Building public support for HIV and Sexual Health

We know that public opinion about HIV and sexual health in the UK still needs to be improved. During the last year we have worked hard to engage with journalists in order to raise greater awareness of HIV and sexual health as well as THT's vital prevention and support services.

In the last year our Press Team secured 3,000 items of media coverage profiling HIV and sexual health issues. For every £1 we spend on press and media activities, we secure media coverage for the cause worth £12.

This has contributed to an increase in both unprompted and prompted awareness of our charity and significantly increased our profile relative to charities in other areas.

During a period of recession and economic downturn Terrence Higgins Trust has worked hard to raise money for our services for our beneficiaries. This meant that in the last year we have raised nearly £5 million charitable income.

For example, our fundraising team raised a record £95,000 at its Supper Club in central London in November 2010. This unique event comprises of over 50 chic dinner parties taking place simultaneously in the capital's finest restaurants and private homes. High profile guests who supported the event included Graham Norton, actors Russell Tovey and John Partridge, and Rt Hon Theresa May MP.

It followed Terrence Higgins Trust’s Cocktail Club, a sold out event at the Conservatory of London’s Barbican Centre, which raised £35,000 for the charity in June.

They were among numerous events and appeals organised around the UK in 2010/2011 to raise funds and increase awareness of all the work Terrence Higgins Trust does to help people living with HIV and to improve everyone’s sexual health.