HIV charity urges Shropshire to Stand Up and Stand Out for World AIDS Day
Wednesday 21 November 2012
HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust is calling on the people of Shropshire 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 Shropshire this World AIDS Day and is asking local people to get involved in the following ways:
Saturday 1st December – 8.30am to 5pm
Telford Shopping Centre, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4BX
Terrence Higgins Trust staff and volunteers will be running a World AIDS Day information stall throughout the day in Telford Shopping Centre. Passers by will have the opportunity to get their World AIDS Day red ribbon, make a donation to Terrence Higgins Trust, get advice or ask any questions they may have about HIV and sexual health.
Saturday 1st December – 2pm to 5pm
Shrewsbury Square, Shrewsbury Town Centre, Shropshire, SY1 2NA
Terrence Higgins Trust staff and volunteers will be running a World AIDS Day information stall throughout the day in Shrewsbury Square. Passers by will have the opportunity to get their World AIDS Day red ribbon, make a donation to Terrence Higgins Trust, get advice or ask any questions they may have about HIV and sexual health.
Saturday 1st December – 8.30am to 4pm
Sainsbury’s, Meole Brace, Hereford Road, Shrewsbury, SY3 9NB
Terrence Higgins Trust staff and volunteers will be in Sainsbury’s throughout the day collecting donations for the charity. The funds raised will help support people living with HIV in the UK.
Saturday 1st December – 5pm onwards
Meeting Point House, Southwater Square, Telford Town Centre, Telford, Shropshire TF3 4HS
There will be a candlelit vigil in Telford Town centre in remembrance of those who lost their lives to AIDS. Terrence Higgins Trust staff will among those lighting a candle to commemorate World AIDS Day.
Saturday 1st December – 5pm onwards
Shrewsbury Square, Shrewsbury Town Centre, Shropshire, SY1 2NA
There will be a candlelit vigil in Shrewsbury Town centre in remembrance of those who lost their lives to AIDS. Terrence Higgins Trust staff will among those lighting a candle to commemorate World AIDS Day.
Saturday 1st December – 10.30am – 5.30pm (special vigil at 5pm)
St. Lawrence’s Church, College Street, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1AN
St. Lawrence’s Church in Ludlow will have its doors open throughout World AIDS Day for anyone wishing to light a candle or reflect. People can also join a special vigil, which will be held at 5pm to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS. There will be a display from Terrence Higgins Trust and those attending will have the opportunity to make a donation to the charity. (There will also be a small service of reflection at St. Mary Magdalene church in Ashford Carbonell at 12pm.)
Sunday 2nd December – 9pm onwards
Three Furnaces, 30 Bridgnorth Road, Madeley, Telford, Shropshire, TF7 4JB
The Three Furnaces Inn will be holding a Red Ribbon Event to mark World AIDS Day. There will be a period of remembrance, followed by a drag show hosted by Lady Jane. All funds raised at the event will come to Terrence Higgins Trust.
Saturday 8th December – 10am to 2pm
Ludlow Town Centre, Ludlow, SY8 1AQ
Terrence Higgins Trust staff and volunteers will be in Ludlow Town 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.
Mick Mason, Regional Manager for Terrence Higgins Trust in the Midlands, 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 Shropshire 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 Shropshire please contact the Telford office on info.shropshire@tht.org.uk or call (01952) 221410.