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

• Friday 28 November – Monday 1 December throughout the day and night - ‘HIV is Everyone’s Business’ campaign comes to Swansea
  From Friday 28 November to Monday 1 December, five information screens across Swansea city centre will run a THT campaign to raise awareness of the issues surrounding HIV and sexual health generally. The campaign aims to provide easy to understand information on what HIV is and how to prevent it, with the message ‘HIV is Everyone’s Business’. Screens will be located at The Kingsway, Oxford Street and next to the Quadrant Bus Station.

• Tuesday 25 November from 9.00am – 12.00pm – Youth Work and World AIDS Day Training Session, Info-Nation
  THT staff will host a special session at Info-Nation (47 The Kingsway), aimed at providing people working with young people across the city and county of Swansea with basic HIV awareness and information on sexual health services in the area. THT will then operate an information stand at the centre on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November, and Monday 1 December.

• Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November from 8.00pm – late – Fundraisers at Oceana and Lava Lounge
  Staff and volunteers from THT and Swansea Social Services will be visiting Swansea night-spots Oceana and Lava Lounge, offering clubbers information on safer sex and how they can help support HIV services.

• Sunday 30 November from 8.00pm - late – Cabaret Fundraiser, Champers
  Gay venue Champers (210 High Street) will hold a not to be missed evening of music and cabaret from an exciting line up of local performers. Proceeds from this event will go to THT.

• Monday 1 December from 8.00am – 6.00pm – City Centre Fundraiser
  Staff and volunteers from THT and Swansea Social Services will be out in force in Swansea city centre, raising awareness of HIV, giving out red ribbons and asking for donations. There will be a dedicated information point at Oxford Street, complete with a wide range of resources on World AIDS Day and safer sex.

Marika Williamson, from Terrence Higgins Trust in Swansea, 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 Swansea, please contact the THT Cymru Swansea office on 01792 477 540

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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