Testing, Self-Referral & Support

 

How can I get tested?

Free and confidential home tests for Hepatitis C now available via the NHS

The NHS is committed to eliminating Hepatitis C as a major public health issue in England, ahead of the World Health Organization goal to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

Achieving this ambition is crucial. If left untreated, Hepatitis C can lead to life-threatening conditions like liver cancer or liver failure. While significant progress is being made to reduce the number of people with Hepatitis C, more needs to be done to prevent new infections and reinfections.

Many people across England may have Hepatitis C without knowing. Sharing toothbrushes, getting tattoos abroad, having unprotected sexual intercourse and injecting drugs are just some of the ways people can contract Hepatitis C. To reach our goal of eliminating hepatitis C we need to get more people testing.

If you are over the age of 18 and live in England, can now order a free and confidential home test for hepatitis C via the NHS. This is an at-home, self-sample test taking a few drops of blood from your finger. If found positive for Hepatitis C, you can be treated and cured.

Order a free and confidential home testing kit today: Hep C Home Test

 

Yuno Sexual Health Bristol

From 1 April 2025 Yuno, a new sexual health service, launched across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

The service includes a clinically supported website providing advice, contraception, STI testing and treatment, including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

You can get tested at your nearest clinic, or you can order a test to do at home.

Home test kits can be ordered through the Yuno website: Yuno Sexual Health

 

GPs

It is possible to obtain a test from your GP if you believe you are at risk of having contracted a blood-borne virus. Your GP will also perform household screening for persons living with someone who has been diagnosed.

These tests with generally be blood-tests - if you would prefer a finger-prick test then please order a home test from either the NHS site or through Yuno.

 

ED BBV Testing

University Hospitals Bristol & Weston and North Bristol Trust (NBT) introduced blood-borne virus (BBV) screening in their emergency department in October 2024.

All patients, aged 18 or older, who need a blood test are also being tested for HIV and Hepatitis B and C unless they choose to opt-put.

The aim of the scheme is to identify people from low-risk demographics infected with viral Hepatitis and HIV who might otherwise not be tested and to reduce stigma associated with testing for blood-borne viruses.

The testing also potentially saves NHS resources by greatly reducing the risk of cirrhosis, HCC and other health complications.

Find out more: UHBW NHS - ED BBV Screening

"It's good that I got tested through the emergency department l when I had pneumonia - I was aware of my infection, but this testing forced me to address it. It makes it easy that the referral is all done automatically."Patient A, 46, chronic HCV infection

"I think the introduction of these tests at EDs is invaluable. I for one would never have known that I had Hepatitis C. I very much hope this work can be continued."Patient D, 74, chronic HCV infection, no risk factors

 

Self-Referral

If you already have a positive outcome from a previous test but have not yet enrolled for treatment, please do complete this online form to self-refer direct onto treatment. This link will take you to an online form on our UHBW website.

 

Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA)

The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) was established in law and set up by the UK Government in response to the Infected Blood Inquiry. They pay compensation to people infected and affected by HIV, hepatitis B and C through contaminated blood, blood products or tissue. They also offer extra support, such as access to independent legal and financial advice when people make a claim.

Compensation for someone who is infected: Overview and eligibility - IBCA.ORG.UK

 

Where can I get support?

Hepatitis C Peer to Peer Education

The Hepatitis C Trust run a peer-to-peer education (P2P) programme. Peer educators with lived experience of Hepatitis C deliver workshops and share their life story which includes the importance of testing and attending clinic appointments. The programme provides key messages about Hepatitis C prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care to people accessing drug services, hostels and homeless shelters.

These sessions are frequently run at recovery and engagement services, housing pathways and probation approved premises. These can easily be arranged via the Peer Support Leads.

Contact details:

Abi Sellick

07377030937

abigail.sellick@hepctust.org.uk

 

Hepatitis C Trust Helpline: 020 7089 6221

 

Local Support Network

 

 

The Hepatitis C Trust are a national charity leading effort to eliminate the Viral Hepatitis in the UK. They provide education, outreach and peer support. Their website covers everything from testing and diagnosis to treatment and wellbeing. They also offer dedicated guidance for people who have just been diagnosed.

More information:

Just diagnosed with hepatitis C? - The Hepatitis C Trust

Testing - The Hepatitis C Trust

 

 

Horizons are Bristol's citywide drug and alcohol support service, run by a partnership of local organisations led by Turning Point. They operate from hubs across Bristol in St Paul's, Hartcliffe and Southmead, offering a wide range of confidential support.

Horizons offer advice and information, medication and detox options, one-to-one support, group sessions, and practical help such as housing or employment support. They provide a self-referral portal that connects people to their nearest service. After referral, a worker will get in touch to arrange a first session, where you can share your story at your own pace and talk about the type of support you would like. Together with your worker, you can design a support plan that feels realistic and right for you.

Horizons also play an important role in hepatitis C elimination. They provide blood-borne virus (BBV) testing, hepatitis B vaccination and support for anyone diagnosed with hepatitis C to access specialist care quickly, often through local clinics or outreach services.

More information:

Self Referral | Horizons Bristol

'Support for myself'

 

 

Turning Point, with services in Bath, Trowbridge and Midsomer Norton, have more than sixty years of experience supporting people with substance use and wellbeing needs. They provide access to structured treatment and recovery support, and their website includes a self-referral form to help people reach their local service quickly.

Turning Point remains an important pathway into support and care to viral Hepatitis patients.

More information:

Find Your Local Service

Self-referral | Turning Point

 

 

Via provide services in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud and Cinderford.  They offer Hepatitis C testing services, advice on health and wellbeing, regular sessions with a personal keyworker, a variety of peer support groups and women-only spaces delivered in partnership with the Nelson Trust. They also help people move forward with training, education, volunteering and employment opportunities.

Evening appointments, online groups and video consultations are available.

More information:

VIA website

 

 

Developing Health and Independence (DHI), based in Bath and Trowbridge, is a social inclusion charity that helps people live healthy, independent lives. They are rooted in the communities they support, offering help with housing and homelessness, mental health, employment and skills, and drug and alcohol recovery.

More information:

DHI website

 

 

With You operates in North Somerset, offering free and confidential services to adults and young people. Their support includes needle and syringe service, blood borne virus (BBV) testing and treatment pathways. With You offer a non-judgemental space to talk through challenges with drugs or alcohol.

More information:

Drug and Alcohol Support in North Somerset | WithYou

 

 

Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance runs a liver surveillance and early detection programme for people at risk of liver disease and liver cancer. The aim is to identify conditions like cirrhosis at an earlier stage, when treatment is more effective. They support regular ultrasound scans for those with advanced liver disease and work to make these services easier to access through call-and-recall systems and peer support.

In partnership with the Bristol & Severn Hepatitis C ODN, SWAG also leads the "Alright My Liver?" initiative, which brings liver health checks into the community.

Link to AML page here

 

 

The UK's leading HIV and sexual health charity. They support people living with HIV and amplify their voices, and help the people using their services to achieve good sexual health.

More information:

Homepage | Terrence Higgins Trust

 

 

Brigstowe supports anyone living with or affected by HIV in Bristol and the surrounding areas. We offer a comprehensive and holistic range of services including advice & support, a peer support group and peer mentoring.

More information:

Brigstowe - Working to improve the quality of life for people living with or affected by HIV