THE DEEPROOTS COMMUNITY MODEL
How DEEPROOTS Works
DEEPROOTS brings community-based HIV information, peer support, digital access and health-service connections together. The model makes it easier for people to ask questions, understand their options and find the right point of care.
How the DEEPROOTS model connects
The model links community-based information, peer support, digital access and health-service referrals.
🏠 Kiosks
Community entry points for information and prevention support.
🤝 Peer advisors
Trusted community members who guide and refer people.
📱 Digital and Lifeline
Information and support through digital channels and the helpline.
🚐 Mobile outreach
Outreach activities that connect communities with services.
One connected model, with the community at its centre
DEEPROOTS is designed to bring HIV prevention closer to where people live, learn, work and socialise. Community entry points make information and peer engagement more accessible. The digital platform extends access to information beyond physical locations. The Lifeline and referral relationships help people identify where to seek further guidance and clinical services.
These components reinforce one another. A person may first hear about DEEPROOTS through a Peer Community Advisor, visit a kiosk, read information online, call the Lifeline or be referred to a health facility. There is no single required entry point.
The model at a glance
- 20 Community HIV Information Kiosks serving as accessible community information and referral points.
- 60 Peer Community Advisors supporting peer engagement, information sharing and service linkages.
- DEEPROOTS Care providing digital HIV information and guidance.
- DEEPROOTS Lifeline offering a toll-free contact point for questions and guidance.
- Mobile outreach and community engagement extending information and prevention activities into communities.
- Health-provider and community partnerships helping connect people to appropriate services.
The six connected parts of DEEPROOTS
Each part has a distinct role. Together, they create multiple ways for people to access information, support and services.
1. Community HIV Information Kiosks
Kiosks are local entry points where people can access HIV prevention information, condoms and guidance on HIV self-testing, PrEP and PEP. They can also provide psychosocial support and referrals, depending on the service available.
They help make information and prevention support more visible and approachable within communities.
2. Peer Community Advisors
Peer Community Advisors help make HIV information relatable and accessible. They engage other young people and community members, facilitate conversations, respond to questions within their training and link people to appropriate services.
They are a bridge between communities, the DEEPROOTS platform and the health system. They do not replace qualified health workers.
3. Digital Information Platform
DEEPROOTS Care provides information on HIV facts, prevention tools, condoms, PrEP, PEP, testing, treatment and living well with HIV. Visitors can explore information at their own pace and find routes to further support.
4. DEEPROOTS Lifeline
The toll-free line gives people a way to ask questions and seek general HIV information and referral guidance.
Call 0800 323 111. The Lifeline is not an emergency medical service. For urgent PEP assessment or other urgent care, go directly to a health facility.
5. Mobile Outreach
Mobile outreach takes community engagement and HIV prevention information beyond fixed kiosk locations. It helps reach people in different settings and supports engagement with communities that may face barriers to accessing services.
6. Community Engagement and Partnerships
DEEPROOTS engages community leaders, local structures, health providers and partners to strengthen awareness, referral connections and community participation in HIV prevention.
Partnerships help connect community-based support with appropriate health services.
How a person can move through the DEEPROOTS model
People’s needs and journeys differ. The steps below show a possible pathway, not a compulsory sequence. Someone can enter at any point and may need only one component or several.
- Discover information. A person hears about DEEPROOTS through a peer advisor, kiosk, community activity, mobile outreach or the digital platform.
- Ask questions and understand choices. They explore reliable information and discuss concerns in a respectful, non-judgmental setting.
- Consider prevention options. Depending on their circumstances, they may learn about condoms, PrEP, PEP, HIV testing, STI services and other prevention choices.
- Receive guidance or a referral. A peer advisor, kiosk team or Lifeline contact can help identify an appropriate health service or next step.
- Access clinical services. Testing, diagnosis, prescribing and treatment are provided by qualified health workers at appropriate health facilities.
- Continue support and follow-up. People can return to community or digital information channels for further questions and guidance, while continuing clinical follow-up with their health provider where needed.
