complements clinical care – with peer support integrated into HIV clinics at:
St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington Homerton Hospital, Hackney Royal London Hospital TEAM Clinic, Mortimer Market, Camden Caldecott Centre, Kings College Hospital, Lambeth Level 8 Clinic, Ealing Hospital, Ealing Ian Charleson Day Centre, Royal Free Hospital, Camden Northwick Park Gum Clinic, Brent North Middlesex Hospital Brent Hub, Brent Kobler Centre, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, Kensington & Chelsea 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster NHS Trust, Westminster 10 Hammersmith Broadway, Hammersmith West Middlesex University Hospital, Hounslow Shaw Clinic, High Wycombe Brookside Clinic, Aylesbury Royal Derby Hospital Burton Hospital, Derbyshire Southend Clinic – The Number 22 Clinic Basildon Clinic Chelmsford Clinic – Coelho Clinic Kings Brook, Bedford Kings Chambers, Peterborough Oak Tree Clinic, Huntingdon – Clinic6 Stratford Suite, Milton Keynes Luton Sexual Health
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We are providing an hybrid service which includes face - to-face outreach in some in clinics combined with virtual referrals for telephone and online support.
To ensure the voices of people living with HIV are heard amongst policy makers, staff at Positively UK are community members of NHS England’s HIV forum and actively participate with the treatment activist network UK-CAB. We also support and advise bodies such as NHIVNA and the Clinical Reference Group on HIV. We are on the London Fast Track City Leadership Group and our CEO is part of the World Health Organisation’s Advisory Board on Women and HIV. Our staff have presented at national and international conferences, including BHIVA, NHIVNA, International AIDS Conference, AIDS Impact, International Workshop on Women and HIV, Fast-Track Cities Conference and EACS, European AIDS Conference.
This year, we were also actively involved as a member of National Voices to secure greater support across the NHS for people living with HIV and other long-term conditions.
We work collaboratively with a number or partners in the HIV sector and beyond, including ClinicQ, Living Well, NAZ, the National AIDS Trust, Food Chain, Sophia Forum, 4M, Sussex Beacon, George House Trust, Terence Higgins Trust, Metro Charity, Spectra, King’s College University, Salamander Trust, Queen Mary University, Barts NHS Trust, Nottingham University, and Love Tank.
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Pay policy for senior staff
The benchmark for employee remuneration, including management, is the average of salaries paid in the sector. Positively UK maintains an overview of salaries across the voluntary sector, including the HIV sector, to ensure our salaries are competitive; and in assessing remuneration we also consider the wider terms and conditions and benefits offered by Positively UK with our staff contracts.
Individual performance and remuneration are not generally linked: strong individual performance is instead rewarded by opportunities for further professional development and advancement, such as training and personal development.
That said, in a financial year where Positively UK’s balance sheet has strengthened, an employee displaying strong performance will be considered for an increase in salary to ensure their remuneration is at or around the sector average. Strong organisational performance and salary reviews for individuals demonstrating strong performance are therefore linked. The performance of all employees is reviewed on an annual basis. The review is formal, recorded, and takes place every March.
53
Charitable and political donations
During the year, the charity made no political or charitable donations.
