National HIV Testing Week 2019

National HIV Testing Week runs from 16-22 November.  LGBT Foundation will be running testing clinics for all LGBT people, every day with clinics in all 10 Greater Manchester localities, from Friday 15 November to Tuesday 4 December with over 250 bookable HIV test appointments for LGBT people. This means they'll be marking National HIV Testing Week, European Testing Week and World AIDS Day. Booking is now open via the link below.

The team will be taking our confidential and supportive, finger-prick HIV Test & Talk service to all Greater Manchester localities, alongside delivering a series of workshops and information stalls. You’ll also get the chance to take home one of our 50 free HIV self-test kits from our Community Centre in Manchester City Centre.

We had a brief chat with Lauren Duffy, Sexual Health Coordinator - Testing, about some of the questions that the team gets from people worried about testing for HIV.

What if I’m worried about testing?

The team are really supportive and can help alleviate any of your concerns whether that’s a fear of blood or making sure that you have a support network.

Is the service confidential?

Yes, we won’t share your details with any other services unless you want us to make a referral. We would only break confidentiality if we thought you were at risk of harm or you were at risk of putting someone else at harm.

I work full time, so find it hard to get a test.

We run our weekly clinics at our Community Resource Centre in Manchester’s Gay Village Mondays and Fridays 5-9pm and Saturdays 1-5pm. Each appointment lasts about 30 minutes and all our tests are bookable. We’ve made sure that clinics that we’re running across Greater Manchester vary in times and settings so you can find a place that you feel comfortable in.

I’m scared of living with HIV.

It’s estimated that over 6,000 people in Greater Manchester are living with HIV and 97% of people receiving treatment in England have an undetectable viral load. This means that they can’t pass HIV on. With effective medication, HIV positive people live long, healthy and fulling lives.

What if I get a reactive result?

No one can fully prepare themselves for a reactive result, and everyone handles it differently. However, the team will help you get a confirmation blood test with a sexual health clinic (GUM) of your choosing and can attend the appointment with you. They can also talk to you about treatment and telling friends, family and partners about your results, if that’s what you want to do. LGBT foundation works in partnership with George House Trust to make sure that you have a supportive network by linking you to one of their Service Advisers. They can cover everything from ’newly diagnosed courses’, socials and peer mentoring.

Book you appointment and find out when and where they’ll be testing at http://lgbt.foundation/testing

If you have any questions about testing for HIV and STIs, your prevention options or anything else related to your sexual health and wellbeing, you can contact LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30 or email sexualhealth@lgbt.foundation. 

Published: 20-Nov-2019: (5648)