News
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All the news from TVPS, Beyou and The HIV Podcast in one place!
A Legacy of Love, Loss & Hope: The UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Comes to Reading
Thames Valley Positive Support (TVPS) is marking a landmark moment in 2026: 40 years of supporting people living with HIV across Berkshire. To honour four decades of compassion, resilience, activism and community, TVPS is bringing a deeply moving national artwork to Reading. As part of its anniversary programme, TVPS will display a section of the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt, one of the most powerful and poignant pieces of British HIV history. Each handmade panel commemorates a life lost to HIV or AIDS. Together, they form a profound collective testament to love, art, grief, activism and courage.
Bringing the Quilt to Reading is especially significant. TVPS was founded in the town in 1985, and hosting the exhibition during National HIV Testing Week offers a moment to reflect on the past, acknowledge progress, and look forward with hope.
Please note: the University of Reading does not have on-site parking but is well served by main bus routes.
For 40 years, TVPS has stood alongside people living with HIV, offering
support, advocacy and care.
The UK AIDS Memorial Quilt reminds us why this work began, and why it continues.
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Highly Commended for TVPS
We were proud to attend the BBC Radio Berkshire Make a Difference Awards as one of four nominees in the Community category. Although we didn’t take home the win, we were highly commended, a huge recognition of the work we do supporting people living with and affected by HIV across Berkshire.
What makes this even more special is that we were nominated by one of our own service users. Knowing that someone we support felt moved to put us forward means the world to us.
Being celebrated alongside such inspiring local organisations in our 40th anniversary year is something we’ll never forget.
Here’s to continuing the fight against HIV stigma and ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the support they deserve.
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Volunteer Awards
We are absolutely thrilled to share that Simon, our incredible volunteer cook, has been awarded Highly Commended in the Volunteer of the Year category at the WAM VCS Awards!
This recognition couldn’t be more deserved. Every week, Simon creates a healthy, home-cooked meal, on a tiny budget and with a huge amount of heart. His dishes, inspired by flavours from around the world, turn simple ingredients into something special. But what truly sets Simon apart is everything he brings beyond the food.
He welcomes everyone with kindness, chats with service users, gets people involved in the kitchen, and builds a warm community atmosphere where people feel valued, encouraged, and part of something bigger. His cooking teaches budgeting and new recipes, but his presence builds confidence, connection, and joy.
Volunteers like Simon are the beating heart of TVPS. Their time, compassion, and creativity transform lives in ways that can’t always be measured but are always felt.
Simon, we couldn’t be prouder of you. Thank you for everything you bring to our community.
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Global Conversations
The HIV Podcast had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Meg Doherty from the World Health Organization (WHO), and it highlighted just how far our podcast has come. We’re multi-award nominated, listened to in 183 countries, and now we’re bringing vital conversations on global issues with incredible guests, such as WHO and UNAIDS.
Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. Huge love to our small but mighty team, we’re proving that passion and dedication can make a real impact, even if you have zero budget