54
Risk management
The Directors have overall responsibility for ensuring that the Charity has an appropriate system of controls, financial and otherwise. Risk assessments are carried out annually and reviewed by the Directors. Appropriate steps are taken to moderate and manage identified risks. The Directors are satisfied that the Charity’s internal controls comply with the guidelines issued by the Charity Commission , and that it complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
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Registered Charity №: 1007685 Registered Company №: 02424032
Board of Directors
Gerard McGrath Robena Sarah Harrison Peter Oswaldt Anthony Babajee Leasuwanna Griffith Robert James Deborah Laycock Mark Lewis Lee Marsons Tristan Barber Paul Mitchel Ann Oliso Simon Regis Corrine Squire
Chair of the Board Treasurer from 16 June 2025 to 14 May 2025
to 7 November 2024 from 14 May 2025 to 7 June 2025 from 14 May 2025
to 7 November 2024 from 14 May 2025 to 14 May 2025
Key Management Personnel
Silvia Petretti
CEO, Company Secretary
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Principal Address
Brick Yard
28 Charles Square LONDON N1 6HT
Independent Examiner
Solicitors
Bankers
M A Wilkes FCA Azets Audit Services River House 1 Maidstone Road SIDCUP DA14 5RH
Farrer & Co 66 Lincoln’s Inn Fields LONDON WC2A 3LH
NatWest Bank plc P.O. Box 83 Tavistock House Tavistock Square LONDON WC1H 9JA
57
Directors, responsibilities statement The - vATro are •1¥9 Trumeu fvr the ol <h4rity - 4re re¥xx1lfj lor pfp4fftfft9 th• Dir•ctors' AMu•l R•wt th• fin•n<id statrrnts ifb Kcord•.c• applicablp l¥w and UTritèd KirydDrn Accountiry StsTrdards IUDitod Kin9do t•Y ¢•ptd Pf•¢tz<•). Corwry lJbV reqvir3 the Difecto(s tt) wepafe $13t¢mts f¢y •xh fin(11 y h 9fv• * ify• •nd Ibit ol th• t•té ol ol lh• ch•iit4bl+ coffip4ry •r(S tsl th• IrKomiry fV5qXrn wd applKation ol reso•Jrce5. dU0.rg th• vKom• and Q4Oefbdifuip for thot penod. kn kvewring Statnts the Drec we reqwred to: m8k• •fvd •aim•t•s thèt ar• w$<bI• •fid PfkO•fii' partures from these i%xl¢)sed ¢4n¢d tht ftrwo•l 5ts1wfIA. to expl•#n th ¢wipwrfs trar4•rti¢)ns, to to d195¢ With cINacf at time t poytDn of the CCwnpy. to eftab them to eAsure that £omprfs ffftaThcial Stsiementy compty With the Ccyrwnies Act 2(% Tly ¥e $0 w¥$1 loe lgu¥d.,r8 th• •ss•ts a th• ¢¢•lWry h•rt• fo¢ iki rtasonth steps toardS Wevents' detection ol fraud obkr irregularFties The OirectOTS we responsible for the rnaintenan inte9Trty ol the c¢xporate and artièl irlq•dèd ort thé tharitablé t¢)thPaty'S wèb sitè. Lè9isiaii<)n bn thè Unitsd kin9dDm 9tNemiry the weparatson and di55emThtiW of finarK&al 5taternwts may diffw f<>m 194lJtion in (>th•f Th? fW)ryt of fyryct0 bwn wpp4rvd t•kin9 4dv•nty of tlw 5rn41 <&yi)poni•s" •x•mwion of 415A •>1 conv1+$ kn 2CI)6, ThtS wai apwov•d by tts Bfwd 9gfi•d ofi rftg b¢W by G•rwd M£Gw•th 58
Independent Examiner's Report rus. ssue I IONA IIDS IUST POSITIVILY UK 59
I report to the charity Directors on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 61 to 75.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity Directors of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since the company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountant England & Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
Since the company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountant England & Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or the accounts do not accord with those records; or the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
M A Wilkes (FCA) For and on behalf of Azets Audit Services River House, 1 Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 5RH
60
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year ended 31 March 2025
61
POSITNELY UK (A company Llmlted by Guarantee) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTMTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDrruRE AccouKr Notos Unrestricted Dosignated Restrictod funds funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Incomo from: Donations Charitable activities Consultancy fees Investment income 32,139 266.762 7,687 2,896 32,139 807,179 7,687 2,896 28,379 824,115 22,194 3,317 540,417 Total Incom• 309,484 540,417 849,1 878,005 Expendlturo on: Raising funds Charitable activities 45,239 292,615 45,239 918,083 44,450 829,778 625,468 Total expendlturo 337,854 625,468 963,322 874,228 Net movement In funds (28.370) {85,051) (113,421) 3.777 Funds brought forward at 1 Aprll 2024 98.114 288,488 386,602 382,825 Total funds carrlod fonvard at 31 March 2025 69.744 203,437 273,181 386,602 All of the charitys transactions are derived from continuing activities. The Statement of Financial Adivities indudes all gains and losses rec4nis8d in the year 62
