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 HIV and AIDS. In the UK alone, over 80,000 people are living with HIV and over 7,000 are diagnosed every year.
The following events are taking place in Wolverhampton for World AIDS Day:

• Saturday 28 November (11.00am - 3.00pm): Awareness Drive, The Mander Centre
  THT staff and volunteers will be out in force at the Mander Centre all day, raising awareness of HIV, asking for donations and giving out red ribbons. They will also be promoting THT’s weekly ‘Fastest’ HIV testing clinic, which takes place Wednesday evenings from 6.00pm - 8.00pm and offers results within one hour.

• Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 November (various times): African Church Crawl
  African churches across Wolverhampton will welcome THT staff to their weekend services, for short talks on the importance of World AIDS Day. African communities remain one of the groups worst-affected by HIV in the UK, so THT will be taking this opportunity to remind churchgoers of the testing and support services on offer locally.

• Tuesday 1 December (from 6.00pm): World AIDS Day Vigil, Lighthouse Media Centre
  All are welcome at Wolverhampton’s Lighthouse Media Centre (The Chubb Building, Fryer Street) for an evening of reflection and hope, both to remember those we have lost to AIDS and to support those living with HIV today. The event will include speeches from local people affected by HIV, and refreshments.

Tom Greenwood, Centre Manager for THT in Wolverhampton, said “World AIDS Day is one of the most important events in THT’s calendar. Currently in the UK one in four people with HIV don't know they have it, so it's vital that we continue to raise awareness. We hope local people will get involved in some way, either by attending an event, making a donation, or just wearing a red ribbon."

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.

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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