Welcome to the website of The Cara Trust.

We're here to support and improve the lives of people living with HIV who might need a little extra help. We try to target our limited resources on those people who might need us the most - because of poverty, ill-health, isolation or old age. We think it's important to remember that, whilst many people with HIV are now able to work and live relatively unaffected lives, there remain a significant number for whom that's not the case, and for whom daily life continues to be a real struggle. Furthermore, HIV remains a deeply stigmatised condition, which can lead to discrimination or worse. Combined with ongoing prejudice around sexuality, ethnicity or immigration status this can further accentuate the problems faced by some people.

The help we provide focuses on peer support; advice, information and advocacy; psychological support; well-being and spiritual support. We recognise that it's important to try to provide a holistic service catering to mind, body and soul. 2013 marks our 25th year of providing services for people living with HIV across London and beyond.

We were founded by Fr. David Randall in 1988 as a community of friendship of people living with HIV. The word Cara is derived from the Gaelic word for friend. We believe that our focus on community and friendship still holds true today. These are key aspects that continue to make Cara unique as an HIV charity.

During 2011 - 2012 we increased the number of people supported by Cara by 10% to 491. 54% were men and 46% women; 40% were Black African and 20% White British, with another 18% White European or Irish.

Thanks to all our supporters for helping make this possible. Full details in our Annual Report - click on News & Event / Downloads.

You can read our Mission Statement by clicking here

If you would like to tell us what you think of the site or would like more information, please contact us.