A BBC News article features Spectra following the recent release of a report that the London HIV Prevention Programme (LHPP) commissioned. The report highlights persistent disparities in HIV testing and awareness across the capital. The article is part of a broader conversation about how to better reach communities most at risk of HIV, particularly Black African and Caribbean communities.
The report reads that ‘While progress has been made in increasing HIV testing and awareness across London, significant disparities persist – particularly for Black African and Caribbean communities.’
In London there has been a 17% rise in the total number of new diagnoses of HIV between 2021 and 2022, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), external.
As part of the BBC’s coverage, Spectra was invited to share its approach to community outreach. CEO Joel Robinson explains how Spectra builds trust by meeting people in familiar, welcoming environments:
“Being in a library, cafe or barbers shop, we hope builds trust and confidence in our outreach workers, because we are approaching people in places where they feel safe.”
“The stigma is still there, about going into a sexual health clinic, especially for people from the Global Majority” says Paris, an outreach worker at Spectra.
This approach is central to Spectra’s mission of reducing health inequalities and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has access to HIV testing, support, and information. By embedding outreach in everyday spaces, Spectra helps break down stigma and connect with those who are often missed by traditional healthcare services.
You can view the full interview below:
Learn more about Spectra’s outreach work.