HIV charity urges Gloucestershire to Stand Up and Stand Out for World AIDS Day
HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust is calling on the people of Gloucestershire to stand up against HIV-related stigma this World AIDS Day (1st December). To mark the occasion, the charity is putting on a number of events as part of 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.
Terrence Higgins Trust has a number of events and activities planned in Gloucestershire this World AIDS Day and is asking local people to get involved in the following ways:
Saturday 1st December – 9pm until late
The Westgate, 56 Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2NF
The Westgate bar will be celebrating World AIDS Day by holding a special disco, hosted by local Drag Queens. Partygoers will have the chance to take part in a raffle in aid of Terrence Higgins Trust and there will be collections throughout the evening.
Saturday 1st December – 4pm to 6pm
The Westgate, 56 Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2NF
Local masseur Cathy Coughlan will be offering Shiatsu massages at The Westgate bar in the afternoon on World AIDS Day for £5 per 15 minute session. The funds will be donated to Terrence Higgins Trust. People can book appointments in advance by contacting Chris Marsh at The Westgate on (01452) 690 045.
Saturday 1st December – 11am to 4pm
Gloucester city centre
Terrence Higgins Trust staff and volunteers will be in Gloucester city centre throughout the day collecting donations for the charity. The funds raised will help support people living with HIV in the UK.
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.
Steve Jones, Regional Manager for Terrence Higgins Trust in the South West, 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 Gloucestershire 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 or Terrence Higgins Trust’s services in the area please contact Jonathan Bloxham on (01452) 223 060 or info.gloucestershire@tht.org.uk.