Gloucestershire AIDS Trust (GAT) and national HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) have finalised their merger today, World AIDS Day.  GAT is the largest HIV organization providing support and care to people living with HIV in Gloucestershire.  The move will strengthen the social care and health promotion services provided in the area.

Mike Dey, Chairman of GAT said, “Terrence Higgins Trust has almost 25 years experience of providing HIV and sexual health services.  Combining that with our local expertise means the merger is a really positive step towards strengthening our work in Gloucestershire.  All the existing services will continue to operate and those who use them will find it’s business as usual.”

Jackie Redding, Associate Director of Service Delivery and Development at Terrence Higgins Trust said “We’re delighted that the Gloucestershire AIDS Trust has decided to merge with us.  Their support services, information services and sexual health promotion work is highly valued in the local community.  Over the next few months we’ll be getting feedback from people who use these services to see how they’d like them to be developed in future.”
 
Following the merger Gloucestershire AIDS Trust will become part of Terrence Higgins Trust. The merged organisation will operate from the same premises as before (primarily Wellesley House, 7 Clarence parade, Cheltenham, GL50 3NY although there is a presence in Gloucester).  The telephone number will also remain the same - 01242 221 800.
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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 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.