HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is to launch a free course in Gloucestershire to help local people living with HIV learn new skills and better manage their condition. Beginning on Monday 7th March at THT’s centre in Gloucester, ‘Turning Points’ consists of four modules that each take four weeks to complete. It will provide information and support to people living with HIV through a series of sessions delivered by fully accredited tutors.

The course has been developed and is being delivered in partnership with the Adult Education team at Gloucestershire County Council. Modules will cover various issues encountered by people living with HIV, including:

• Turning Mechanisms will boost confidence and further communication skills in social situations, including how and when to disclose HIV status to others.
• Taste What You Eat is a chance to improve cookery skills with practical sessions, demonstrating how to make healthy, nutritious meals. Ingredients will be provided.
• The Road Ahead looks to the future, setting long term plans and goals, and also how to tackle any obstacles that may arise.
• Looking Out For Yourself will look at ways people can protect themselves in situations where they feel threatened or at risk. This will include how to cope with stigma and discrimination.

Steve Jones, Regional Manager for THT in the South West, said: “Getting diagnosed with HIV can be stressful and confusing. We hope ‘Turning Points’ will give local people with HIV the knowledge and support they need to cope with their diagnosis and plan for the future. If you’re living with HIV in Gloucestershire, and you feel this course may benefit you, or even just to meet people in a similar situation, please give us a call.”

HIV remains the UK’s fastest growing serious health condition. The most recent figures from the Health Protection Agency show that, in 2009, 2,804 people were living with HIV in the South West region, an increase of 9% on the previous year.

The course will take place at Terrence Higgins Trust, 3 Pitt Street, Gloucester GL1 2BH from Monday 7th March. For further information, or to book a place, please call (01452) 223060, or email jonathan.bloxham@tht.org.uk.

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Notes to editors

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.