HIV charity urges Swindon 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 Swindon 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, Terrence Higgins Trust staff and volunteers will be in Swindon city centre collecting donations for the charity. The team will also be encouraging as many people locally as possible to wear the red ribbon and raise awareness of HIV and sexual health. 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 Swindon 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 call (01452) 223 060 or email info.gloucestershire@tht.org.uk.