HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is calling for local people to get involved in World AIDS Day (December 1) this year, either by attending an event, making a donation to support local HIV services, or wearing a red ribbon to raise awareness.

World AIDS Day, which has been running every December since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of the disease.  In the UK alone, more than 70,000 people are living with HIV and over 7,500 are diagnosed every year.
The following events are taking place locally for World AIDS Day:

• Thurs 29th November – Fundraising party at 'Thru The Arch', 33 Stow Hill, Newport, NP20 1JH, from 9.30pm
  Come and support THT with their fundraising night. Pixie Perez, drag queen extravaganza will be performing on the night, there will also be a star prize raffle, and an auction with some top prizes up for grabs. The event aims to raise awareness of HIV and reduce stigma, whilst raising money for THT.
  
• Friday 30 November - Human Red Ribbon – Roald Dahl Plas, Cardiff, 12.00 – 1.00pm
  THT is inviting people to help create a giant Human Red Ribbon for World AIDS Day on Friday 30th November at 12.00pm. This will take place at Roald Dahl Plas in Cardiff also known for its appearances in BBC's Torchwood and Doctor Who. The event aims to bring people together from all communities into the shape of a red ribbon to promote awareness of HIV and to remember those who have died. This event is in partnership with THT, Cardiff City Council and Cardiff Unison.
  
• Friday 30th November - Wear red to work day
  THT is asking everyone to take part in World Aids Day and wear red at work, school, or at college on Friday 30th November. It is a great way to get everyone involved, whilst raising funds to help those locally who are affected by HIV.
  
• Saturday 1 December - World AIDS day service – Senedd building - home of the Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff,  CF99 1NA, from 3.30pm 
  THT in Cardiff is holding a service on World AIDS Day, December 1st. This service gives local people the opportunity to support the cause and remember those affected by HIV and AIDS. Guest speakers will include Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas and Fatima Koshokova. This event is organised by Christian Aid and THT. 

Robjohn, National Manager for THT in Cardiff said “HIV has been around for 25 years now and many people have lost partners, family or friends.  World AIDS Day is an opportunity for the community to remember those who have died and to celebrate the lives of those with HIV today.  Even if they can’t attend we hope that local people will get involved in some way, perhaps donating to the cause or just wearing a red ribbon to raise awareness.”   

Cardiff Council’s Unison branch is actively supporting the creation of the Human Red Ribbon in the city’s Roald Dahl Plas. Senior Branch Officer Linda Webb Thornton said: “As a capital, it is important for Cardiff to support people living with HIV, both in the city and wider world. Cardiff County Unison is proud to support this event.”
 
If you’d like further information on any of the World AIDS Day events going on in Cardiff, please contact Terrence Higgins Trust on 029 2066 6465.
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Notes to Editors

1. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, providing a wide range of services across Wales, England 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 ill health.