HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) will be launching a new City & Guilds course in understanding HIV and AIDS in London.

The qualification, a Level 2 Award in Understanding HIV and AIDS VRQ, is designed for people who are 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 as GPs, nurses, GP reception staff, voluntary workers, probation officers, police officers, teachers, social services staff, staff in drug support services and residential care services, amongst many others working in health and social care, as well as interested individuals.

Following an initial pilot in London last year, the course has already run successfully in Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham and is launching again in London from 17 June, accredited through the UK’s leading vocational education provider, City & Guilds. Areas of study on the course include:

• Transmission and prevention of HIV
• Stigma and discrimination in HIV and AIDS
• Managing HIV and AIDS

Joanna Hurren, Head of Function at City & Guilds, said: “This course is invaluable for anyone wanting to enter a career in the HIV sector. It is also the ideal career development support for someone already working in a role where they need to be aware of issues relating to HIV and AIDS.”

Jackie Redding, Director of Social Care and Service Development for THT said: “We’re delighted to be running this course in Birmingham. It raises vital awareness of HIV and gives individuals the knowledge and skills to support individuals affected and tackle the stigma that still sadly exists. I’d encourage anyone interested to get in touch and find out more.”

The distance learning course is structured into three units, with two face to face study days held in central London and 44 hours of study time for all units. The course costs £350 + VAT for private sector workers and £250 + VAT for public sector workers.

Students who have completed the course said:
“The course is a must do for all working in social care or sexual education, no-matter the level.”
“I would recommend the course to anyone non-medically trained working, or hoping to work, in the field of HIV.”

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:

1. 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.
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