In 2011 Tom, under his pen name “PositiveLad”, started a personal blog to document his journey as someone newly diagnosed as living with HIV. That initial blog evolved into beyondpositive, a space created for members to share their own experiences and journeys.
Now, in 2024, beyondpositive has become part of the Saving Lives UK family with a new mission – to provide up-to-date news, science and information for people living with, affected by, and working in HIV.
Saving Lives is a UK-based charity registered with the Charity Commission (number 1144855) who exist to combat stigma and promote testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and C and other Sexually Transmitted Infections.
The core Saving Lives team is based in Birmingham, but our activities have spread across the UK. We work in partnership with local NHS organisations to deliver eye-catching, fresh and innovative health promotion campaigns that focus on encouraging people to think again about HIV and other related conditions.
The joint partnership will focus on providing the latest news that matters to our communities, sharing community events, and breaking down complex HIV science so that everyone can benefit.
Talking about the partnership, Tom Hayes-Isaacs said:
When I started sharing tales of my life back in 2011 I had no idea that it would take off as it did, so over a decade later I’m thrilled to see it relaunched as a source of news for people living with, affected by, and working in HIV.
Saving Lives CEO, Dan Hartland commented:
“From day one at Saving Lives, we have worked to provide better, more accessible and – yes! – more positive information about HIV to people from all walks of life. Talking differently about HIV, and informing people more fully about the virus and its impacts, is one of the key ways to tackle stigma and improve both the daily lives of those living with and affected by HIV, and the wider policy response across society. We could not be more excited to launch this dedicated news and information service with beyondpositive.”
Whilst beyondpositive will remain editorially independent from Saving Lives UK the charity will provide funding, administration, information governance, oversight and advice where appropriate.
You can find out more about Saving Lives UK and their work over at their website here.
