The BHB HIV/AIDS Care Team formed Caress as avluntary group in 1995l this was decided after many of their clients had been asking for various services, which they were unable to access.This was where Caress could bridge the gap.

Since then Caress has built on its services and obtained Charity status, this has enabled Caress to take referrals from other agencies (statutory and voluntary) as well as self-referral.

Our services are provide for people who are living with HIV or have developed AIDS; these services are xtended to their carers, family and friends via our support network.

All our Volunteers have been through our own training to make sure they have a full understanding of HIV and related illnesses, also to the many problems that positive people, their families and friends may face from time to time.

Caress will continue, "Bridging the Gap" in service provision by working in partnership and collaboratively with both voluntary and statutory agencies, but mainly listening and involving our service users.

Caress is a member of the Telephone Helplines Association.