Important: DEEPROOTS community and digital channels complement the health system. They do not replace clinical assessment, HIV testing, prescriptions, emergency care or treatment from qualified providers.
What DEEPROOTS helps people access
HIV prevention
Information about condoms, PrEP, PEP, HIV testing, voluntary medical male circumcision and combination prevention.
Testing and treatment
Guidance on HIV testing, confirmatory testing, linkage to treatment and living well with HIV, including U=U.
Support and referrals
Information on where to seek services, how to ask questions and how to connect with community support.
How we understand impact
DEEPROOTS tracks programme activity across community engagement, information access, prevention services and referrals. These measures help the programme understand whether people are being reached and supported to access services.
Reported programme figures include 20 Community HIV Information Kiosks established and 60 Peer Community Advisors engaged. Programme reach and service figures are reported across defined periods. They should not automatically be interpreted as unique individuals unless records have been verified and deduplicated.
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND MOBILE OUTREACH
Bring the DEEPROOTS Mobile Outreach Van to your community event
Are you organising a community event? You can request the DEEPROOTS Mobile Outreach Van to support HIV awareness, prevention information and community engagement at your event. We want communities to have an opportunity to bring these conversations and services closer to the people they reach.
Requests are welcome from community groups, youth groups, schools and learning institutions, faith-based organisations, local leaders, civil society organisations and event organisers. Examples include:
- Community health days and health camps
- Youth festivals, sports events and talent shows
- School, college and university health events
- Faith and community gatherings
- Market, landing-site and neighbourhood outreach events
- Community dialogues, campaigns and commemorative days
What can the van support?
Depending on the event plan, staffing, available supplies and referral arrangements, the mobile outreach team may support HIV prevention education, conversations with peer advisors, information on condoms, PrEP and PEP, HIV testing information, awareness activities and referrals to health services. Any clinical service or testing will be provided only where appropriately staffed, authorised and arranged.
How to request the van
Contact Youthplus with your proposed event details. Please include:
- Name of the organising group or institution and a contact person
- Event name, purpose and type of activity
- Proposed date and time
- Venue, community and directions or location pin
- Expected number and age groups of participants
- HIV prevention activities or support you are requesting
- Any event planning, access, space or logistical information the team should know
Submitting a request does not automatically confirm a booking. The Youthplus team will review the request and contact the organiser to discuss availability, suitability, staffing, logistics and any agreed arrangements. Please submit requests as early as possible.
Be part of the DEEPROOTS community
Whether you need information, want to find a kiosk, have a question or are interested in working with the initiative, there is a way to connect.
For a possible HIV exposure within the last 72 hours, seek urgent PEP assessment at a health facility immediately. Do not wait for a reply through the website or Lifeline.
COMMUNITY MOBILE OUTREACH
Bring DEEPROOTS to your community event
The DEEPROOTS mobile outreach van takes HIV prevention information and community engagement beyond fixed kiosks. Community groups, schools, youth networks, local leaders, faith-based organisations and event organisers can request the van for suitable community activities.
Events the van can support
- Community health days and outreach events
- Youth festivals, sports activities and community gatherings
- School and young people’s awareness activities, with appropriate safeguarding arrangements
- Faith-based and local community events
- HIV prevention campaigns, information sessions and referral activities
Depending on the event plan, team availability and appropriate service arrangements, outreach may include HIV prevention education, peer conversations, information on condoms, PrEP, PEP and HIV testing, and guidance on where to access health services. Clinical testing or treatment is only provided where qualified personnel and authorised service arrangements are in place.
How to request the van
- Complete the event request form with your organisation, event date, venue and expected attendance.
- The DEEPROOTS team reviews the request and checks availability and suitability.
- The team contacts the organiser to discuss the proposed activities and practical arrangements.
- The booking is confirmed only after Youthplus has agreed the event plan with the organiser.
Please note: Submitting a request does not automatically confirm the van. Requests should be made in advance to allow time for planning and coordination.
