Tests offered during National HIV Testing Week

The Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust (NDHT) is joining in the national campaign to raise awareness during National HIV Testing Week, which begins on Saturday 21 November in the run up to World AIDS Day on 1st December.

National HIV Testing Week (NHTW) is a targeted, high profile, national campaign that encourages England’s key populations most affected by HIV to consider taking an HIV test.

These groups include gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and African people

During the week, people in higher risk communities will be encouraged  to take an HIV test.

Anyone who is sexually active will also be encouraged to get tested with the aim to help reduce the number of people who are diagnosed late with HIV.

From 21 November the sexual health clinic in Sidwell Street, Exeter, will be launching a new a drop in 'no questions asked' HIV testing service.

Hayley Back, service manager for sexual health services and walk in centres for NDHT, said: “The awareness week gives us an excellent opportunity to promote HIV testing as early diagnosis helps people to manage their HIV and also reduces the risk of passing it on to other people.

“We would encourage anyone who would like to take a HIV test, or has a general concern about their sexual health, to drop in to the Sidwell Street clinic for free, friendly and confidential advice.”

Staff from the Sidwell Street clinic have teamed up with The Eddystone Trust and Youth Stop AIDS to organise a number of activities for National HIV Testing Week and World AIDS Day:

• Youth Stop AIDS and Alan Crabbe, LGBT outreach worker, will be running a stall in Princesshay shopping centre, Exeter, on the 22nd November, distributing leaflets and information.
• NDHT staff will be running a rapid HIV testing clinic at The Vaults nightclub, 8 Gandy St, Exeter EX4 3LS from 2.30pm to 5.30pm on 28th November, supported by the Eddystone Trust.
• On 1st December Youth Stop AIDS will be manning a stall outside the Sidwell Street Walk-In Centre for World AIDS Day raising awareness of HIV testing and to provide information.

The Sidwell Street Sexual Health Clinic is open Monday to Saturday with daily appointments and walk-in sessions available offering a variety of sexual health services.

For more information visit www.thecentresexualhealth.org/clinics/exeter