HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is calling for people in Bristol 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 in Bristol for World AIDS Day:

• Candlelit Vigil – Friday 30th November
  An evening vigil for anyone affected by HIV and AIDS will be held at Terrence Higgins Trust in Bristol from 4pm-6.30pm. This will be a quiet space to remember those who have died with AIDS as well as celebrating the lives of those living with HIV. The remembrance book will be available for all to view and add to.  Venue: Terrence Higgins Trust, 8-10 West Street, Old Market, Bristol BS2 0BH.
  
• Street Collection – Bristol – Saturday 1st December
  Terrence Higgins Trust volunteers, staff and service users will be braving the winter weather and taking to the streets across the city centre to fundraise for THT on World AIDS Day.
  
• World AIDS Day Celebration of Women – Bristol
  A day for local HIV positive women.  The day will celebrate the lives of women living with HIV as well as remembering those who are no longer with us. The day includes food and pampering with MAC make up artists volunteering their services. Terrence Higgins Trust, 8-10 West Street, Old Market, Bristol BS2 0BH (11.30am-4pm).

Simon Nelson, from Terrence Higgins Trust in Bristol 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.”   

If you’d like further information on any of the World AIDS Day events going on in Bristol, please contact Terrence Higgins Trust on 0117 955 1000

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.