Terrence Higgins Trust in Coventry is holding a candle-lit vigil on World AIDS Day, December 1st. The vigil gives local people the opportunity to support the cause and remember those affected by HIV and AIDS. It will take place at 5.30pm outside Central Methodist Hall, Coventry city centre.

The vigil will include readings, a steel band, a choral tribute, a balloon release and will finish with a one minute silence. This event will be followed by a thanksgiving service in Central Methodist Hall which starts at 6.30pm. 

Al Green, Senior Health Practitioner for Terrence Higgins Trust in Coventry said: “We really hope that people in Coventry will get involved in World AIDS Day this year. Our vigil is about remembering everyone affected by HIV. Everyone can do their part whether it’s by attending a fundraising event, donating to the cause, or even by wearing a red ribbon to raise awareness.“

Al adds: “HIV and AIDS have been around for 25 years now, thankfully the treatments available today have made a big difference to the quality of life of people who are living with HIV. However, living with HIV can still be made more difficult because of the stigma and discrimination that some people face.”

Terrence Higgins Trust is also asking people in Coventry to wear a red ribbon to show their support for people living with HIV on World AIDS Day.  Staff and volunteers will be distributing red ribbons from the Central Methodist Hall, Warwick Lane, Coventry on December 1.

Other events in Coventry on World AIDS Day include:

• Saturday 1st December, 2.30pm - 5.30pm - Information stalls and displays
  Central Methodist Hall, Warwick Lane, Coventry, CV1 2HA
  Come and “release your feelings” about HIV by writing a message to be put into a balloon, learn about how children in Africa are affected by HIV, and what THT does locally to support and educate people around HIV.
  
• 7.30pm - 9.30pm – A performance of “Brahms Requiem” by ensemble 1685
  Warwick Road United Reform Church, Warwick Row, Coventry
  Admission: free, with donations made to Terrence Higgins Trust.
  A unique performance of Brahms Requiem, a meditative classical piece, intertwined with readings and thoughts about how HIV affects us all individually and as a society.
  
• From 8.00pm – 25 years “Silver Jubilee” fundraising event
  Rainbows, Short Street, Coventry
  Come and support THT with their 25th anniversary fancy dress party. There’s a star prize raffle, guest DJ’s, a themed drag show and a prize for best dressed. The event aims to raise awareness of HIV and reduce stigma, whilst raising money for Terrence Higgins Trust

For further information World AIDS Day activities in Coventry, please contact Terrence Higgins Trust in Coventry on 02476 229292.

Notes to Editors

1. 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 ill health.