HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) will be turning a number of local landmarks red to mark World Aids Day (December 1) and raise awareness of HIV. Hastings Castle and Eastbourne Clock tower will be glowing red to represent the red ribbon around World AIDS Day. Staff at Eastbourne Council and Council have pledged their support and will be wearing red to work on Monday Dec 1st

THT is calling for people in East Sussex to get involved in World AIDS Day 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 virus. In the UK alone, around 80,000 people are living with HIV and over 7,500 are diagnosed every year.

This is some of the following  events are taking place in East Sussex for World AIDS Day:

Eastbourne  

• Monday 1st December - Lighting of Eastbourne clock tower in red
  All week various buildings in Eastbourne will be lit up in red to mark World Aids Day

• Saturday 6th December - Street collection at Eastbourne Station
  Staff and volunteers from THT will be raising awareness of HIV, giving out red ribbons and asking for donations. 
   

Hastings

• Monday 1st December – Hastings Castle will be illuminated in red to represent WAD

• Sunday 30th November from 10am – 5pm - Information stall at Priory Meadows Shopping Centre, Hastings
  THT, the Youth Development Service and the local Sexual Health clinic will be giving out information on sexual health and HIV. Pick up red ribbons, make a donation or enquire about free condoms.  

• Sunday 30th November from 4pm – 2am - ‘’DISH’’ presents a World Aids Day Party at Marina Pavilion, Marina, St Leonard’s On Sea 
   A night of funky house, electro , ska , break beat and more. THT will also be there giving out information and advice. Tickets £15/£10/ (concessions )

• Monday 1st December from 9.30 am – 1.30 pm – One hour HIV testing at HVA 31a Priory street Hastings.
       This free and confidential service is open to anyone living in East Sussex.

Bexhill

• From Mon 25th November and throughout December De la Warr building will be lit up in red,  a Christmas tree donated by Rother District Council and  will be decorated by Terrence Higgins Trust 

Sue Peters from Terrence Higgins Trust in Eastbourne said “We're looking forward to seeing landmarks lit in red to raise awareness of HIV. 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 people can’t attend any of the local events we hope that they will get involved in some way, perhaps by donating to the cause or just wearing a red ribbon to raise awareness.”

THT is also working in partnership on the World AIDS Day Action Group 2008 with Hastings and Rother PCT, East Sussex Downs and Weald PCT, Local Sexual Health Clinics, Hastings Youth Development Service and the Local Councils to raise awareness of HIV

If you require any more information on any of these events please contact Tadgh Crozier at Terrence Higgins Trust on 01323 649927 or email info.eastbourne@tht.org.uk.

Ends