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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Needle and Syringe Programmes are one of the most effective interventions for preventing the transmission of bloodborne viruses, including hepatitis C. Yet despite this, our new research has found alarming gaps exist in provision and oversight.

In 2025, we mapped pharmacy-based NSP in England.
We found

Only 26% of local authorities were able to give us an accurate list of pharmacies that provide NSP in their area.

Of the pharmacies we knew were providing NSP in 2023 and were contacted for this research, 32% had stopped the service.

Of the pharmacies that did offer NSP and could answer our questions on service quality, 70% restricted how much equipment people could collect in a single visit.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

The National Harm Reduction Summit is a week away! With speakers such as Deb Hussey, Dr Magdalena Harris and Mat Southwell, the Summit will provide a great opportunity to hear about the latest evidence, challenge current thinking, and help shape the future of drug harm reduction in the UK.

Poster reading:

The National Harm Reduction Summit: Learning from the past, looking to the future.

Join us in Bristol for two days of harm reduction, celebrating innovation and reflecting on how we move into the future.

September 17th-18th

Logos: NHS, BDP, Hepatitis C Trust, UK Health Security Agency

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Earlier this year, our Birmingham team acquired a van to operate a mobile service focused on supplying needles and syringes. We've been very excited to get started and bring this vital public health intervention to those who need it.

Photo of four Hepatitis C Trust colleagues stood infront of a van with the caption titled, 'New NSP Van!' Location: Birmingham

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

On Wednesday 2nd September, members of the infected blood community will be holding a protest in Westminster to highlight the Government’s continued failure to deliver fair compensation to the victims and loved ones of the greatest treatment disaster in the history of the NHS.

Text caption ‘We’ll be attending this protest’ with arrows pointing to a poster advertising the protest

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

This year, we're delivering World Hepatitis Day (28 July) as a four nations initiative, highlighting the importance of a collective effort to achieve the goal of eliminating hepatitis C in the UK by 2030.

Graphic with a picture of a map of the UK with text:

WORLD HEPATITIS DAY 2026
FOUR NATIONS ON THE ROAD TO ELIMINATION

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

World Hepatitis Day is at the end of this month! 28th July provides the perfect chance for us to celebrate the amazing work done and come together as we push towards eliminating hepatitis C. News on our plans for the day will be coming soon!

Graphic reading:
28 July 2026
World Hepatitis Day
The Hepatitis C Trust

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

In April, our colleague Shabana left The Hepatitis C Trust after 17 years of outstanding service. We are incredibly grateful to her for her brilliant work in raising awareness of hepatitis C amongst South Asian communities. Shabana, we wish you all the best on your next journey!

A group of people stood in front of two bouquets of flowers

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Earlier this month was Volunteers’ Week, an annual UK-wide campaign celebrating volunteers! Our peer volunteers, many of whom have faced barriers to volunteering and employment, as well as exclusion from healthcare, play a vital role in the successful delivery of our services.

A photo of two men holding umbrellas with a graphic stating: 'Volunteers’ Week'

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Tomorrow, a debate will take place in the House of Commons on the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. We joined the APPG on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood's drop-in to brief MPs and their staff on our concerns on compensation. It was great to see the event so well attended.

A photo of Gill Furniss MP with a member of staff from the Hepatitis C Trust

A photo of Kerry McCarthy MP stood in front of two banners

A photo of Ian Lavery MP and Clive Efford MP in front of two banners

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

The memorial service may be over, but the long road to justice and peace is not for so many. We will continue to fight for the justice that all members of the infected blood community deserve.

Quote from:

"My mother was infected 48 years ago and lost her fight in 2015 without ever seeing justice. They need to stop torturing people who have already been tortured for up to five decades. When I think back to the day the Final Report was published, there was an overwhelming feeling that justice had finally been won for our loved ones. I do not think anyone expected this scandal to continue to be treated with such contempt, or for the avoidable trauma to continue long after those promises were made.

We always understood that delivering justice properly would be complex, but we still had hope that the authorities would eventually listen and do the right thing and get this right for all victims. Having stepped forward to meet with representatives from the IBCA and the Cabinet Office, it became clear that while they claim to be listening and engaging with us, much of what they said and did felt like a smokescreen. The priority appeared to be minimising the overall cost of compensation and exploiting every possible legal loophole to shape legislation that creates discrimination and unfairness throughout the scheme."

Ronan Fitzgerald

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Tomorrow, a national memorial service for the victims of the infected blood scandal will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral – marking two years since the publication of the Infected Blood Inquiry’s Report. Two years on from that triumphant day, we are still yet to see justice.

"I was given infected blood during cancer treatment in the 90s. I will be 70 this year - I have been fighting to be recognised for 30 years now, and time is running out for me. I don't have that many years left to finally relax and enjoy life. We thought we'd been vindicated finally and we'd been heard, but the waiting for all of us unregistered claimants has been awful. Bereaved parents and children are still waiting, as if their loved ones, who paid the ultimate price, don't matter.

