Richard Graham, Conservative MP for Gloucester, will be visiting HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) on Friday 30 July at 11.00am. The centre provides a dedicated range of sexual health services, including one-hour HIV testing, one to one counselling, and support groups for people living with HIV.

During his visit, Richard Graham will meet local service users and staff at the centre and find out first hand about the issues people in the city are facing regarding sexual health. 

Figures show that in 2008, 2,580 people were accessing treatment for HIV in the South West. This is a 10% increase from the previous year. In addition, one in four people who have HIV in the region remain undiagnosed, so have HIV without knowing it. With health services nationwide under threat from government cuts, it’s crucial that MPs are aware of local issues, including whether current sexual health services meet people’s needs.

Steve Jones, Regional Manager for Terrence Higgins in the South West, said: “We’re so pleased local politicians are taking an interest in THT’s work and helping us to raise awareness of issues related to sexual health. HIV is the fastest growing serious long term health condition in the UK, so it’s especially vital during this period of cuts in government spending that screening programmes, support services and other sexual health services in the city are given the priority they deserve.”

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Notes to Editor

1. Figures taken from the Health Protection Agency; ‘Accessing Care South West: 2008 Report’. http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1221482344729
2. 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