HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) has just been approved to offer a new City & Guilds course in understanding HIV and AIDS. The course was developed as a partnership between THT and City & Guilds and it is the first of its kind.  Courses will be run at locations across the UK.

The qualification is designed for people interested in HIV and AIDS or working in a role where knowledge of the issue would be beneficial to their work. It’s ideal for people who work in a variety of roles including nurses, GP reception staff, voluntary workers, probation officers, police officers, teachers, social services staff, staff in drug support services and residential care services as well as interested individuals.

Joanna Hurren Head of Function at City & Guilds said “The course could help to open the door to a career in the HIV sector, or could help to support a person’s career development if already working in a role where it’s beneficial to be aware of the issues relating to HIV and AIDS. We’re very pleased to have given THT the official accreditation they need to run this course. HIV is a complex issue and it makes sense to have the experts delivering the qualification”

This distance learning based course is structured into three units with 20 hours of study time for each unit. Areas of study include:

• Transmission and prevention of HIV
• Stigma and discrimination in HIV and AIDS
• Managing HIV and AIDS

Jackie Redding, Director of Social Care and Service Development for THT said: “We’re delighted to be running this course. It aims not only to raise awareness of HIV but also to reduce the stigma that still exists.  I’d encourage anyone interested to get in touch and find out more.”

The dates of the first course are to be confirmed, but to sign up or get further information visit www.cityandguilds.com/healthandsocialcare  or contact Justin Barrett on 020 7812 1727 or email hivvrq@tht.org.uk

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Notes for editors:

• Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s largest 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

• City & Guilds is the expert and leading authority in vocational education and training - both in the UK and beyond. In operation for the last 130 years, City & Guilds is the UK’s leading awarding body for work-related qualifications. Twenty million people in the UK have City & Guilds qualifications, and the organisation awards a further 1.5 million qualifications to learners every year.