Skin Like Mine
Community-Led HIV Prevention for Black Heritage Communities
Skin Like Mine is a community-led HIV prevention and testing programme delivered by One Voice Network (OVN) in partnership with ten London-based OVN member organisations with a proven track record in community-based HIV prevention.
Running from July 2026 to June 2027, the programme provides HIV testing, prevention information and supportive conversations in trusted, culturally relevant spaces across London. It is designed to reach Black Heritage communities who are often underserved by traditional health services.
Skin Like Mine promotes regular HIV testing and prevention as part of routine self-care, helping to reduce stigma, build confidence, and ensure people have access to accurate, non-judgemental information and support.
Delivered by Trusted Partners
Skin Like Mine is delivered through a partnership of ten OVN London-based organisations with a strong track record in community health, HIV prevention and culturally competent service delivery:
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NAZ
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African Health Policy Network
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French African Welfare Association
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Red Ribbon Living Well
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Embrace UK
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Phoenix Health Movement
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Addington Afro-Ethnic Health Promotion Group
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4M Mentor Mothers Network
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House of Rainbow
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Africa Advocacy Foundation
Together, the partnership has extensive reach across London and deep connections within Black Heritage communities.
What the Programme Includes
Between July 2026 and June 2027, Skin Like Mine will deliver:
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Community-based HIV testing opportunities
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HIV prevention information, including PrEP and U=U messaging
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One-to-one and group conversations in trusted settings
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Signposting to local NHS and community sexual health services
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Stigma-free, supportive engagement led by trained community partners
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Peer Education Programme to promote PrEP, HIV testing and prevention
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Community Activate Fund, awarding up to £30,000 in grants of up to £3,000 each to 10 Black-led and/or Black-community-focused organisations across London to deliver community-based HIV prevention initiatives.
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Capacity-building training and workshops for Skin Like Mine participants, alongside two Peer Advisory sessions to share learning, feedback and best practices.
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Communications and marketing strategy including HIV prevention videos, digital and printed resources, speaking engagements and filmed community testing events and partnerships outside the HIV sector.
Why Skin Like Mine Matters
HIV prevention works best when it is inclusive, relevant and rooted in lived experience. Skin Like Mine places Black voices, leadership and community expertise at the centre of HIV prevention, helping to reduce stigma, build trust and support better health outcomes across London.
The programme is funded by Do it London in response to the findings of the Towards Equity Report, which highlighted persistent inequalities in access to HIV prevention for Black Heritage communities and the need for culturally competent, community-led approaches.
The London HIV Prevention Programme is proudly supported by all London local authorities.