The exhausting, re-traumatising and lengthy battle with the Infected Blood Compensation Authority means we have to delve deep into our medical past to prove stuff that is blatantly obvious, just because they are so risk averse. We’re all treated like potential fraudsters."

Caz Challis

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

At the beginning of May, Professor Ashley Brown, Clinical Lead, NHS England HCV Elimination Programme, provided a brilliant training session for our Southern Community Team on Hepatitis B. Huge thanks to Ashley for a very helpful and insightful session!

Photo of a group of people attending a training session with a graphic captioned: #LeaveNoOneBehind in... London

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Ian Lavery MP also asked an important question on compensation for psychological harm.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Damian Hinds MP questioned the Minister on how IBCA will make assessments for the new Special Category Mechanism Award.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Clive Efford MP asked a question about how the community are able raise their concerns about the Compensation Scheme.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

At Oral Questions to the Cabinet Office this week, MPs questioned Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office, on the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, including recently announced changes. Here, David Davis MP raises a question about the pace of compensation.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

On Monday, we joined the APPG on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood drop-in on changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. The session provided an important opportunity for us to relay to MPs and their staff that despite the announcements of last week, many injustices in the scheme remain.

Photo of Clive Lewis MP and a Hepatitis C Trust member of staff with a graphic reading:

Infected Blood Drop-in

Parliament

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Yesterday, the Government published their response to the public consultation on proposed changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. You can read a summary of their response, and our reflections on it here ⬇️⬇️⬇️ www.hepctrust.org.uk/blog/2026/04...

Quote from Rachel Halford, CEO, The Hepatitis C Trust
“Whilst we recognise that important improvements have been announced by the Government, we are very disappointed that yet again there is little evidence that the concerns of the infected blood community have been listened to.

This is the last major opportunity to change the Compensation Scheme and deliver real justice on infected blood. We know the Minister for the Cabinet Office is committed to finally righting this historic wrong but unless these concerns are listened to, he won’t."

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

We’re very excited to partner with Bristol Drugs Project for a two-day harm reduction summit this September, marking 40 years of their outstanding work. Tickets will be available soon, but in the meantime, you can sign up here for updates ⬇️⬇️⬇️ bdp.org.uk/bdp-40-years/

Poster reading:
SAVE THE DATE
To mark 40 years of Bristol Drugs Project we warmly invite you to...
The National Harm Reduction Summit: Learning from the past, looking to the future.
A collaborative event by Bristol Drugs Project and The Hep C Trust.
Join us in Bristol for two days of harm reduction, celebrating innovation and reflecting on how we move into the future. More details and tickets coming soon...
17th September & 18th September 2026.
Supported by DDN.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

The Government is considering its last major changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. We've been pushing for them to: 🔶Recognise the full, devastating impact of hep C and early treatments 🔶Provide fair compensation for those subjected to medical experimentation

Graphic reading:

We're calling on the Government to
Recognise the full, devastating impact of hepatitis C and early treatments by...

removing the 2017 reduction in financial loss rates for those who infected with hepatitis C.

ensuring people are fairly compensated for health harms caused by interferon treatment from the date these harms occurred.

Graphic reading:

We're calling on the Government to

Provide fair compensation for people subjected to medical experimentation by...

creating a full, independent process to establish what level compensation should be set at

removing the 1984 cut-off date to be eligible for this award, as we know experimentation went on far beyond this date

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

A big thanks to Jamia Ghosia Masjid in Blackburn for having us along for a great testing event in January!

A group of people stood in front of a Hepatitis C Trust banner

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Our new Peer Support Lead Dominik and Peer Volunteer Dave here facilitating a great testing event at People’s Kitchen in Newcastle!

A photo of two men with a graphic reading: #LeaveNoOneBehind in... Newcastle

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

We are pleased to announce the start of a new online support group for those specifically in the “affected” community (partners, parents, children, siblings and carers of those infected with hepatitis B, C or HIV through blood and blood products).

INFORMATION AND SUPPORT GROUP FOR THE AFFECTED COMMUNITY
(partners, parents, children, siblings and carers of those infected with hepatitis B, C or HIV through blood and blood products)

Monday 26 January 5.00pm - 6.30pm Online

This group will be a safe, friendly and confidential space for all those in the affected community to come together, feel connected and share their experiences, perspectives and get support and information.

Register your interest by emailing helpline@hepctrust.org.uk or calling 020 7089 6221

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

It was fantastic to attend North Yorkshire Horizons' event celebrating micro-elimination of hepatitis C across their five hubs! This achievement is thanks to a strong partnership between the NHS, Horizons and ourselves - working together to identify, test, treat, and support people at risk.

Graphic reading: #LeaveNoOneBehind in... North Yorkshire, with a photo of a group of people stood in a line.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

In October, we attended the annual Health and Justice Summit in Nottingham, representing our prison teams from across the UK! The team ran an insightful stall, showcasing our work and highlighting the importance of lived experienced projects for prison healthcare.

