HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is calling for people in Wolverhampton 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 condition. In the UK alone, around 80,000 people are living with HIV and over 7,500 are diagnosed every year.

The following events are taking place in Wolverhampton for World AIDS Day:

• Friday 28 November from 9.00pm – late – Awareness Drive, The Greyhound
  THT will team up with local pub The Greyhound (14 Bond Street) for an event to raise awareness of HIV and how to prevent it. A range of information resources will be on offer throughout the evening.

• Saturday 29 November from 10.00am – 4.00pm – Awareness Drive, The Mander Centre
  THT staff and volunteers will be out in force at the Mander Centre all day, raising awareness of HIV, giving out red ribbons and asking for donations.

• Sunday 30 November throughout the day – African Church Crawl
  African churches across Wolverhampton will welcome THT staff to their Sunday services, for short talks on the importance of World AIDS Day within the African community.

• Monday 1 December from 11.00am – 12.00pm – World AIDS Day Coffee Morning
  All are welcome at Wolverhampton YMCA (29-31 Temple Street) for an informal event organised by THT to remember those we have lost to AIDS and to support those living with HIV today. Refreshments will be provided.

Tom Greenwood, from Terrence Higgins Trust in Wolverhampton, said “World AIDS Day is one of the most important events in THT’s calendar. HIV has been around for over 25 years and is now the UK’s fastest growing long term health condition. We very much 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 Wolverhampton, please contact THT in Wolverhampton on 01902 711818.

Ends

Notes to Editor

1. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all.  Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk