A charity supporting people in Berkshire with HIV has been given some major funding by Children in Need.

Thames Valley Positive Support (TVPS), which has been helping those affected by HIV since 1985, has received a grant of £75,000 from BBC Children in Need over three years.

The funding will enable the charity to provide tailored services to the young people and families they support in Berkshire and North Hampshire.

Sarah Macadam, chief executive of TVPS, said: "This funding will be vital to ensuring that no child in our area is negatively impacted by an HIV diagnosis within their family and that children from families affected by HIV have access to the same opportunities as their peers, from negative families.

"We want our young people and families to thrive and with the support of BBC Children in Need, we will be able to support them to do just that."

Since 1985, TVPS has been making a significant difference to people living with HIV across Berkshire.

Initially formed from several different HIV support groups in the area, the charity is now the only one in Berkshire.

In January 2020, TVPS expanded to include HIV support in North Hampshire.

The charity provides prevention, testing, and post-diagnosis support.

Its core purpose is to provide emotional and practical support to those living with, or affected by, the virus and to empower them to achieve a full and rewarding life.

The charity also aims to increase the level of testing to ensure people know their HIV status and to avoid late diagnosis.

In addition, the charity works to increase awareness and information to prevent new infections.

The charity currently supports approximately 550 people who are HIV positive.

For more information about Thames Valley Positive Support, visit the website.