World AIDS Day – A Reality
Last year thousands of people across the UK united in their support of Terrence Higgins Trust on World AIDS Day, 1 December.
Schools, colleges, universities, pubs, clubs, churches, shops, theatres, trade unions and government offices (to name but a few) all helped to make a big noise about HIV and AIDS on this important day. From students selling red ribbons to celebrities designing exclusive bags, the world was forced to take notice!
The UK theme for World AIDS Day 2009 will focus on the reality of HIV in the UK today. The aim is to present true, and sometimes surprising, accounts of how HIV affects people in the UK and to dispel myths and misinformation. National AIDS Trust’s research has shown that public knowledge of HIV in the UK is declining and there is evidence of a worrying lack of understanding about HIV and its relevance in a UK context. For people to respect and protect themselves and others, they need to understand the facts and reality of HIV in the UK.
In the weeks around World AIDS Day, THT will be promoting its HIV Awareness training which is available to all schools and colleges across Bristol, North Somerset, B&NES and South Gloucestershire. This training is part-delivered by people living with HIV and is offered throughout the year.
Bristol City Council and THT will mark World AIDS Day by raising a special flag above the Council House for one week from 31 November. The flag shows a red ribbon against a white background, and is intended to raise awareness of the tens of thousands of people who are still living with HIV in the UK. On World AIDS Day itself, THT staff and volunteers will be out at The Cross in Gloucester and around theCity Centre, Broadmead, Clifton Village and Gloucester Road areas of Bristol helping raise awareness of HIV, giving out red ribbons and asking for donations.
