WARRINGTON Borough Council has secured a new HIV/STI prevention and support service.
The Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) has started delivering an innovative HIV prevention and support service in Warrington.
They will ensure that every person who uses the service is given full support including health promotion messages, clinical services provision and appropriate onward referral.
The service aims to achieve:
* A reduction in the level of undiagnosed and late diagnosed HIV
* An increase in HIV testing among high risk groups (men who have sex with men)and Black African and Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
* A reduction of risky sexual behaviours/practices in these high risk groups.
* A reduction in HIV related stigma and discrimination incidences.
* More support for people living with HIV.
To help achieve these aims, THT will be providing a wide range of services including encouraging peer support and advice, support for family and friends of those living with HIV, and provision of community HIV and STI testing as well as condom/lube distribution.
Cllr Pat Wright (pictured) the council’s lead member for health and wellbeing, said: “The prevention service will target those communities at increased risk of HIV and poor sexual health. The HIV Support service will be a needs led service that will enable the service user to better manage their health and social care needs, at the same time improving positive self-image, promote healthier lifestyles, improve social and economic outcomes through advice and advocacy.”
Jackie Redding THT’s service director said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the existing services in Warrington to support people living with HIV and improve sexual health across the area”.
The service will be based in the new Bath Street Health and Wellbeing Centre working alongside the Integrated Sexual Health Team. There will also be a community outreach provision in a variety of settings to ensure easy access and availability for the wider community.
New HIV support service launched
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
