LASS is planning a number of events in Leicester to mark the third annual National HIV Testing Week (22nd – 30th November).
National HIV Testing Week was established by HIV Prevention England in 2012, in a bid to reduce high levels of undiagnosed and late-diagnosed HIV among gay and bisexual men and Africans in England. In 2013, there were an estimated 1250 people living with HIV in Leicester & Leicestershire, one in five of whom remain undiagnosed and therefore more likely to pass the virus on unwittingly.
LASS and its regional partners in the HPE contract are extending the number and range of testing opportunities for people during National HIV Testing Week. Celia Fisher of LASS says: “Our aim is to increase the uptake of HIV testing within the different African communities in Leicester, as well as other communities. Our experience shows that by making HIV testing more accessible in different social & community venues it has become more acceptable and we always have a queue.”
LASS will be offering Rapid HIV Testing at LASS on Saturday 22nd & Saturday 29th November from 9.30 – 12: the ideal opportunity for people who do not have time during the week. We are also offering Couples testing on both days – so you can get tested together and share your results.
We will be offering HIV Testing at Club Oxygen on Wharf Street on Saturday 29th November from 5 – 8pm.
Weekday testing is available every day at LASS from 9.30 – 4.30 – so you can drop in anytime if that suits you.
National HIV Testing Week is supported by major public health bodies, including Public Health England, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH).
To get involved in this year’s National HIV Testing Week, visit http://www.StartsWithMe.org.uk. For further information on National HIV Testing Week events in Leicester please contact Celia Fisher (celia@lass.org.uk).
LASS 