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THT busts stigma about HIV at Brighton Pride

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) attended Brighton Pride on Saturday (August 5) to help bust HIV stigma and myths within the local communities.

THT the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity wants everyone to know that people on effective HIV treatment cannot pass on the virus – and that was their message.

Using the hashtag #CantPassItOn, an army of THT volunteers paraded with placards and banners and help bring an end to stigma around HIV.

A major survey by THT found that only 11% of people from the South East are aware of this fact, which is proven by scientific research.

The survey also found that one in three (31%) of people in the South East would feel uncomfortable giving First Aid to someone living with HIV who is on effective treatment, while 38% would be uncomfortable going on a date with someone living with HIV who is on effective treatment, and 1 in 5 felt the same way about playing contact sport.

Ben Bloom
Ben Bloom

Ben Bloom, Health Promotion Coordinator at THT, said: “Not enough people know that people on effective HIV treatment can’t pass it on, that’s why we brought this message to Pride this year.

“Out-of-date beliefs about HIV transmission are fuelling stigma and discrimination, which prevents people coming forward for testing. Not only this, but if everyone knew this fact, we could bring an end to stigma around HIV.

“THT provides support, information and advice services for those living with HIV and affected by HIV or poor sexual health, including rapid HIV testing. They are based at 61 Ship St, Brighton BN1 1AE, and can you can contact them on 01273 764200.

 “Pride again this year was a huge celebration for the city, and we were thrilled to be out and about busting HIV stigma in Brighton and Hove.”

Brighton based HIV charity calls for volunteers to join its team

HIV and sexual heath charity The Sussex Beacon, is recruiting volunteers to help with its work, supporting people living with HIV.

A wide range of roles are available and the charity will match people to posts based on their interests, skills and experience.

The charity is currently recruiting:

♦ Fundraisers

♦ Reception and administration staff

♦ Kitchen/dining room staff

♦ Event support

♦ Gardeners

♦ Shop assistants

Simon Dowe
Simon Dowe

♦ People to collect/deliver items to The Sussex Beacon charity shops

♦ and many more…

Simon Dowe, Chief Executive of The Sussex Beacon, said: “Volunteers are a vital part of The Sussex Beacon, we simply couldn’t function effectively without them. We’re now looking for more people to join our enthusiastic, dedicated team. A little of your time could make a huge difference to local people living with HIV, so if you’re interested, please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.”

The Sussex Beacon recently received a ‘certificate of recognition’ award from Skills Training UK, an organisation that supports disadvantaged young people to develop skills, qualifications and gain work experience with local employers.  A number of young people from the Skills Training UK programme have worked as volunteers in The Sussex Beacon’s shops.

All volunteers at The Sussex Beacon are given training relevant to their role, on-going support and their expenses are paid. As well as helping others, volunteering often helps those doing it to develop transferable skills and can sometimes lead to other employment opportunities.

To apply on-line click here:

Or call Jan on 01273 694 222.

 

Wales come into line over blood donations from gay and bisexual men

Wales becomes the latest country to change its blood donation restrictions to enable gay and bisexual men, and current and former sex workers, to donate blood three months after their last sexual activity.

The same changes were announced in England less than two weeks ago.

Sarah Fuhrmann, National Director for Terrence Higgins Trust in Wales, said: “We’ve long fought for an evidence-based blood donation policy across the UK, and are therefore delighted that the Welsh government has taken quick and decisive action to change its rules for sex workers and gay and bisexual men, just a week and a half after the same changes were announced in England. This means we will have a world-leading blood donations policy in Wales.

Sarah Fuhrmann
Sarah Fuhrmann

“Any restrictions on who can donate blood should be based on evidence, not stigmatising assumptions, so we’re heartened that the Welsh government is now looking into the possibility of personalised risk assessments for potential donors.”

Commenting on the policy for sex workers, she said: “It is a huge step forward to see the lifetime ban on former and current sex workers donating blood finally lifted in Wales. This is a victory for science over stigmatising assumptions. The lifetime blood donation ban on anyone who works or used to work in the sex industry in Wales is based on preconceptions rather than evidence, and the rules needed reviewing to fit the facts.

“We know from our research that the majority of sex workers take great care of their sexual health, with 98% of sex workers we asked rating their sexual health as very important, 76% having a sexual health check up every three months, and 98% knowing their HIV status.”

Commenting on the policy for gay and bisexual men, she added: “We’re pleased to see a further reduction in the deferral period for gay and bisexual men in Wales, and we welcome this progress.  

“However, we urge the Welsh government to invest in gathering more robust scientific evidence on the risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses from men who engage in oral sex with men. We know from clinical and epidemiological experience that the risk of HIV from oral sex is extremely low, but more robust evidence is needed to update the policies.”

Sarah concluded: “The decisions announced today will enable more people in Wales to give blood and save lives, while maintaining the safety of the blood supply. We hope this paves the way for more progress as further evidence becomes available, and we’re now urging the Welsh government to continue to regularly review the deferral periods in line with the latest evidence.”

 

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