A THAMES Valley charity is encouraging members of the public to get tested and know their status ahead of National HIV Testing Week.
Thames Valley Positive Support, which helps people affected by HIV, have called for more people to get tested for HIV.
It’s part of the charity’s mission to get to the target of zero new HIV infections by 2030, supported by the UK Government.
The charity is offering free community testing sessions in Reading and Wokingham, as well as across West Berkshire.
It’s also making testing even easier by offering free postal HIV testing kits which can be mailed or picked up directly from the charity.
Kits are delivered in discreet packaging with results sent either by text or via a phone call.
Testing is important for HIV because it can be present for a long time without any symptoms.
Testing is the only way to be certain of your HIV status, and means that those affected can begin treatment, stay healthy, and avoid passing it to others.
National HIV Testing Week runs from Monday-Sunday, February 6-12.
Sarah Macadam, CEO of Thames Valley Positive Support, said “It’s fantastic to have the support of Public Health who are just as committed as we are to driving rates of HIV transmission to zero.
“We’re offering a choice of tests to make it as easy as possible for people to know their HIV status, either in the comfort of their own home or at one of our testing venues.”
She continued: “There have been a couple of years where HIV testing hasn’t been top of everyone’s agenda and that’s understandable with other health concerns such as covid.
“But now is the time to get back into the habit of testing for HIV and making it an essential part of your healthcare routine”
TVPS has been giving support to those affected by HIV in the Thames Valley area since 1985.
Community tests or postal orders can be booked by emailing test@tvps.org.uk.
They are also available by calling 0162 860 3400 or sending a Whatsapp message to 0772 728 9712
More information about Thames Valley Positive Support and its work via: www.tvps.org.uk
