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, around 85,000 people are living with HIV and over 6,500 are diagnosed every year.
The following events are taking place in Wolverhampton for World AIDS Day:

• Saturday 27 November (10.00am – 2.00pm): HIV Awareness Drive, Wulfrun Centre
  In the run up to World AIDS Day, THT staff and volunteers will have an information stand positioned in the Wulfrun Centre, raising awareness of HIV, giving out red ribbons and collecting donations.

• Saturday 27 November (7.00pm – late); Red Ribbon Buffet Night, Springvale Sports & Social Club, Millfields Road, WV14 0QR
  THT, Black Health Strategy Group, and African Women of Substance are hosting a fun night of music, theatre, information, and dancing, with a collection of dishes from countries around the world. Please contact Black Health Strategy Group on (01902) 444076 or THT in Wolverhampton on (01902) 711818 for a free invitation.

• Wednesday 1 December (1.00pm – 3.00pm): Community talk, Low Hill Resource Centre, Jenks Avenue WV10 9JN
  THT and the Low Hill Resource Centre will team up for a special discussion on the subject of HIV in the UK, including the most recent statistics on the epidemic and the experiences of members of the local community living with HIV.

• Wednesday 1 December (11.00am – 2.00pm); ‘Living With HIV/AIDS 2010’ Campus Event, University of Wolverhampton
  THT, The University of Wolverhampton, and Black Health Strategy Group are organising a World AIDS Day workshop for students on campus. ‘Living with HIV/AIDS 2010’ will explore what it means to live with HIV/AIDS almost 30 years after the beginnings of the epidemic.

Jane Morel, Regional Manager for THT in the Midlands, said: “THT’s message for World AIDS Day this year is ‘HIV is everyone’s business’. Currently in the UK, one in four people with HIV don't know they have it, and THT is committed to halving this rate within the next five years. To do this, 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.

Ends

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