Ahead of National HIV Testing Week 2018, we are taking a look back at some of the activities our partners have delivered during previous events. Last year LASS and Trade Sexual Health, who both provide services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, raised the profile of HIV testing by inviting local MPs to their centres.
They explain their engagement with the politicians and why raising the profile of HIV testing is important to their work.
‘To launch National HIV Testing Week 2017, we invited local politicians, Liz Kendall MP and Jon Ashworth MP, to visit our centres as part of a national drive to ensure that HIV remains on the political agenda, as well as having the opportunity to share the successes of our services.
‘Jon Ashworth MP visited Trade Sexual Health to learn about the important work we do in providing free, confidential health advice, information and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities, including HIV testing. His visit was broadcast on Facebook Live to promote testing activities for the campaign.
‘Liz Kendall MP came to see us at LASS and recorded her visit and HIV test for YouTube (see below) to highlight the importance of HIV testing. During the visit she explained she was “delighted to be a part of and support the campaign”.
‘At LASS we acknowledge that ensuring political will is key to sustaining the HIV response both at local and national level. National HIV Testing Week provides us with an excellent opportunity not only to engage our MPs but to get them into the building to see our services in action.
‘At Trade, we also believe that raising the profile of testing services locally and nationally is imperative in our HIV prevention work – National HIV Testing Week is one of the best vehicles we have to do this within and beyond our target audiences.’
Find out more about the work of our Local Activation Partners: