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

• Monday 30 November (7.00am - 9.00am): Street collection, Oxford train station
  Staff and volunteers from THT will be out in force during the morning rush hour at Oxford train station, raising awareness of HIV, giving out red ribbons and asking for donations.

• Monday 30 November (10.00am – 5.00pm): Awareness drive, The Clarendon Centre
  THT staff and volunteers will be out in force at the Clarendon 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 Thursday evenings from 6.00pm - 9.00pm and offers results within one hour.

• Tuesday 1 December (10.00am – 5.00pm): All-day ‘Fastest’ HIV testing
  THT’s Oxford centre (43 Pembroke Street) will be throwing open its doors all day, to offer free, confidential HIV testing to local people. The test involves a simple finger-prick blood test, with results available within one hour. Those who attend the clinic will be given information and advice before and after the test, and anyone who tests HIV positive will be fast tracked into a treatment centre. They will also be given information on the range of services available for people living with HIV, including counselling and peer support.

Joshua Hall, Centre Manager for THT in Oxford, 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 Oxford, please contact THT in Oxford on 01865 243 389.

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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