1980s

Here's how Terrence Higgins Trust developed in the 1980s and how the HIV epidemic in the UK progressed.

1982

• Terry Higgins dies at St Thomas' Hospital. The Terry Higgins Trust is set up.
• Gay Related Immune Deficiency (GRID) is renamed Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) after the same immune deficiency syndrome is found in Haitians and heterosexual women.   

1983

• London Gay Switchboard and the Gay Medical Association hold a public meeting about AIDS at the Conway Hall.
• A second public meeting is held at the London Apprentice in August and the Trust is reborn as the Terrence Higgins Trust.
• The first THT health promotion leaflet is published, and the first appeal for Buddies is made.
• France's Pasteur Institute discovers lymphadenopathy associated virus (LAV) which researchers believe causes AIDS.
• Television programmes Panorama and Horizon run documentaries about the new disease.
• Scottish Aids Monitor (SAM) is set up to educate gay men about the threat of HIV and AIDS.

1984

• THT becomes a registered charity and moves into its first office: one room at Panther House.
• The Helpline starts up, operating from 8pm to 10pm on weekdays.
• THT forms Europe's first People With AIDS (PWA) support group.
• THT holds its first national conference: 'AIDS UK 84'.
• In the US, Dr Robert Gallo isolates the retrovirus called HTLV-III which is also believed to cause AIDS.
• HIV genetic variations are discovered, making the development of a vaccine more difficult.
• The First European AIDS conference is held.
• By the end of 1984 there have been 108 AIDS cases and 46 deaths in the UK.  

1985

• THT applies to the GLC for a £17,000 grant to pay staff salaries; Westminster Council challenges the validity of the GLC's decision to award THT a grant and is overruled by the High Court.
• The first THT candlelight vigil is held in Trafalgar Square.
• THT rents a second room in Panther House and employs its first two full-time paid members of staff; one of whom, Nick Partridge, is now Chief Executive.
• The first meeting takes place between THT and the government. It is proved that the LAV and HTLV-III viruses are the same.
• The Department of Health publishes its first advice on AIDS to medical practitioners.
• The Health Education Council produces its first literature on AIDS.
• Actor Rock Hudson dies with AIDS.
• Body Positive, the first UK self help group for people with HIV, is founded in London.
• AIDS reported in 51 countries
• First report of the transmission of the virus from mother to child through breastfeeding is published.
• Blood donation centres start screening for HIV.
• STD Clinics start offering HIV testing.
• HIV arrives among the drug injecting population on the East coast of Scotland in 1985 and the introduction of a number of punitive measures around needle possession rapidly generate an HIV epidemic. Subsequent prevention strategies, including the introduction of a network of needle exchanges and methadone maintenance programmes, lead to the successful containment of the epidemic.

1986

• The Legal Services Group is set up to offer legal consultancy to clients.
• Interfaith Group, Women's Group and Family Support Group are set up.
• THT produces its first safer sex video, ‘Gearing Up for Safer Sex’, with Clean Cut.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) launches its global AIDS strategy.
• UK government sets up a Cabinet Committee on AIDS.
• The government launches its first AIDS health education campaign ‘Don’t Aid Aids’ which has little public impact.  

1987

• THT moves to Grays Inn Road.
• THT employs its first health education officer, health information officer, volunteer co-ordinator and legal officer.
• Stephen Fry produces ‘Hysteria’, a comedy benefit for THT.
• UK Government launches the 'Don't Die of Ignorance' campaign and delivers the campaign leaflet to every household.
• THT’s phone number is listed as a source of information and advice.
• Princess Diana opens the first specialist AIDS hospital ward in England at Middlesex Hospital.
• UK HIV organisations Positively Women and the National AIDS Trust are launched.
• The Football Association warns players not to use communal baths or to swap shirts at the end of a game.
• The AIDS memorial quilt is started by a San Francisco gay rights activist Cleve Jones who made the first panel in memory of his friend Marvin Feldman.
• Photographs taken by John Sturrock of people living with HIV/AIDS on the Muirhouse Housing Estate, Edinburgh served as the initial inspiration for the Postive Lives project.

1988

• THT employs its first Welfare Rights Officer.
• The Helper Cell Group is formed to provide practical help to people with HIV.
• Armistead Maupin signs copies of his books at THT’s offices to raise funds.
• THT releases 1,000 balloons to commemorate the first World AIDS Day, roughly matching the number of recorded AIDS cases in 1987.
• The first World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December.
• London Lighthouse opens as a residential and support centre for people with HIV.
• British insurers call for HIV tests for all men seeking policy cover of more than £50,000.   

1989

• 'Hysteria 2', a Trust fundraising event produced by Stephen Fry, is broadcast on Channel 4, together with a THT telethon.
• The UK government Cabinet Committee on AIDS is disbanded.
• Foundation of Frontliners, the UK’s first PWA organisation run for and by people with HIV.