Psychology
Psychological support at the Centre is currently being provided by the Haemophilia and Bleeding Disorders Counselling Association (HBDCA), in a pilot until March 2025.
If you, or a close family member, are affected by a bleeding disorder, you may not only have physical and healthcare issues, you may also require psychological support.
For example, you may have experienced long-term pain, feeling isolated, reduced quality of life or uncertainty about the future.
It is important to find a balance between physical health and mental health, as one affects the the other.
If anything is causing you anxiety, please speak with your consultant, nurse, or physiotherapist - they are always here for you, and can help you access psychological support services through HBDCA.
Having access to tailored support can help to provide you with coping strategies to process and address any issues you may be experiencing and will, hopefully, have a positive impact on your quality of life and that of your family.
To find out more about accessing psychological support please contact us.
Support groups
We hold online peer support groups - if you might be interested in any listed below, please contact us.
- Men With Haemophilia Virtual Peer Support Group
- Women With Bleeding Disorders Virtual Peer Support Group
- Women With Rare Bleeding Disorders Virtual Support Group
HBDCA
Haemophilia and Bleeding Disorders Counselling Association (HBDCA)
HBDCA is a charity which provides psychological support to the bleeding disorder community.
HBDCA provides one-to-one counselling (remotely via telephone or Zoom). You would be offered 12 sessions per year, with more sessions provided if you required longer-term support.
Confidentiality is key with these sessions enabling you to have a safe and welcoming space with a trusted psychotherapist.
HBDCA also facilitates monthly peer support groups (again remotely) for women with bleeding disorders and adult men with bleeding disorders.
This service is available to all patients and their families.
HBDCA Liberty
For people in the infected blood community, HBDCA has launched Liberty to support people infected or affected, and their family members, through the provision of counselling and wider psychological support.
England Infected Blood Support Scheme (EIBSS)
The England Infected Blood Support Scheme (EIBSS) supports people historically infected with hepatitis C and/or HIV from NHS blood or blood products.
This help extends to families, civil or long-term partners after the death of someone infected.
England Infected Blood Support Scheme | NHSBSA
To access the service, download the EIBSS application form from their website (above) and email them for a letter of support/estimation for your application.
Email: christina@hbdca.org.uk
Support
Find an NHS talking therapies service
How to find therapy or counselling - Mind
Support funded by the Inquiry
The Inquiry is funding a confidential support service for anyone affected by treatment with infected blood or blood products.
Tel: 0800 458 9473 or 0203 417 0280
Monday 11.00am - 1.00pm
Wednesday 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Friday 2.00pm - 4.00pm
You can also leave a message at another time and the team will call you back - their number will appear as private or withheld number.
To find out more please see:
April BRC Newsletter- infectedbloodinquiry.org.uk
Mental health resources
Call 111 for the free 24/7 Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Helpline
Call 116 123 for Samaritans - free 24/7 confidential emotional support
Text Shout to 85258 - free 24/7 confidential and anonymous text support service - volunteers aim to respond in under five minutes
Last reviewed:03 May 2024