HIV charity urges Taunton, Bath & Swindon to Stand Up and Stand Out for World AIDS Day
HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust is calling on the people of Taunton, Bath & Swindon to stand up against HIV-related stigma this World AIDS Day – 1st December. To mark the occasion, the charity is putting on a number of events as part of its Stand Up, Stand Out campaign. The campaign aims to raise funds for people living with HIV and banish the stigma that still exists around the condition today.
There are now around 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK – more than ever before. World AIDS Day is an international event that has been running since 1988 and is dedicated to raising awareness of HIV and AIDS.
Terrence Higgins Trust has a number of events and activities planned locally this World AIDS Day and is asking people to get involved in the following ways:
Friday 30th November – 12pm to 2pm
County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY
There will be a special World AIDS Day information stall manned by Terrence Higgins Trust staff at the Somerset County Hall. Passers-by will have the opportunity to get their World AIDS Day red ribbon and speak to Terrence Higgins Trust staff, who will be on hand explain what the charity does in the region or to answer any questions about HIV and sexual health.
Saturday 1st December – 10am to 11.30am
Terrence Higgins Trust, Creetown House, Albemarle Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1BG
Terrence Higgins Trust will throw open the doors of its centre in Taunton for any members of the public who want to drop in this World AIDS Day to mark the occasion, reflect and get information and advice about HIV and sexual health. The Taunton team is inviting anyone to stop by, have a cup of tea and learn more about services and support available in the local area.
Saturday 1st December 2012 – 12.30pm onwards
St Mary Magdalene Church, Church Square, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1SA
There will be a candle lit remembrance vigil at St Mary Magdelene Church in Taunton. Representatives from Terrence Higgins Trust will attend the event, which will include a church service and an opportunity to remember on those who have lost their lives to AIDS. The church will be serving free soup from 12.30 for anyone who wants to attend on the day.
Also on Saturday 1st December, THT staff and volunteers will be in Swindon city centre collecting donations for the charity. The team will also be encouraging as many people locally as possible to wear the red ribbon and raise awareness of HIV and sexual health.
In Bath, volunteers and staff from the charity will be holding street collections in central Bath to raise funds for local services. Volunteers will be supported by staff from clothing store Banana Republic and will encourage as many people locally as possible to wear the red ribbon and raise awareness of HIV and sexual health
People can also organise their own red themed event or sell red ribbons to raise funds to support people living with HIV. Visit www.tht.org.uk/worldaidsday for more information and fundraising ideas, to order your free box of red ribbons or to make a donation online.
Steve Jones, Regional Manager for Terrence Higgins Trust in the South West said: “A third of people with HIV in the UK say they have experienced discrimination because of their condition – this is something that urgently needs to change. By joining our Stand Up, Stand Out campaign this year, the people of Taunton have a chance to help us banish HIV-related stigma for good. There are so many ways to take part, from joining in one of our events, to planning your own activities, to simply making a donation or wearing a red ribbon to show your support. The funds we raise this World AIDS Day will help people with HIV access the support and services they need.”
