Terrence Higgins Trust

“So many people could benefit from PrEP which is why I’m committed to educating others about it – because you can’t access something you don’t know about!”   We’re delighted to have Linda Egwuekwe involved in our Starts With Me campaign. Here’s Linda on the benefits of HIV testing and PrEP for The Voice Newspaper.   “Growing up, I’m ashamed to admit I believed all of the rumours I had heard about HIV. My perspective completely changed one year when I was offered an HIV test by someone who was promoting National HIV Testing Week in a supermarket. She told me that everything I’d heard about HIV wasn’t true and that actually, you can live a long, healthy life with HIV. I was amazed to find out that if people living with HIV take their treatment as prescribed, they can’t pass it on to their partners. I said yes to being tested, which took them by surprise. She explained that every single person she asked, apart from me, had said no to an HIV test. I couldn’t believe that no one else in that supermarket was interested in taking an HIV test. Our health is not a place that we can afford to be ignorant – our community will test for other viruses and illnesses, but the fear around HIV stops many from taking a test. There are now more ways than ever to prevent HIV. I am amazed to hear about PrEP, a pill taken by HIV negative people to protect against HIV. It’s free from most sexual health clinics in the UK – you should check with your local service to find out which of your local clinics provide it. PrEP is almost 100% effective when taken as prescribed – once the drug is in the body, it blocks the virus and stops HIV from being passed on. It’s important to know that PrEP does not affect your ability to get pregnant. Not enough conversations are being had about HIV and the benefits of PrEP – I hope the It Starts With Me campaign starts them. I’ve had mixed reactions from my loved ones about being involved in an HIV campaign – a friend asked me if I’m worried that people will think I have HIV. I explained to her that HIV is just like any other health condition, but this in itself shows that there is so much more work to do to make sure people know the truth about HIV.” Visit startswithme.org.uk to find out more info.

We're hiring a Volunteer Coordinator Cymru! The successful candidate will co-ordinate the recruitment, training and supervision of volunteers based in Wales in a wide range of roles. This closes 16 September — find out more and apply.

The latest information on mpox. We are closely monitoring the outbreak of a new variant of mpox that has emerged in Central and East Africa. Our thoughts are with those affected and we affirm that globally, resources and vaccines should be prioritised for the affected region. Our THT Direct helpline is available for people who have questions. People with symptoms or who have recently visited the countries affected by the current outbreak and/or have had contact with people from the affected area can call NHS 111 or our helpline. Read our blog post on the facts about mpox and FAQs.

The government has announced progress on the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, confirming that victims will begin receiving compensation before the end of the year. Victims will also be entitled to financial support for life. Announcing the updated compensation scheme, the government said there would also be additional payments for victims of the scandal who were subjected to "unethical research”. Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "We welcome the speed at which the new government has made progress on delivering more details on Infected Blood Compensation. The retention of the Infected Blood Support Schemes for life will be a relief to those who were infected and the widows of those who have sadly died as a result of this scandal. I am relieved that the government has committed to the recommendations made on legal support by Sir Robert Francis KC, the Interim Chair of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority. This will give victims the support they need to make informed choices. For a group of people who were misled for decades over their treatment. this is vitally important. The government faces a challenge not just to deliver compensation at speed but also to get the details of the compensation package right. At Terrence Higgins Trust we will keep pushing so that no-one infected or affected with HIV because of this scandal is left behind."

