Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is actively recruiting more African staff to meet the increase in demand for its services from African people living in the UK.  THT is already the leading provider of HIV information and support services for UK-based Africans, and helped thousands of African people last year.  Last year, over half of people newly diagnosed with HIV were heterosexual, and 80% of them were of African origin.

Jackie Redding, Regional Manager for Terrence Higgins Trust in the Midlands said:  “Because of our close involvement with African communities, we’ve known for some time that black African people are disproportionately affected by HIV, and that the numbers of people with HIV will continue to rise.  We also know from the numbers of people we are seeing that this increase is going to put even further pressure on our services.  We’re looking for enthusiastic people who can help us to meet this future demand, and ensure we’re able to continue to respond to the needs of people with HIV.“ 

There are vacancies for African health promotion workers in Terrence Higgins Trust’s Coventry and Birmingham offices, as well as similar vacancies in the charity’s other centres across England and Wales.  Jackie continued:  “We are very pleased to be working with both East Birmingham Primary Care Trust and Coventry Primary Care Trust to provide increased HIV social care services for local African people.”

Due to the nature of the roles, the charity is seeking applicants of African origin only - the posts are advertised under Section 52(d) of the Race Relations Act 1976.        

Ends

Notes to editors

• All vacancies are being advertised in a single advertisement in the Guardian and Positive Nation, the UK’s HIV and sexual health magazine
• There are nine vacancies (four full time and five part time) at Terrence Higgins Trust and Lighthouse centres across England and Wales:
• African services development officers in Cardiff, Eastbourne and Bristol
• African health promotion care worker and health promotion specialist in the West Midlands
• African emotional support worker, case worker and peer support worker in London
• Enquiries for all vacancies should be directed to Terrence Higgins Trust’s HR department on 020 7313 2930, or email hr@tht.org.uk.  Applications close on Friday 2nd May.