Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) has been chosen for a 2007 / 08 Charity of the Year partnership by Charity People, a recruitment agency specialising in the charity and not for profit sectors.  HIV and sexual health are traditionally not popular causes when organisations choose their ‘Charity of the Year’ and it’s the first partnership of this kind that THT has secured.

THT was chosen by Charity People staff over the 51 other charities who applied.  The partnership will begin on April 1st and Charity People hope to raise more than £20,000 for THT.  As well as fundraising, Charity People staff will get involved with volunteering, campaigning and awareness-raising.  The organisation has also offered THT professional support including assistance with training and staff development.

Jo Houghton, Senior Corporate Fundraiser at Terrence Higgins Trust said “The stigma associated with HIV means many organisations steer clear of supporting sexual health charities so we’re delighted that Charity People has chosen us as their charity of the year.  Not only will this initiative raise vital funds, but staff from the agency are keen to get involved in our work at all levels, from training to work on our helpline, to adding their voices to our government campaigns.  It’s going to be a fantastic partnership.”

 
THT will also work with Charity People to make the agency experts in tackling HIV discrimination in the workplace.  THT is part of the 'Ensuring Positive Futures' initiative, a partnership of organisations including major HIV charities, businesses, government bodies and trade unions who work together to support people living with HIV in the workplace.

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Notes to editors

• Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, providing a wide range of services across England, Wales and Scotland. The charity also campaigns and lobbies for greater political and public understanding of the personal, social and medical impact of HIV and sexual health.

• Charity People is a a recruitment agency specialising in the charity and not for profit sectors.  Their website is www.charitypeople.com