Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching a new campaign to reduce levels of undiagnosed HIV by encouraging gay men, and particularly younger gay men, to start regularly attending sexual health clinics. The campaign will use a stand-alone website (www.betterclinics.co.uk), media adverts, posters, condom packs and pin badges to dispel some of the myths about clinics and what the testing process involves.

Despite being one of the groups most at-risk of HIV and other sexually transitted infections (STIs) in the UK, 38% of gay men have never had a sexual health screening. Factors dissuading men from accessing clinics include the time it takes, fears over confidentiality, concerns over poor treatment by staff, worries about being recognised, and confusion over paying for tests and treatment. Yet research shows that, once they have used a clinic, most gay men are satisfied with the service they receive and return for testing in the future.

The campaign’s key messages include:

• 9 out of 10 gay men who’ve used a sexual health clinic would recommend it.
• Sexual health clinics keep your details confidential. They aren’t shared with anyone, including your GP.
• You can use any clinic in the UK, not just the nearest one.
• Tests and treatments are free for everyone – no matter how long you’ve lived in Britain.
• You don’t need your doctor to send you to a clinic, but you can go with a friend.
• If you have symptoms, say so; you should be seen sooner.

Marc Thompson, Deputy Head of Health Promotion at THT, said: “There’s still a lot of misinformation out there about what going for a sexual health check-up entails; I think we’ve all heard the myth about the metal umbrella!

“With this new campaign, we’re telling gay men that clinics have moved on. Going for a check-up is now easier and more convenient than ever before. Clinics are free and confidential, you can use any one you want without your doctor knowing and take a friend for support. Once you’ve gone the first time, you’ll wonder what you were worried about, so if you’ve never been tested – or are overdue a test – you should start thinking about making an appointment.”

The Health Protection Agency estimates that, in the UK, up to 10,000 gay men have HIV without knowing. For information on their nearest sexual health clinic, men should call THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200, or visit www.betterclinics.co.uk.

Better Clinics is a CHAPS campaign, funded by the Department of Health. CHAPS is a partnership of community-based organisations, co-ordinated by Terrence Higgins Trust, which carry out HIV health promotion work with gay men in England and Wales.

Ends

Notes to Editor

1. 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
2. The following are partner organisations in the CHAPS campaign: Terrence Higgins Trust, The Armistead Project, The Eddystone Trust, LGF, GMFA, Yorkshire MESMAC, Sigma Research, Centre for HIV and Sexual Health, and Trade.