HIV charity urges South Wales to Stand Up and Stand Out for World AIDS Day
HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru is calling on people across South Wales 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 over 1,500 people living with HIV in Wales – 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 Cymru has a number of events and activities planned in South Wales this World AIDS Day, including:
Wednesday 28th November; 10.00am – 4.00pm
Pulse, 3 Churchill Way, Cardiff
Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru staff and volunteers will be on hand at club night KAPOW!, handing out free condoms and red ribbons, and collecting donations.
Thursday 29th November; 9.00pm – late
Reflex, 89 St Mary Street, Cardiff
The charity’s staff will attend this World AIDS Day event to hand out free condoms and provide information and advice on sexual health.
Friday 30th November; 10.00pm – 1.00am
Newport Information Drive; various locations
The charity will be raising awareness of HIV at Newport night-spots The Birdcage and The Loft. Staff and volunteers will offer information and advice about sexual health, hand out red ribbons and collect donations.
Saturday 1st December; 10.00am – 6.00pm
Charity collection; various locations
The charity will be out in force across the city centre on World AIDS Day, raising funds to support people living with HIV. There will be charity collections on Queen Street, Woking Street, and in St David’s Arcade.
Saturday 1st December; 7.30pm – 11.00pm
The Lock Up Bar, 88 Argyle Street, Swansea
The bar will be holding an evening of music and celebration to mark 30 years of Terrence Higgins Trust. The bar owners have kindly donated the venue for the evening, and entertainment will be provided by students from Bridgend College, who will be performing a medley of songs from the musical Rent. Tickets cost £5, and can be booked in advance by calling (01792) 477540, or purchased on the door.
Saturday 1st December; 10.00pm – 4.00am
The Loft, 7 West Market Street, Newport
The nightclub will hold a special World AIDS Day event, with funds coming to Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru. There will be a champagne reception, buffet, cabaret entertainment, and a raffle.
Saturday 1st December; 9.00pm – 3.00am
Bar Icon, 60 Charles Street, Cardiff
The bar will mark World AIDS Day with a Red Party, with crimson-coloured drinks and cupcakes. Proceeds come to Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru.
Saturday 1st December; 8.00pm – 4.00am
Wow Bar, 4 Churchill Way, Cardiff
Cabaret act The Wow Girls will host an exclusive World AIDS Day show to raise funds for Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru.
Saturday 1st December; 7.00pm – 4.00am
Pulse, 3 Churchill Way, Cardiff
Karaoke fundraiser hosted by Miss Fanny Dazzle. The hostess will be cutting a special ‘Thanks Terry’ cake to celebrate Terrence Higgins Trust’s 30th anniversary. Later on there will be a charity raffle with a prize of £50 in John Lewis vouchers.
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, National Director for Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru, said: “A third of people with HIV in Wales 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, people across South Wales 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 Cymru’s services in South Wales please contact Joshua Hall on (02920) 666465 or email joshua.hall@tht.org.uk.