HIV charity urges Surrey to Stand Up and Stand Out for World AIDS Day
Thursday 22 November 2012
HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust is calling on the people of Surrey 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 Surrey this World AIDS Day and is asking local people to get involved in the following ways:
Friday 30th November – 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Holy Trinity Church, High Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3JH
There will be a special World AIDS Day commemoration service for people from all religious denominations wishing to reflect or remember those who lost their lives to AIDS. The evening will feature songs and time for reflection, as well as mince pies and mulled wine. Terrence Higgins Trust staff will be attending the service, which is open to anyone locally.
Saturday 1st December – 8pm to midnight
The Prince Albert, 1 Outwood Lane, Bletchingley, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 4LR
The Prince Albert will be celebrating World AIDS Day by holding a special ‘Red Party’, hosted by drag artist Pandora Box. The red-themed party will feature crimson cocktails and food. Partygoers are encouraged to wear red for the event. Entry is free and there will be collections for Terrence Higgins Trust throughout the evening.
Saturday 1st December – 10am to 2pm
Peacocks Shopping Centre, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6GQ
Terrence Higgins Trust staff and volunteers will be in the Peacocks Shopping Centre on World AIDS Day collecting donations for Terrence Higgins Trust. 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.
Sue Peters, Regional Manager for Terrence Higgins Trust in the South, 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 Surrey 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 Surrey area please contact Geoff Cook on (01483) 263 160, or email Geoff.Cook@tht.org.uk.