If you received infected blood or blood products, or were affected because someone close to you was infected, you might need additional support. The infected blood support schemes and charities can help.
Legal and financial support from the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA)
The government has agreed with Sir Robert Francis KC’s recommendations for IBCA to:
- provide legal support for people at certain points when making a claim
- provide or direct people to financial advice
Exactly how this will work is still being finalised. We’ll let you know when we have more details to share.
Psychological support
The Scottish Infected Blood Psychology Service supports the emotional wellbeing of people who were infected or affected by contaminated blood and/or blood products in Scotland;
The England Infected Blood Support Scheme funds independent psychology therapies for people registered on the scheme, their families and friends.
In Wales, the Psychology and Wellbeing Service offers people registered with the Wales Infected Blood Support Scheme, and their family members and friends, access to psychological support and treatment.
There is also a dedicated regional specialist psychological service in Northern Ireland delivered within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust for infected and affected people aged 18 years and above.
Haemophilia and Bleeding Disorders Counselling Association is a charity which supports the infected blood community with psychotherapeutic counselling. You can contact them by emailing christina@hbdca.org.uk or by calling 07703 747 030.
HIV support
The Terrence Higgins Trust supports people who were previously registered with the Macfarlane Trust. They offer counselling, peer support and practical help. For support, advice and information call 0808 802 1221 or email to info@tht.org.uk
Positively UK provides support, advocacy and information to people living with HIV to effectively manage any aspect of their diagnosis, care and life with HIV. Call 0207 7713 044 or email to info@positivelyuk.org
Hepatitis C support
The Hepatitis C Trust has a confidential national telephone helpline service on 020 7089 6221 or you can email them at helpline@hepctrust.org.uk
The Scottish Infected Blood Forum supports people infected with hepatitis C through blood or blood products.
Haemophilia support
The Haemophilia Society is a UK-wide charity for all those affected by the genetic bleeding disorder, and a community of individuals and families, healthcare professionals and supporters. You can contact them by telephone on 020 7939 0780 or by email at info@haemophilia.org.uk
Haemophilia Scotland aims to support individuals and families in Scotland with haemophilia, von Willebrand and other bleeding disorders.
Haemophilia Wales provides information, support and advocacy to people with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders, including families and carers.
Haemophilia Northern Ireland is an independent charity which aims to support local people and their families affected by bleeding disorders.
Haemosexual is a community-based group offering online support and information for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community with a bleeding disorder or impacted by contaminated blood.
Bereavement support
Cruse Bereavement Support is a charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You can call their helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Bereavement UK provides bereavement support and information. You can contact them by email at support@bereavement.co.uk
Financial support
Free, impartial financial support is available through MoneyHelper and the Citizens Advice Service.
Advicelocal can help you find information on benefits, tax credits, council tax, debt, housing, homelessness, work issues, disability and social care.
In Northern Ireland, Advice NI can help with a range of financial issues, including benefits.