HIV Testing Week: Somerset Council Public Health encourages HIV testing

HIV Testing Week: Somerset Council Public Health encourages HIV testing

National HIV Testing Week, starting on Monday, 10 February 2025 is an annual event, funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and is a key component of the HIV Prevention England strategy. It provides a critical opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of regular HIV testing to reduce stigma and help achieve the national goal of ending new HIV cases by 2030.

Commissioned by Somerset Council, The Eddystone Trust, a leading sexual health charity in the South West, is proud to back this initiative with a series of free, confidential, and accessible HIV testing sessions in Somerset. Testing will be available in Bridgwater, Taunton, Wells and Frome on the following dates and times:

• Monday 10 February, Victoria Park Community Centre, Bridgwater, 11am-2pm
• Monday 10 February, The Trident Community Centre, Taunton, 12.30pm-3.30pm
• Tuesday 11 February, The Portway Annex, Wells, 1pm-5pm
• Friday 14 February, Frome Town Hall, Frome, 10am-2pm

In addition to testing services, The Eddystone Trust provides vital support to individuals in Somerset living with HIV and offers information about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable), and free HIV home testing kits. For more information, visit their website at www.eddystone.org.uk.

Somerset Wide Integrated Sexual Health Service (SWISH) offers a comprehensive service, including HIV testing throughout the year and have clinics across the county. SWISH will be offering additional drop in clinics on the following dates:

• Monday 10 February, South Petherton, 9am-12pm
• Wednesday 12 February, Millstream, 10am-2.30pm
• Friday 14 February, Bridgwater Hospital, 9am-12pm

For more information, visit www.swishservices.co.uk or telephone 0300 1245010.

Councillor Graham Oakes Executive, Lead Member for Public Health said:

“People can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms and testing is the only way to know your HIV status. Testing is quick, free, confidential, and easy.

“An estimated 4,700 people in England are currently living with undiagnosed HIV. By increasing testing rates, particularly among under-served communities, we can ensure that more people receive early treatment and care.

“Anyone testing positive for HIV can start treatment that will keep them healthy and prevent them from passing the virus on to others by lowering their viral load to undetectable levels. This is known as undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U).

“People diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support. Those living with HIV can and do live long and normal lives thanks to advances in treatment, and the outcomes are better the earlier the diagnosis. While new diagnoses in Somerset are lower than elsewhere in England, latest figures show that the county sees a proportionately higher number – almost 60% – of late diagnoses, resulting in poorer health outcomes.”

Mags Davies, CEO of The Eddystone Trust said: “HIV Testing Week is more than testing in and of itself; it’s about empowering people with knowledge, breaking down barriers and challenging HIV stigma – whether we’re HIV positive or HIV negative we can all play a role. By making testing accessible and raising awareness about advancements like U=U, we can work together to empower people to take control of their health and claim their status by testing for HIV.”

Together, people can create a long-lasting impact in Somerset by supporting National HIV Testing Week and ensuring everyone has access to the knowledge and tools they need to prioritise their sexual health.

For more information on National HIV Testing Week, visit www.startswithme.org.uk, or learn more about The Eddystone Trust at www.eddystone.org.uk.

Free HIV testing kits are available during HIV Testing Week online at www.freetesting.hiv