Graphic reading: Health and Justice Summit - Nottingham, with a photo of members of staff stood behind a stall of Hepatitis C Trust material.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

We're very grateful to MPs for their important questions following the update, including Grahame Morris, asking for a guarantee that the Government recognises the importance of the consultation being as accessible as possible for the infected blood community.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

Some shots from our recent NSP Conference in Birmingham! It was a great day, with around 150 very engaged attendees coming together to discuss challenges in current needle and syringe provision - ranging from coverage to quality of service. A full write up is on its way!

Photo of a crowd watching a presentation

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

This afternoon has seen attendees debate if NSP services should be stand-alone, with more presentations afterwards - these focusing on pharmacy and drug and alcohol services NSP provision. A quick break is being had before a group exercise planning NSP for a town!

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

We're in Birmingham today for the NSP Preventing Harm Conference! Presentations so far have covered personal experience of services and ongoing work to monitor NSP provision - with plenty of great discussion to come!

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

A fantastic event last week in Enfield where we carried out 40 HBV/HCV tests! Many thanks to Ponders End Islamic Centre for inviting us alongside Enfield Unity PCN and Smokefree Enfield. We're at Edmonton Islamic Centre today from 10:30-15:40 for another testing event!

A graphic reading #LeaveNoOneBehind in ... Enfield with a group of people stood in front of two banners

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

We made a Big Splash! We had a fantastic World Hepatitis Day in Skegness, raising awareness around hepatitis C and celebrating the push we've made towards elimination. A big thanks to everyone made the trip!

A group of people stood on the beach holding Big Splash flags

A group of people in the sea holding Big Splash flags, with others stood on the sand looking out to sea.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

A great shot of everyone just before heading down to the beach for the Big Splash. More photos coming shortly!

Crowd of people on the edge of Skegness Beach holding Big Splash flags.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 27/07/2025

Tomorrow's the day! In the last video of our countdown to World Hepatitis Day, Sam talks about our work supporting the infected blood community.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

Next up in our countdown to World Hepatitis Day is our colleague Shabana talking about her work with South Asian communities. Two days to go!

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

We're three days out from World Hepatitis Day! Next up in our countdown is Danny, speaking at our event in Parliament earlier this month about the work we do as part of the fight to eliminate hepatitis C.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

Next up in our countdown to World Hepatitis Day is our colleague Catherine talking about her work engaging people in the community!

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

We're counting the days down to World Hepatitis Day and our trip to the Skegness with a series of videos from our staff. First up is Christine talking about her work and lived experience of hep C!

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

To mark World Hepatitis Day on 28 July, our organisation is heading to Skegness Beach for The Big Splash! We’ll all be jumping into the sea, creating one big splash to raise awareness around hepatitis C and our fight for elimination. Follow us here to see some of the action!

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

World Hepatitis Day is at the end of this month! 28 July provides the perfect chance for us to celebrate all the amazing work that's been done and come together as we push towards eliminating hepatitis C. News on our plans for the day will be coming soon!

Graphic reading:

28 July 2025
WORLD HEPATITIS DAY

THE HEPATITIS C TRUST

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Today, we held an event in the House of Commons kindly hosted by Peter Dowd MP launching the @hcvaction.bsky.social report on sustaining the elimination of hepatitis C, attended by colleagues from NHS England and @who.int. More photos and a full write-up of the event to come shortly!

Mark Gillyon-Powell, Deputy Director - HCV Elimination and Health Inequalities for NHS England speaking to a crowd

Dr Meg Doherty, Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes at the World Health Organisation speaking to a crowd

Rachel Halford, The Hepatitis Trust CEO, speaking to a crowd

Peter Dowd MP and Dr Kosh Agarwal, Chair of The Hepatitis C Elimination Maintenance Strategy Group

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

Our Sussex Peer Support Lead Stephany setting up for a testing event in a hostel in Brighton. These events work to reduce health inequalities and ensure that Hepatitis C testing and treatment are accessible to all. Thank you to the staffing team who continuously support our work!

Graphic with the caption #LeaveNoOneBehind in... Sussex and a photo of a woman sat at a table

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

As part of the morning session, Samantha May, our Helpline Information and Support Service Manager, provided evidence of the frustration and deep worry felt by the community as to how the compensation scheme has been developed.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Yesterday saw day one of the Infected Blood Inquiry's set of hearings about the timeliness and adequacy of the Government’s response to compensation. In the morning, incredibly moving evidence was provided by a panel from the community, with the Minister receiving questioning the afternoon.

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

Our Peer Robin here sharing his story for junior doctor training at the Royal Sussex County Hospital! This training is delivered regularly to support emergency department bloodborne virus opt-out testing.

Graphic with the caption #LeaveNoOneBehind in... Sussex and a photo of a man speaking

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

It was great to share our work at the @ukhsa.bsky.social conference last week! Understanding the barriers and facilitators to contact tracing for hepatitis C will be critical to long-term elimination.

Photo of two people stood in front of a screen with an infographic titled 'Don't call it contract tracing'

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The Hepatitis C Trust @hepctrust.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

Last week, the House of Commons debated regulations for the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. Thank you to Mike Wood MP for raising some of the concerns the infected blood community has with the scheme's development.

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