HIV charity urges the Wirral 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 the Wirral 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 locally this World AIDS Day and is asking local people to get involved in the following ways:
Tuesday 27th December – throughout the day
Birkenhead Sixth Form College
People living with HIV will be running three information sessions for students at Birkenhead Sixth Form College. Terrence Higgins Trust staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions young people have on sexual health throughout the day. The team will also be raising awareness and funds, and handing out free condoms and red ribbons.
Wednesday 28th November – 10am to 4pm
NHS Market Stall, Birkenhead Market, Claughton Road, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH41 2YH
Terrence Higgins Trust staff from the Birkenhead office will be at the NHS Healthy Lifestyle Stall in Birkenhead Market, raising awareness around World AIDS Day, and offering information and advice regarding sexual health and HIV. The team will also be selling red ribbons and collecting donations to support people living with HIV locally.
Thursday 29th November – throughout the day
Oldershaw Academy
Oldershaw Academy students will be raising awareness of HIV and selling red ribbons to raise funds for Terrence Higgins Trust. The students will also be taking part in the Red Ribbon Challenge in partnership with Wirral Youth and Play Service. The challenge will see the students create a giant human red ribbon. Staff from Terrence Higgins Trust will support the event.
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.
Jane Morel, Regional Manager for Terrence Higgins Trust in the North 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 the Wirral 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 Birkenhead please contact Emma Richards on (0151) 666 9890 or email Emma.Richards@tht.org.uk.