Terrence Higgins Trust Gets Bristol Involved In World AIDS Day

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Article Date: 20 Nov 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is calling for people in Bristol 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 Bristol for World AIDS Day:

- From Monday 31 November: Flying the flag for World AIDS Day
Bristol City Council and THT will mark World AIDS Day by raising a special flag above the Council House for one week from 31 November. The flag shows a red ribbon against a white background, and is intended to raise awareness of the tens of thousands of people who are still living with HIV in the UK.

- Tuesday 1 December (8.00am - 6.00pm): street collections across Bristol
Staff and volunteers from THT will be out in force across the city to raise awareness of HIV, giving out red ribbons and asking for donations. Locations include the City Centre, Broadmead, Clifton Village and Gloucester Road.

- Tuesday 1 December (6.00pm - 9.30pm): An Evening of Remembrance and Celebration
THT will be holding a special candle-lit vigil at the Unitarian Meeting Place, Brunswick Square, to remember those that have died and to celebrate the lives of those with HIV today. The event is open to all, and will feature and readings from guest speakers, as well as a film clip showing what it's like to live with HIV in Bristol today.

- Multiple dates: Raising Awareness in Schools
In the weeks around World AIDS Day, THT will be promoting its HIV Awareness training which is available to all schools and colleges across Bristol, North Somerset, B&NES and South Gloucestershire. This training is part-delivered by people living with HIV and is offered throughout the year. Further information and a booking form can be obtained from the Bristol office.

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

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