We're hiring an Online Peer Co-ordinator Cymru! The successful candidate will play a vital role in tackling health inequalities in marginalised communities, driving down prejudice and discrimination. They will be a confident communicator, welcoming people to a range of peer support services including our “My Community” digital platform, and engaging online and in person events for people living with HIV across Wales. The post holder will also be understanding of the needs of new and existing service users, and help them to access the services and events which can best support them, supporting them to feel confident, improve their health and wellbeing, and reduce social isolation and loneliness They will also be integral to building relationships with clinics and community organisations across Wales to ensure people living with HIV are aware, and can access, our services. Mae gan Terrence Higgins Trust gyfle cyffrous i ymuno â'n tîm Byw'n Dda, gan helpu i sicrhau bod pobl sy'n byw gyda HIV yng Nghymru yn cael y cymorth sydd ei angen arnynt. Bydd deiliad y swydd yn gyfathrebwr hyderus, yn croesawu pobl i amrywiaeth o wasanaethau cymorth gan gymheiriaid gan gynnwys ein platfform digidol “Fy Nghymuned”, grwpiau cymorth cymheiriaid rheolaidd a digwyddiadau ymgysylltu ar-lein ac yn bersonol ar gyfer pobl sy'n byw gyda HIV ledled Cymru. Byddant yn deall anghenion defnyddwyr gwasanaeth newydd a phresennol, ac yn eu helpu i gael mynediad at y gwasanaethau a'r digwyddiadau a all eu cefnogi orau, gan eu cefnogi i deimlo'n hyderus, gwella eu hiechyd a'u lles, a lleihau arwahanrwydd cymdeithasol ac unigrwydd. Bydd deiliad y swydd hefyd yn rhan annatod o feithrin perthynas â chlinigau a sefydliadau cymunedol ledled Cymru i sicrhau bod pobl sy'n byw gyda HIV yn ymwybodol o'n gwasanaethau, ac yn gallu cael mynediad iddynt. This role closes 28 August — find out more and apply ➡ https://lnkd.in/eYh9fq-X

Terrence Higgins Trust is deeply shocked and saddened by the recent wave of violence and civil unrest across the UK, driven by racist and xenophobic ideologies. We condemn these acts of hate unequivocally and stand in solidarity with all communities affected, particularly migrants, and those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds. These riots are not isolated incidents but are fuelled by deep-seated racism, Islamophobia, and a broader intolerance that seeks to divide our society. Places of worship, community centres, and individuals who contribute so much to our society have been attacked, leaving many feeling unsafe in their own neighbourhoods. We recognise that our response has taken longer than it should have, and we apologise for this delay. We are fully committed to supporting our staff, volunteers, service users, and the wider communities we serve. The unrest has impacted the work of the charity, with some staff choosing to stay at home and a noticeable reduction in attendance at our outreach services. We fully support our staff in making decisions that prioritise their safety and well-being during this stressful and challenging time. We will keep the public informed of any changes to our services through our social media channels and website. In light of these events, we have been in close contact with the organisers of UK Black Pride, which is set to take place in London on 11th August. Terrence Higgins Trust plans to attend this important event. The organisers have been working closely with the police to ensure the safety of all attendees. Terrence Higgins Trust remains committed to supporting the communities most affected by this unrest. We will continue to advocate for a society where everyone, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity, can live safely and with dignity. Together, we will stand strong against hate, working towards a more inclusive and just future.

This time last year we celebrated our charity shop Boutique raising £1,000,000 for our life-changing work since opening two decades ago. With the esteemed Mary Portas having described Boutique as ‘one of her most loved charity shops’, and Time Out labelling it one of London’s best, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. All this praise comes for good reason: the shop is stacked with everything you could possibly want. From clothes to books, vinyl, artwork and more. Boutique is a treasure trove of delights – head to 19 Churton Street in London's Pimlico to have a look. In order to fund our work to end new HIV cases and fight HIV stigma, we count on the amazing support of the communities around us. If you’d like to help your planet, your HIV charity of choice, and people living with HIV, you can donate today. Find out more⬇️

We can end the HIV epidemic in the UK by 2030. But we'll only get there if the Government publishes an HIV Action Plan worthy of its name. Terrence Higgins Trust is delighted to be working with National AIDS Trust and the Elton John AIDS Foundation to drive progress to achieve the 2030 goal. Our Chief Executive, Richard Angell OBE, said: "We need as many people from the HIV community as possible to share their views on how we can achieve zero HIV transmissions by 2030. Because while we’ve made tremendous progress, including the fight for PrEP access on the NHS, the roll out of opt-out HIV testing in high prevalence parts of the country and the overturning of stigmatising laws, our current pace of change is much too slow." "Together, we can make sure the new Action Plan delivers for everyone living with HIV and ends new HIV cases once and for all.” Read more about our collaboration and make your voice heard.

Are community organisations the key to reaching zero HIV cases by 2030? Our Chief Executive Richard Angell OBE was proud to present at the #AIDS2024 on why the invaluable work of community organisations is key to ending the HIV epidemic by 2030. Read more and watch Richard's full presentation⬇️

Stigma hurts people more than HIV. Today, HIV is treatable and effective medication means it can’t be passed on. But stigma towards people living with HIV still exists, and still hurts. Zero HIV Stigma Day is today. #zerohivstigmaday