Most people get HIV from someone who doesn’t realise they have it. If more people test and get the medication they need, this could dramatically cut the numbers who get HIV in the future. Early diagnosis and treatment can help people living with HIV remain fit and well, have a normal life expectancy and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to those they care about.
Getting tested is easier than ever, it’s fast, free, flexible and confidential and results are available in just twenty minutes.
According to The Terrance Higgins Trust around 103,000 people were living with HIV in the UK in 2014, of that number, over one in six have never been tested or have got HIV since their last test.
The Brunswick Centre in Huddersfield provides a wide variety of HIV support and prevention services across Kirklees and Calderdale, making a valuable and positive contribution to our local areas. Recently, the Centre has been making it easier for local people to test. The service is flexible and open to everyone, it’s fast, free and confidential.
John Mckernaghan from the Brunswick Centre said:
“We’ve been delivering HIV testing in the community for a couple of years now and we are pleased that we are reaching more people locally. In the year ending 31 March 2016 we saw a 94% increase in the number of tests delivered. In the 6 months since then we have delivered more tests than we did in the entire previous year.
“Encouraging people to test for HIV is important and alongside this we need to make it easier for them to do so. Community based HIV testing does this. The Brunswick Centre takes HIV testing to where people are and deliver the service in a variety of settings across Kirklees. One person who used the service recently said it was ‘very supportive and friendly, allowed me to make my own choices and made me aware of different options. I would highly recommend this service – brilliant.”
Cllr Viv Kendrick, Cabinet Member Adults, Health and Activity said:
“Early diagnosis is key to getting access to the best possible treatment to remain fit, and new drugs mean that people can expect to live as long as someone who doesn’t have HIV.
“Our partnerships with the Brunswick Centre means we can offer more testing options for the people of Kirklees, with a simple ‘finger prick print’. This means that everyone can take control of their health, fitness and make informed lifestyle choices including the best protection against HIV and other STIs.
“The Brunswick Centre also delivers condoms and information to a wide variety of businesses and venues across Kirklees which means that the community has access to safer sex resources”
More information is available from: http://www.thebrunswickcentre.org.uk/hiv-testing or by calling: 01484 469 691
National HIV Testing week 2016 – Free, fast and confidential testing
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