From January 27, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) will be running a new three month City & Guilds course in understanding HIV and AIDS. The distance learning based course is structured into three units with two face to face study days held in central Manchester and 20 hours of study time for each unit.

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. Alternatively, it could help to support a person’s career development if they are already working in a role where it’s beneficial to be aware of the issues relating to HIV and AIDS.”

Areas of study on the course 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 in Manchester. 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.”

To sign up for the course or get further information visit www.tht.org.uk/cityandguilds 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.