Pop-up Boutique Soho charity shop opens today

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) launches pop-up, dual-purpose charity shop and gay men’s health service in Soho.

To mark World AIDS Day (December 1), HIV and sexual health charity THT has launched a pop-up, dual-purpose charity shop and gay men’s health service in Walkers Court, at the heart of Soho.

By day, Boutique Soho will operate as a retail space, selling designer and vintage clothes and accessories, art, books and household items. It will also host special events, including makeup demonstrations by M.A.C Cosmetics.

All money raised through sales will be used by THT to support people living with and affected by HIV.

In the evenings, the venue will be transformed into a base for the charity’s HIV prevention work with gay and bisexual men visiting Soho. Men will be able to visit the space for information and support on HIV and sexual health, free condoms and postal HIV tests, and advice around their use of drugs and alcohol.

The space has been donated to Terrence Higgins Trust by supporter Fawn James, Director of Soho Estates and will remain open throughout December and January.

Gay and bisexual men remain one of the groups most disproportionately affected by HIV in the UK. Recent figures from Public Health England report that, in 2013, one in eight men who have sex with men in London was living with the virus.

Cary James, Head of Health Improvement at THT, said: “Our charity has worked in Soho for many years, but this will mark the first time we’ve had a base in the area. We’ll be making the most of this opportunity to ensure gay men visiting Soho in the Christmas party season can access everything they need to stay safe, whether that’s condoms, an HIV test, or friendly, non-judgmental advice. And when we’re not doing that, our Fundraising team will be helping to fund our work by selling amazing treasures through the shop.”