HIV charity urges Bedford to Stand Up and Stand Out for World AIDS Day
HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust is calling on the people of Bedford to stand up against HIV-related stigma this World AIDS Day (1st December). To mark the occasion, the charity will be out in force promoting its Stand Up, Stand Out campaign. The campaign aims to raise funds for people living with HIV and banish the stigma that still exists around the condition today.
There are now around 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK – more than ever before. World AIDS Day is an international event that has been running since 1988 and is dedicated to raising awareness of HIV and AIDS.
On the day, the charity will be celebrating by putting on a special Bollywood dance performance in Church Square, Bedford, between 1pm and 3.30pm. The performers will be dancing in special T-shirts carrying the charity’s Think HIV campaign message, which aims to encourage more people to test for HIV. Terrence Higgins Trust staff and volunteers will be out on the streets alongside the dancers, raising awareness by distributing leaflets and information.
People can also organise their own red themed event or sell red ribbons to raise funds to support people living with HIV. Visit www.tht.org.uk/worldaidsday for more information and fundraising ideas, to order your free box of red ribbons or to make a donation online.
Adam Wilkinson, Regional Manager for Terrence Higgins Trust in the East, said: “A third of people with HIV in the UK say they have experienced discrimination because of their condition – this is something that urgently needs to change. By joining our Stand Up, Stand Out campaign this year, the people of Bedford have a chance to help us banish HIV-related stigma for good. There are so many ways to take part, from joining in one of our events, to planning your own activities, to simply making a donation or wearing a red ribbon to show your support.
“The funds we raise this World AIDS Day will help people with HIV access the support and services they need.”
For more information on World AIDS Day events in Bedford, please contact Alice Dzapasi-Dabbs on (01234) 761080 or email alice.dzapasi-dabbs@tht.org.uk.