posrrivELY UK (A company Llmlted by Guarant••) COMPARATNE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Not•s Unrestrlct•d D•slgnat•d R•strlct•d fund• fund• fvnd• Total 2024 Incom• from: Donations Chariiable adivitie8 Consultsncy lees Investrnenl Incom• 28.379 253,419 22,194 3,317 28.379 824.115 22.194 3.317 570,696 Total Incom• 307,309 570,696 878.005 Exp•ndltur• on: Raising funds Charitable adiviti08 44,450 250,026 44.450 829.778 50,000 529,752 Total oxpendltur• 294.476 50,000 529.752 874.228 N•t mov•m•nt In fvnd• 12,833 (50,000) 40,944 3.777 Funds brought forward at 1 Aprll 2023 (As r•ststed) 85,281 50,000 247,544 382.825 Total lund• carrl•d forward at 31 March 2024 98,114 288,488 386,602 63
posirivELY UK IA Gcrfnp4ny Lbmltsd ty fyJ•r•rrfM> VALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 IdARCTrI 201$ 202S Flx•d ABB• 343 131.$57 3,361 143.971 269.971 434.924 413.942 Q7.683J •1 Curnl A14• 273,181 273.161 12 203.437 288.488 13 69.744 9•.114 69.744 98.114 14 273.181 366.602 Tfvst 64
posrrivELY UK (A company Limited by Guarantee) STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 Notes 2025 2024 Cash flow from operatlng actlvltles 15 33,396 (77,123) Net cash flow from oporatlng actlvltlos 33,396 (77,123) Net Incrnaso In cash and cash equlvalonts 33,396 (77,123) Cash and cash equlvalents at 1 Aprll 2024 269.971 347,094 Cash and cash equlvalents al 31 March 2025 303,367 269.971 Cash and cash equlvalents conslsts of: Cash at bank and In hand 303,367 269,971 65
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a. Basis of preparation
Positively UK is a company limited by guarantee in the United Kingdom. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 11 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are set out on page 4.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
b. Income
All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received.
Voluntary income including donations and gifts are included in full in the SOFA when receivable.
The charity receives grants in respect of its activities. Income from grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met, then these amounts are deferred.
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received. A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.
Other income includes income earned from rental and consultancy. Income is received in exchange for supplying services and is recognised when entitlement has occurred.
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c. Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:
-
Costs of raising funds are those costs incurred in attracting voluntary income.
-
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.
d. Support costs allocation
Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office and governance costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management carried out at Headquarters. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to
particular headings they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.
Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.
The analysis of support costs is set out in note 4.
e. Funds accounting
Unrestricted general funds are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Directors.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Directors for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restriction arises when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. The Directors have designated certain funds for specific purposes.These are set out in note 15.
f. Tangible fixed assets
All assets costing over £1,500 are capitalised. Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives as follows:
Fixtures, fittings and equipment - 20% reducing balance
g. Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.
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h. Going Concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Directors believe that no material uncertainties exist. The Directors have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
i. Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
Accounting estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The following judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have been made in the process of applying the above accounting policies that have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements:
Useful economic lives of tangible assets
The annual depreciation charge for tangible assets is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful economic lives and residual values of the assets. The useful economic lives and residual values are re-assessed annually. They are amended when necessary to reflect current estimates, based on technological advancement, future investments, economic utilisation and the physical condition of the assets. See note 10 for the carrying amount of the property plant and equipment and note 1.f for the useful economic lives for each class of assets.
