HIV Peer Support Programme for Wales C072/2025/2026

Overview

Contract Details Notice for the Welsh Government tender for the provision of a national Peer Support Programme for those living with HIV in Wales, with an initial two-year contract to commence from 01 April 2026. The requirement has been guided by the research commissioned from Cardiff University (Planning a new peer support service for people living with HIV in Wales: The first steps - News - Cardiff University. The research sets out high level bullet points on ‘‘How to make peer support a success in Wales’ and these have been replicated below for reference: Organisation Build a team involving people living with HIV and key people from the community and clinical services Ensure the team understands the community Fresh start but learn from lessons of past Steering group that reflects all stakeholders Robust governance and accountability Community Community commitment to peer support Diversity of mentors Require a mix of experience among representatives Service Clear fit with other services Integrate evaluation into the service High quality training Sensitive matching process Slow growth and flexibility Clinical Services Champions of peer support in clinic Ensure buy-in from clinical staff Processes Open communication Sustainability Create links between NGO and NHS Mutual understanding between clinicians and mentors Not funded by NHS due to budgetary pressures The Welsh Government’s Programme for Government set out ambitious commitments to both develop an HIV Action Plan for Wales and tackle the stigma experienced by those living with HIV. In March 2023, the HIV Action Plan for Wales 2023-2026 was published and contains 30 actions aimed at eliminating HIV transmission within Wales and achieving zero tolerance of HIV-related stigma by 2030.