Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading HIV charity, is opening a new centre in Cardiff on 4th June, following a merger with Cardiff AIDS Helpline. To celebrate the joining of the two agencies, there will be a launch event on Wednesday 4th June.

Dr Marion Lyons, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, National Public Health Service for Wales said: “Since HIV was first recognised 20 years ago, remarkable progress has been made in Wales in improving the quality and duration of life for those living with HIV.  While continuing to support this work, the National Public Health Service for Wales recognises that we need a comprehensive, far reaching programme to address the challenges that an increasing HIV epidemic will bring. The development of Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru is a key cornerstone for this programme.  We welcome the opportunity to share the charities professionalism, commitment, expertise and loyalty to the communities it serves.”

THT Cymru has also been awarded a Welsh Assembly grant to facilitate a Wales HIV network. This aims to promote cross-sector communication among all stake holders in HIV service development, identify shared goals and disseminate information on best practice and quality standards. The first meeting of the Wales HIV network will also be held on 4th June.

David Lynch, National Manager for THT Cymru said, "During our three years in Wales, we've established our reputation as an organisation which works strategically and transparently with affected communities, service providers and policy makers. Joining forces with Cardiff AIDS Helpline and leading the Wales HIV Network will strengthen our ability to contribute to the development of standardised quality services across Wales."

Rob John, Services Development Manager at Cardiff AIDS Helpline adds: “The volunteers and staff are enthusiastic at the prospect of combining the high profile national programmes and resources of Terrence Higgins Trust with their own valuable experience of providing local services for people living with HIV over the past 17 years."

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Notes to editors

The address of the new office is :
THT Cymru,
Canton House
435-451 Cowbridge Road East
Canton
Cardiff, CF5 1JH
Tel: 029 2066 6465

According to the latest statistics from the Health Protection Agency, there were 66 people newly diagnosed with HIV in Wales in 2002.

There have been 786 people diagnosed with HIV in Wales since reporting began in 1987.

Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru already has a centre in Swansea, which opened in December 2000.

Anyone who has a question about HIV can call Terrence Higgins Trust Direct on 0845 12 21 200.