There are no key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
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POSITIVELY UK (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 CHARrrABLE ACTNITIES Unr••trlct•d R••trlct•d 202$ 2024 Communlty •¢• and •ng•g•m•nl Brook Young People H•rry Smlth Ch•rfty Hom•rlon Univ•rnity Ho•plt•l Lo1 Authority Contrncls NHS 8ront Teachlng PCT Sl Mary8 NHS TN8t Talent TfU81 40.000 40.LXrf) 63.342 63.342 155.928 50.836 35.164 67.129 106.876 76,542 155.926 35.164 20.000 266.762 365,268 320.547 Dlv•r•lty & Inclu•lon: NatK)nal Lottery Communlty Fund 96.605 98.731 Chelsoa and Weslmln8l•r H$Ing Supwt Welfare and Benofrts RK•nty Dl•gnos•d Fund lor Human Neod Henry Smlth Charlty Hospttal Saturday Fund London Catal1 Margaret de Sou8a-D•lro Fund Make a Orfleronco Trusl MIddleX Ho3pit41 Soph1• Forum T•rr•nc• Hlggln• Tnmt H•wd•hlp Gr•nt• 117.955 75.QKM) 6.411 950 39.800 3.750 3.750 39,850 21,748 24.995 10.511 4.370 21,748 24.995 10.511 4.370 13.029 3.7C 356.490 356.490 356.045 Chang•: Barts H•alth NHS Tnmt MSD GSK Gil•ad Pasanl• Fast Tra( Cities - HIV Friondty Charter Gllead - Beyond Posth've Volc•8 Klngs College LorKlon Queen Mary Univer81ty Ho8pltal UK.CAB Vhv H•alth¢ar• - Chang• N•twork 34,309 1 5.000 10.000 20.000 1,000 7.884 20.580 10.000 20,000 1.000 7,884 20.580 25.904 4.050 21,089 25.957 25.957 47,181 85.421 85,421 147.533 TOTAL 266,762 540,417 807.179 824,125 69
POSITIVELY UK (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 EXPENDMJRE Oth•r dlr• ¢¢•t• SupsKrt co•1• St•ff ¢o•t• Totsl Curr•nt y••r- 2025 l ol ral•lng funds 43.828 45.239 Community. a¢• •nd •rwm•nt Diversty and Inclu*n ChJn98 279.523 307.304 43.524 43.293 87,332 34,567 84.037 29.347 9.156 406.853 423.983 87.247 674.179 186.603 122.540 963.322 Oth•r dlrn¢t •t• support ¢o•l• Stsff ¢o•t• Tot•1 Prlor y••r- 2024 Cost ol raIn9 fund• 40.704 3.746 44.450 Communlty, acusi •rrfJwm•nl Oi¥•rnty and Induslon Chwg• 214.073 296.687 108,784 7,370 68,254 12.687 95.712 20.342 5.869 317.155 385.283 127,340 680.248 92.057 121.923 874.228 All cos1• •r• •lo¢•l•d b•lw••n lh• •xp•ndltur• c•t•90rf•8 not•d •bov• on • b••l• d••lgn•d io r•ll•¢l ol th• I•r¢•. Costs relating to a partocular actlvty are alkKat8d directly, othern are apportlonod on an appropriate basi8, belng, Om• •p•nt. Dumlw lh• yoar, THT hardship grants wer• awarded loLgUlng £6.359 10 76 dl•nls (2024: £7.625 to 82 clhni• 8UPPORT COST8 2025 2024 Pr•ml••• co•1• L•9•1 •nd prol•s•knn•l f••• Communlcaiion cost• Inlonn•llon t•thnology In•uf•n St•ft C18 •nd •xp•nM• •nd volunl••r •xpong•8 D•pr•cialM Oth•r ¢o$t• Accountancy •upport Govofflan Costs: Indwdenl •xaminal Logal and prolessk>nal f••8 Board tralnlng day Trustee expenM8 43.820 47.530 801 14.395 10.648 2.526 13.217 7.031 2.390 16.064 343 13.764 12.418 8.$50 87 9.787 13.503 5.250 5.877 750 5.781 4,337 3.332 122.$40 121.923 70
