THT gets the local community involved in World AIDS Day
HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust is calling for people in the local community to get involved in World AIDS Day on December 1, either by attending an all-day HIV testing service, making a donation to support local HIV services, or wearing a red ribbon to raise awareness.
World AIDS Day, which has been running every December since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of HIV and AIDS. In the UK alone, around 85,000 people are living with HIV and over 6,500 are diagnosed every year.
On Monday 29 November, THT will be running a special extended session of its ‘Fastest’ one-hour HIV testing service at its centre on West Street. The session will take place from 2.00pm – 7.30pm, offering free, confidential HIV testing to local people. The process involves a simple finger-prick blood test, with results available within one hour.
The following events are also taking place in Bristol for World AIDS Day:
Tuesday 30 November (10.30am – 3.30pm): South West Think Positive Conference
THT invites people living with, or with a professional interest in, HIV to attend a free conference in Bristol. It is an opportunity for people with HIV to provide feedback on health and support services, and raise any concerns they may have around their condition.
Wednesday 1 December (8.00am – 5.00pm): Street collection, Bristol City Centre
THT staff and volunteers will be out in force across the city centre, raising awareness of HIV, giving out red ribbons and asking for donations.
Steve Jones, Regional Manager for THT in the South West, said: “THT’s message for World AIDS Day this year is ‘HIV is everyone’s business’. Currently in the UK, one in four people with HIV don’t know they have it, and THT is committed to halving this rate within the next five years. To do this, it’s vital that we continue to raise awareness. We hope local people will get involved in some way, either by attending an event, making a donation, or just wearing a red ribbon.”
If you’d like further information on any of the World AIDS Day events going on in Bristol, please contact THT in Bristol on 0117 955 1000 or THT in Swindon on 01793 554825.