To mark Sexual Health Week 2009 (14-20 September), HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) will be taking to the streets of Shropshire to encourage local people to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). As well as handing out condoms and safer sex information at locations across Telford and Shrewsbury, THT staff and volunteers will also be inviting local young people to take a test for the STI chlamydia.

During testing, a urine sample for the infection can be taken in the nearest public toilet. Samples will then be posted off to the lab, with the results available within a week. For those who test positive, THT will provide antibiotics to treat the infection free of charge.

In 2007, those in the 16-24 age bracket accounted for nearly half of all STIs in the UK, and approximately one in twelve under 25s in the UK has undiagnosed chlamydia. Part of the reason chlamydia is so widespread is that most people with the infection have no symptoms, and it only takes one sexual encounter to pass it on. If left untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health problems, including infertility.

The THT sexual health stall will tour the following locations:

- Tuesday 15th September - Telford Shopping Centre, Telford
- Thursday 17th September - Shrewsbury College, Shrewsbury
- Friday 18th September - Charles Darwin Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury

Jane Morel, Regional Manager for THT in the Midlands, said: “Many young people feel nervous about taking an STI test, but they needn’t. Most modern tests are quick and non-invasive; after they’ve done it once, people often wonder what they were so worried about. We hope that, by actually getting out onto the streets and showing young people how easy it is, they’ll be encouraged to test for STIs year after year.”

Source
Terrence Higgins Trust

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching a free guide for African communities in the UK, stressing the importance of regular testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The guide, called ‘Be Wise’, has been funded by the Pan-London HIV Prevention Programme to tackle high rates of HIV among Africans.

In the UK, African communities are the group at highest risk of contracting HIV; the most recent figures from 2007 show Black Africans represented around 40% of all new HIV diagnoses. The ‘Be Wise’ guide will be an important resource for these communities, ensuring Africans are equipped with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves from HIV and STIs.

The free guide takes readers through the entire testing process step by step, first explaining why it’s important to be regularly tested, before describing what the tests actually involve and where they are available from, as well as busting some of the myths that surround sexual health clinics.

Marc Thompson, Deputy Head of Health Promotion at THT, says: “There are so many myths about what actually goes on at sexual health clinics, some of which may discourage people from coming forward for testing. For example, some people may not realise that testing is usually free, anonymous, and most clinics will see you without an appointment.

“It’s important that the ‘Be Wise’ guide doesn’t just help Africans understand how the testing process works but also why they should be testing regularly. The HIV epidemic is having a significant effect on the UK’s African communities today, so it’s vital we make sure people have all the information they need to protect themselves.”

The ‘Be Wise’ guide is available free of charge from African community organisations, sexual health clinics and Terrence Higgins Trust service centres in London.

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Terrence Higgins Trust

HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is calling for people in Sandwell to get involved in World AIDS Day (December 1) this year, either by attending an event, making a donation to support local HIV services, or wearing a red ribbon to raise awareness.

World AIDS Day, which has been running every December since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of HIV and AIDS. In the UK alone, over 80,000 people are living with HIV and over 7,000 are diagnosed every year.

The following events are taking place in Sandwell for World AIDS Day this year:

- Saturday 21 November (3.00pm - 6.00pm): Open forum on HIV for English-speaking Africans
At THT’s Sandwell centre (290-292 High Street), there will be a special session for English-speaking Africans living locally, providing basic facts about how people can protect themselves from HIV, answering questions, and giving general information on World AIDS Day.

- Friday 27 November (3.00pm - 6.00pm): Open forum on HIV for French-speaking Africans
At THT’s Sandwell centre (290-292 High Street), there will be a special session for French-speaking Africans living locally, providing basic facts about how people can protect themselves from HIV, answering questions, and giving general information on World AIDS Day.

- Tuesday 1 December (10.00am - 4.00pm): Awareness drive, West Bromwich high street
Staff and volunteers from THT will be out in force on West Bromwich High Street, raising awareness of HIV, providing information on safer sex and giving out red ribbons.
Jane Morel, Regional Manager for THT in the West Midlands, said: “World AIDS Day is one of the most important events in THT’s calendar. Currently in the UK one in four people with HIV don’t know they have it, so it’s vital that we continue to raise awareness. We hope local people will get involved in some way, either by attending an event, making a donation, or just wearing a red ribbon.”

Source
Terrence Higgins Trust

HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is calling for people in Swindon to get involved in World AIDS Day (December 1) this year, either by attending an event, making a donation to support local HIV services, or wearing a red ribbon to raise awareness.

World AIDS Day, which has been running every December since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of HIV and AIDS. In the UK alone, over 80,000 people are living with HIV and over 7,000 are diagnosed every year.

Steve Jones, Regional Manager for THT in the South West, said: “World AIDS Day is one of the most important events in THT’s calendar. Currently in the UK one in four people with HIV don’t know they have it, so it’s vital that we continue to raise awareness. We hope local people will get involved in some way, either by attending an event, making a donation, or just wearing a red ribbon.”

Source
Terrence Higgins Trust