POSITIVELY UK (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 DIRECTORS, REMUNERATION None of the Directors received remuneration. One director (2024: One) received re-imbur58d travel expenses of £500 (2024 - £205) during ihe year. STAFF COSTS 2025 2024 Wages and salarles Employer's Nalional In8uran¢ Penslon cost 610.524 50.019 13.636 599.133 48.047 13.068 674.179 660.248 The average monthty number ol employ888, by headcounl, during Ihe year wa8: No. 21 No. 22 Dlrect charltable activitles Admlnistratlon - Part time 22 23 No employee oamed emoluments. a8 dofir+ed for taxatlon PUfpo8e8. amounting to over £60.OW In elther year. The key management perwinel compri8e of thw• lisled on page 12. The lotal employments benefits (indudlng employor penslon contr11tKInS and employero Nl) ol key management personnel was £62,449 (2024: £61,194). RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS In prior years there were salary overpayments IndIng for mombors of key management personnel. The balances due at the year end are S P8tr8tti - £6.275 (2024 - £8.915). TANGIBLE FIXED A88ET8 Flxturns & Flttlng• COST Al 1 Aprtl 2024 Di8posals 6,257 (6,257) At 31 IAarch 2025 DEPRECIATION Al 1 April 2024 Chargè for th• y••r Disposali 5,914 343 (6.257) AI 31 IAaf¢h 2025 NET BOOK VALUE Al 31 March 2025 Al 31 Marth 2024 343 71
POSITIVELY UK (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 DEBTORS 2025 2024 Grant. contract and other income Other debtors Prepayments 117.373 13.106 1.078 116,202 13,865 13,904 131.557 143,971 Includod in other debtorn above are amoun18 falling due after ono year of £3.635 {2024: £7,387) 10. CREDITORS 2025 2024 Taxallon and i¢xial sority Other Credltors Accnwls and defe¢d Income 12.875 14.919 133,949 12.066 4,669 10,948 161,743 27,683 11. DEFERRED INCOME 2025 2024 Deferred Incomo brought forward Relead Irom previous yoars Resources delerrod In the year 17,399 117.399) 117,51XI 117.51)0 Deferred Income relale8 to grants received in advarrfe of projects whk* slart In the nexl finandal year, 12. RE3TRICTED FUNDS B•l•n¢• •t 1Apr24 In¢om• Exp•ndlturn 31 Mar 25 Curr•nt y•v- 2025 P•or Navl9a Project 100 Women'8 Pfolecl Gay Men Fasl Track Cilies - che1• and W••tminsl•r F•$1 Tr8ck Cbllos - W8lf•fO •nd Ben•lll• Fast Trath Citi•s - HIV Fri•ndly Chart•r Fasl Track Cities - Newty Diagnos Fa81 Track CilNI8 - Housln9 Support Sffl81 Granl Fund Complex need8 198,506 115.732 (101.169) (21.749) 70.858 4,565 55.126 96.604 21.749 100,000 68,272 (116,924 (55.772) (7.884) 43,076 12.500 6,411 (12.000) (6.370) (56.860) (1,265) (14.9951 146.000) (10,620 (10.511 (898> (20.580) (21,222 78.000 6,370 39.850 17.010 1.265 Youth NMH Poly C¢)nlofen Partnership For Bl•¢k Health Connect lo Car• ActNiSts in Rosldenco B•yond Posrtive Voic UK CAB Pfq•d 24,995 31.000 10.000 15,0ty) 10,620 10.511 20,580 25.957 4.735 72 288,488 $40,417 (625.468 203.437
Peer Navigators
Specialised peer support embedded in clinical setting funded by Homerton NHS Trust.
