THT support for incapacity claims

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is urging anyone with HIV who currently claims incapacity benefit and receives a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions, asking them to be assessed on their ability to work, and is in need of support to contact its THTDirect helpline on 0845 12 21 200.

THTDirect will give initial benefits advice and, if people are in need of more in-depth support, refer them on to a local agency or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. THT Direct is open from 10am to 10pm weekdays and from 12pm till 6pm at weekends.

Policy Director Lisa Power said of the assessments: “We don’t want people living with HIV, who could be affected by these changes, to go through this alone. THT staff and volunteers are at the end of the line, with helpful guidance and support for anyone worried about these assessments, so please get in touch with us to help you through the process.”

Meanwhile, for those who like to take part in a charity walk the THT is looking for willing walkers to don their ruby slippers for people living with HIV on Sunday 5th June for this year’s Walk for Life 10k event. Starts and ends in Potter’s Fields Park, London, SE1 2AA Noon, Sunday 5th June. If you would like to take part in this year’s Walk for Life as a walker, or to enter a team, register online at walkforlife.co.uk or call 020 7812 1665 to sign up for this year’s event. It costs just £10 to register, which helps THT cover the costs of the event and ensure that walker sponsorship goes to people living with HIV.