The infected blood psychological service is not a crisis service.
If you need urgent support, please contact your GP or local mental health crisis team.
What is the infected blood psychological service?
We are a free national service offering specialist psychological support to people who have been infected or affected – directly or indirectly – by contaminated blood or blood products.
The service has been developed in close partnership with people who have ‘lived experience’ of infected blood, to offer specialist care and support which is:
- Compassionate
- Responsive and flexible
- Visible and trustworthy
Why the infected blood psychological service is needed
The infected blood inquiry was established to examine the circumstances in which men, women and children treated by national health services in the United Kingdom were given infected blood and infected blood products.
The inquiry recognised the importance of having a dedicated, tailored psychological service for everyone infected and affected. As a result the national infected blood psychological service was established.
The serious and lasting impact caused by the contaminated blood scandal; the trauma, loss, stigma, anxiety and feelings of isolation are ongoing struggles so many continue to face.
Whatever your situation, our service is here to offer a compassionate, non-judgemental space to be heard and supported.
What type of support is available
We will provide tailored support, wherever you are in your journey, and help you find ways to manage the emotional and psychological impact of what you’ve been through.
We offer:
- Support from a member of the team known as a specialist navigator, who can offer advice and guidance with different areas of your life, such as benefits, housing services, employment and financial advice.
- An in-depth psychological assessment to understand your individual experiences, difficulties and needs.
- Personalised psychological therapies tailored to your specific needs.
- Ways to connect with others who share similar experiences, if that’s what you would like to do.
Depending on your preferences, support can be offered in-person, over the phone, or online via a video platform.
Please note, the psychological support service does not deal with financial compensation enquiries or claims.