Project 100
GILEAD fellowship funded project to support the national training of P100 peer mentors.
Women’s Project
National Community Lottery Fund – for the employment of two part-time caseworkers and to provide one-to-one and group support for women living with HIV, as well as annual Catwalk4Power workshops and events
Gay Men
Funded by MAD Trust – for the employment of a gay men’s worker and to provide one-to-one and group support for gay men living with HIV.
Fast-Track Cities
Five projects have been funded: integrating peer support across HIV sites in Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust and North Middlesex NHS Trust; addressing wrap-around needs with pan-London welfare and housing advice services (housing Advisor was in post in May 2025); Living Well with HIV courses in partnership with THT, METRO Charity and Positive East; HIV Friendly Charter in partnership with National AIDS Trust.
Small Grant Fund
London Catalyst funded hardship payments for destitute people living with HIV.
Complex needs
F unded by Henry Smith to support the most marginalised groups who have been mostly affected by COVID-19 pandemic and need intensive peer support and opportunities to socialise.
Archive project
Funded by a grant from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, the project developed activities to celebrate Positively UK 35th anniversary, including visits to Metropolitan Archive, podcasts, a short film, and a performance at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
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Youth NMH
Funding by North Middlesex NHS Trust to support young adults attending Alexander Pringle Centre, as well as hardship payments fund to address their financial needs.
Policy Conference
The sixth National Conference of People Living with HV took place in June 2024 with sponsorship by Gilead, MSD Merk, ViiV Healthcare, Pasante.
Partnership For Black People’s Health
A partnership coordinated by the SHARE collective, part of Barts Health NHS Trust, to engage black communities in health research. Funded by the NIHR.
Connect to Care
A partnership with Sophia Forum and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Focused on supporting people tested through Emergency Departments and ensuring they are linked into care. Funded by GILEAD Need to Find.
Activists in Residence
A partnership with King’s College Humanities department to convene a group of women with HIV activists and look at creative approaches to enragements with academia and research.
Beyond Positive Voices
A partnership with National AIDS Trust translating the finding of the second national Positive Voice Survey.
UK CAB Project
Positively UK is the secretariat of UK-CAB - a network that unites people living with HIV.
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POSITIVELY UK (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS 14. Unrn•tvl¢t•d lund• R••lrlet•d fund• Tot•1 fund• CurT•ni y••r- 2025 Cwronl 4•89ts Ci¥Mnl Il•blllll 113.987 (44.243) 320,937 {117.$00) 434,924 {161.743) 69.744 203.437 273.181 Unr••trlet•d fund• R••lrlet•d fund• Tol•l fund• Prlor y••r - 2024 Tangibl• fix•d as8•ts Cmnl Cwwont Ilablllll•8 343 125.483 (27.683) 343 413.971 127.683) 288.488 98.143 288,488 386.631 15. RECONCILIATIOPI OF NET EXPENDITURE TO NET CA8H FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2025 2024 N61 (0xndItur•) l knc
About Positively UK
Positively UK is a national charity dedicated to protecting the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV through tailored peer support, advocacy for positive attitudes, and equitable access to healthcare.
We are positive: we know how to help people living with HIV because we are people living with HIV.
In the last year, we’ve helped over 1,200 people through our clinical outreach, peer support, and specialist services for marginalised and under-serviced populations. We brought together more than 150 people living with HIV at the National Conference of People Living with HIV and distributed over £7,500 in hardship grants. Our research has highlighted the experiences of the most marginalised groups – trans people, women, migrants, and people over 50.
© Positively UK, 2025. All rights reserved.
Names have sometimes been changed to protect identities.
www.positivelyuk.org
Brick Yard, 28 Charles Square, London, N1 6HT | Tel: 0207 713 0444
Registered Charity № 1007685
A company limited by guarantee, registered in England, № 2424032