Southend residents are being encouraged to get tested for free during HIV testing week, which starts on Saturday, November 19.
HIV and sexual health partnership SHORE will be offering opportunities for people to get tested in Southend during the testing week .
23 Nov 12 – 6pm
SHORE staff will be attending the Health Day at Avenue Baptist Church Westcliff. Offering advice and testing for HIV, Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea.
1 Dec 1pm – 5pm World Aids Day
Confidential HIV testing will on offer at the The Forum Southend, Elmer Square, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1NS
Karen Payne Clinical Services Manager SHORE Sexual Health Service commented:
“We know that the sooner someone with HIV starts treatment, the better it is for their health, but keeping an eye on our sexual health is often something we ignore.
“Today, if you test positive, effective treatment means you can live as long as anyone else, and when the amount of the virus in your blood is reduced to undetectable levels, this means you cannot pass on HIV.
“Testing puts you in control and is nothing to be feared.”
Think you need to get tested but can’t face visiting a clinic? Why not visit www.test.hiv to order a self-sampling test.
For more information about National HIV Testing Week, go to: https://www.startswithme.org.uk/