World AIDS Day Fund Raising – Ever Wondered Where All The Money Goes?
The 20th World AIDS Day came and went on December 1st and many people got involved in activities to raise awareness of HIV or raise funds for charities working in the field.
Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is the largest HIV and sexual health charity in the UK and held a number of World AIDS Day events across England, Scotland and Wales. You may have attended a fundraising event or made a donation during a street collection. But where does the money go and how has THT changed over the years since HIV was first discovered? What is THT’s role as we start a New Year?
Evolving over the years
Terry Higgins was one of the first people in the UK to die with AIDS and Terrence Higgins Trust was established as a charity in 1982. A group of Terry’s friends wanted to prevent more people having to face the same illness as him, so they named the Trust after him, hoping to personalise and humanise HIV in a very public way.
From its small beginnings in a flat in central London, THT has always been at the forefront of the fight against HIV and AIDS. Since it was formed, the needs of people living with, and affected by HIV have been fundamental to its development.
The charity’s roots were in the gay community and, for many years, the HIV epidemic in the UK affected mainly gay men. As the shape of the epidemic changed, so did THT. Now each year more African people are diagnosed with HIV in the UK than gay men, the majority having acquired the infection abroad. However, gay men still account for over 40% of new diagnoses each year. As a result, THT’s existing services have been developed and new ones introduced to meet changing needs.
In recent years, the charity has also developed sexual health services – firstly for people living with or at risk of HIV, and then more broadly for the general population, especially young people who are most at risk of sexual ill health. The charity now provides a wide range of services to over 85,000 people a year.
Money raised over World AIDS Day supports a whole range of THT’s work including:
Campaigning
Campaigning and lobbying Government are a key part of THT’s role. The charity campaigns for improved sexual health services, for greater political and public understanding of the impact of HIV and for sexual health to be made a priority within local primary care trusts. THT also works to tackle the stigma and discrimination still faced by many people living with HIV.
THT makes it as easy as possible to get involved by running e-campaigns, encouraging people to send ready drafted emails to their MPs and local councillors urging action on a variety of issues. People interested in campaigning on HIV and sexual health issues should visit the campaigning section on tht.org.uk
Health Promotion
Work around prevention of HIV is vital and THT has a large health promotion team who aim to raise awareness of HIV and the risks. Much of the charity’s work is specifically targeted at high risk groups. Recent campaigns aimed at gay men have included ‘THIVK you’re negative?’ which aimed to get men to consider if they have HIV without realising and ‘What next?’, an interactive website aimed at gay men newly diagnosed with HIV.
Information and advice – THT Direct
THT Direct is a national helpline for those affected by HIV and sexual ill health. Staff provide service information, give advice, answer frequently asked questions about HIV and sexual health and offer emotional support to people who want to talk through any issues or questions they might have; whether they are infected, affected or concerned. The THT Direct number is 0845 12 21 200.
Counselling and group support
Many people living with or affected by HIV seek support through counseling. All THT’s service centres provide one-to-one or couples counseling sessions for up to 12 weeks. THT also runs a variety of group support sessions to suit individual needs.
Testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
Early detection of HIV and sexually transmitted infections is essential. It reduces the likelihood of long term complications and the likelihood of the infection being passed onto others. THT offers free walk-in HIV and STI testing services in community settings around England, Scotland and Wales. These ‘Fastest’ services often run in the evenings and are convenient for those not able to access services during the normal working day, or who may be put off by hospitals and traditional sexual health clinics. With Fastest, HIV test results are usually available within an hour.
Online info
In addition to the services outlined above, the THT website tht.org.uk is an excellent resource for anyone wanting information on HIV or sexual health. Users can search for general information, their nearest HIV and GUM clinics, or for Terrence Higgins Trust services like counselling and support groups. For those who want to do their bit to support THT, there’s a ‘How you can help us’ section. THT relies on donations to fund a wide range of its work so there is also an online donation facility.
Membership
THT has a membership scheme which is free and provides an opportunity to get fully involved in THT’s work or just show support by signing up. Members are kept up to date on the latest HIV and sexual health news, THT’s work, campaigns and fundraising activities.
Members who want to be more actively involved can have an input on key issues affecting THT’s work and decisions, add their voice to THT campaigns, take part in fundraising activities and vote in THT’s trustee elections. Why not get involved in 2009? The scheme is all online so it’s quick, easy and convenient to join, just visit www.tht.org.uk/membership to register.
Contacting THT
Terrence Higgins Trust currently has offices across England, Wales and Scotland with national offices in London, Cardiff and Glasgow. THT Direct (0845 12 21 200) is available to any caller in the UK. The service is open from 10am-10pm Monday to Friday and 12noon–6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
An up-to-date list of local THT service centres is available through the THT website at www.tht.org.uk
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