Sahir House launch Sefton campaign for National HIV Testing Week 5-11 February 2024
Sahir House is gearing up for a collaborative effort to mark National HIV Testing Week. Our initiative aims to emphasise the significance of normalising HIV testing – encouraging everyone to consider regular testing for HIV (and STIs) as a vital component of routine health checks.
National HIV Testing Week, slated for Monday 5th to Sunday 11th February, serves as a crucial reminder that testing is a key element in the prevention and management of HIV. By normalising testing, we strive to create a culture where individuals routinely prioritise their sexual health.
An essential aspect of this year’s campaign is the championing of U=U messaging (Undetectable = Untransmittable). This concept underscores that individuals with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load through effective treatment cannot transmit the virus to their partners. This information is pivotal in dispelling stigma surrounding HIV and fostering a more informed and supportive community.
In addition to promoting HIV testing, Sahir House and our partners are committed to championing a better understanding of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a revolutionary approach to preventing HIV infection. It involves the use of medication by individuals who are at a higher risk of contracting HIV to significantly reduce the chances of infection. This game-changing preventive measure provides an extra layer of protection, empowering individuals to take control of their sexual health and further contributing to our collective goal of zero new transmissions by 2030. By raising awareness about PrEP, we aim to foster informed decision-making and promote a comprehensive approach to sexual health within our community.
National HIV Testing Week: Events in Sefton
Wednesday 7th February
- The Life Rooms Bootle – Information Stall 11:30 – 13:00
68 Merton Road, Bootle, L20 7AT
We will be hosting a sexual health and HIV testing information stall at Bootle Life Rooms. People who access this service will be able to meet with members of our friendly team to have an open and non-judgmental chat about anything sexual health related. People will be able to take away safer sex packs and also HIV home testing kits.
The Life Rooms is a free NHS service who provide a safe and welcoming space to meet others, access opportunities and learn about community resources. They offer support to those wanting to take the next steps in their life.
Thursday 8th February
Change Life Grow – Information Stall 9:30 – 12:00
2 Bridle Way, Bootle L30 4UA
We will be hosting a sexual health and HIV testing information stall at CGL. People who access this service will be able to meet with members of our friendly team to have an open and non-judgmental chat about anything sexual health related. People will be able to take away safer sex packs and also HIV home testing kits.
CGL provides a range of services to support individuals, families and communities whose lives are adversely affected by crime, substance misuse, homelessness, anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, social deprivation and lack of opportunity. The Charity works with challenging service users with complex needs, including those with entrenched drug habits and offending behaviour.
HIV Testing Clinics
The Southport Centre for Health and Wellbeing – walk in and appointment HIV testing
Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0PQ 01695 656550
Limited walk in available 0900-1230
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
St Hugh’s, Bootle – walk in and appointment HIV testing
Hugh’s (5th floor), Stanley Road, Bootle, L20 3QQ.
01695 656550
Limited walk in available 0900-1230
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
National HIV Testing Week: Other testing opportunities
Sahir can arrange free and confidential HIV testing at our headquarters, 4th Floor, LCVS Building, 151 Dale Street, L2 2AH. We can provide HIV self-testing kits for home use or help people to book an appointment with a local sexual health clinic.
People can pick up condoms, lube, and information on other HIV prevention resources including PEP and PREP.
Contact us and ask to speak to Kath, our Wirral HIV Prevention Lead.
T: 0151 673 1912
E: hivtesting@sahir.uk.com
We will be actively promoting all other local testing events and activities held by our partners in the area across our social media platforms.
National HIV Testing Week: Distribution of safe sex supplies
As part of our commitment to make safe sex supplies available where people can easily access them, we can offer to deliver condom packs to our partner organisations and local LGBTQ+ venues.
Examples of venues we supply to includes, Wirral Mind, The Flourish Wellbeing Hub, Wirral Multicultural Organisation, and Heart4Refugees. In Liverpool we drop supplies to local LGBTQ+ venues for example; the Masquerade, Navy Bar Social and The Lisbon.
If you would like to support service users who access your organisation around safer sex, why not give us a call and we can organise for a member of our team to drop off some HIV prevention resources and information about our services.
You can also call us on 0151 673 1972 to enquire about HIV prevention information, safer sex tools and enquire about any of our other services throughout the year.
Contact info@sahir.uk.com for further information.
National HIV Testing Week: Digital Resources
Help us spread the word by downloading and sharing the large range of NHTW Call for Action digital assets and some exclusive Sahir House National HIV Testing Week digital resources. (Please see attached).
We will also have digital assets to download from our website https://sahir.org.uk/
National HIV Testing Week: Press Event
“Testing doesn’t have to be a Drag!”
Thursday 8th February 17:00 – 19:00
The Navy Bar Social, 27 Stanley Street, Liverpool, L1 6AA
Sahir has coordinated a large gathering of our wonderful local drag queens and artists to create awareness around testing and accessibility of testing. Essentially proving that, testing doesn’t have to be a drag!
This event will be covered by the Liverpool Echo and our brilliant social media volunteer will be live streamed on our socials. There will be soft drinks to purchase from the bar.
If you would like to attend this special one-off event please head over to our Eventbrite page by clicking the link below;
For any press enquiries in regards to this event, please contact katrina.taylor@sahir.uk.com
Quote from CEO of Sahir House:
“As we unite for National HIV Testing Week, our focus is on making HIV testing easy and accessible. With advancements like finger prick and oral swab tests, individuals can now obtain reliable results within minutes. By embracing these user-friendly testing methods, we empower our community to take charge of their sexual health with convenience and efficiency. This campaign is a reminder that testing has never been more straightforward, reinforcing the idea that everyone can easily incorporate it into their regular health routine.”
About Sahir House:
Sahir House is a Merseyside-based charity with a big heart. Our charity has been supporting local people living with and affected by HIV since 1985. Today, our services extend to also serve all members of our LGBTQ+ community. Sahir House strives to create an inclusive and informed society.