KARL Cooper's work helps more than 160 people in Barnsley who are living with or affected by HIV.
Karl is project manager for Plusme, an organisation set up in 2008 which initially had just five clients. That quickly rose to 30 and it became obvious the need for the service was strong.
Now it has about a dozen volunteers and has won awards including the HRH Duke of York Community Initiative in 2012, a Barnsley Council best voluntary service award in 2013 and, this year, Investors in People (silver).
The organisation, based at The Core in Barnsley, gives confidential information and advice and supports people living with HIV, their families and carers.
"There is a lot of stigma associated with HIV and people here didn't have a choice about how to access services - now they have," said Karl, who is 51 and lives just off Dodworth Road.
"Barnsley is my home and I want to support my community."
Karl has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award in the Exceptional Achievement category by Emma Baines, of Swanee Road, Kendray, and David Allen, who works with him at The Core.
