Terrence Higgins Trust

NEW: Public Health Scotland data shows STI rates at record highs, with a 56% rise in gonorrhoea cases since 2019. Today’s figures show there were 13,400 chlamydia cases and 5,999 gonorrhoea cases reported in Scotland in 2023. Our Head of Scotland Services, Alan Eagleson, said: “The continued rise of sexually transmitted infections in Scotland is of significant concern and clearly demonstrates that our approach to sexual health in Scotland must adapt if we are to avert this crisis. Today’s data shows that rates of gonorrhoea have once again hit historical highs, rising by 56% since 2019. Diagnoses of chlamydia are also on the increase – it’s continuing to disproportionately impact young women in Scotland. This must come as a wake-up call to the Scottish Government and prompt urgent investment into vital sexual health services across the country. While the publication of Scotland’s Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Action Plan last year and the proposed move towards a wellbeing approach to sexual health was welcome, this Action Plan did not go far enough in recognising the magnitude of the problem in Scotland following the pandemic or in providing the scale of investment needed to combat it. Testing for STIs needs to be made easily accessible for anyone who needs it, starting with the delivery of the Scottish Governments long-promised national STI online postal self-sampling service. Long-term planning and funding for our essential sexual health services – in both the NHS and third sector – also needs to be prioritised by the Scottish Government so that these services can appropriately react to rising rates of STIs and promote good sexual wellbeing across the country. If we are to ensure that everyone has good sexual health – and indeed if we are to end new cases of HIV by 2030 – we need robust sexual health services that are appropriately funded and easily accessible.”

Our amazing supporter Richard Harwin is taking part in our Big Shave Off at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern in London on Thursday 11 July. Here’s why he’s decided to fundraise for us. “I’m looking forward to the Big Shave Off in July. I’ll be shaving my chest, and while I do give myself an occasional trim, a shave will be a whole new experience – especially being shaved on stage! I’ve set a goal of £500 but would love to raise so much more. At 54, this is just my second foray into fundraising – the first was producing a charity LGBTQIA+ calendar for our LGBT staff network to raise money for a local LGBT charity. Supporting Terrence Higgins Trust is a great opportunity on a personal basis, and I’ve learned a lot more about HIV. I know people who have been affected directly by HIV but haven’t truly understood what they could be going through. The very least I can do is to raise some money to help Terrence Higgins Trust continue their crucial work to end new cases of HIV by 2030. I’m currently co-lead of the LGBTQIA+ Staff Network at East London NHS Trust and I’ve always been an avid ally of the LGBT+ community. I wanted to move from being an ‘armchair ally’ to having a practical role and taking action, so that staff members who are part of this community do feel more comfortable with being at work. I can’t wait for the shave and I’m planning to bring lots of our fabulous LGBTQIA+ staff network members to the event – they are the loveliest of people!” We’re so grateful for fundraisers like Richard! We couldn’t do what we do without their invaluable support. If you’d like to brave a shave for Team Terry, sign up today via our website. You can also email fundraising@tht.org.uk for any questions.

Today would’ve been Terry Higgins’ 79th birthday. But in 1982 he was one of the first in the UK to die from AIDS-related illnesses. After his death, Terry’s partner and friends formed our charity in his name. He is just one of a lost generation taken by the HIV epidemic. Every day we do what we do in memory of Terry and the millions of lives lost to HIV. We were proud to create the Terry Higgins Memorial Quilt with The Quilters' Guild of the British Isles to remember the life that has inspired so many to fight for progress around HIV. Happy birthday, Terry.

It's just one month until we elect the generation of MPs that could end the HIV epidemic in the UK. There is only one parliament left to make it happen by 2030. For those we have lost and for everyone living with HIV today, it is our duty to make it happen. Write to your MP 👇 https://lnkd.in/dd4Th4QQ

Thank you to our friends at Next for supporting our work for the third consecutive year with this beautiful Pride bouquet! 10% of all sales funds our life-changing work to end new HIV cases by 2030 and be here until the last person living with HIV needs us. Buy now👇

New UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) STI data shows rates at record highs and severe inequalities. The figures show there were 401,800 sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reported in England in 2023 – a 5% rise on the previous year. Our Chief Executive, Richard Angell, said: “It is no surprise that the lowest spending on sexual health has led to the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections. Today’s data shows a year-on-year increase of STIs and demand for services. This must come as a wake-up call – and with less than five weeks until the polls open, we urge the next UK Government to commit to a national strategy and funding that sets a clear direction for improving sexual health in England. This includes a year-on-year, above-inflation increase in funding for the local authority public health grant. Rates of gonorrhoea and syphilis were already shockingly high and we have seen another increase in the 2023 data. Almost every local authority in the country has seen an increase in gonorrhoea and chlamydia cases remain high. Alongside this increase, we are seeing a continuation of health inequalities as every year, STIs disproportionately impact gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, some ethnic minority groups and young people. Test positivity rates for chlamydia are stable for young women, but they are more than three times as high for young women of Black Caribbean ethnicity as compared to young women of White ethnicity. Fewer screens were delivered to young women under the National Chlamydia Screening Programme despite changes to the programme limiting its scope to this group. The number of STI diagnoses in gay and bisexual men also increased in this period – and as it stands, the government have no plan to change this. Sexual health services are doing even more with even less. Demand for services increased again this year, while there has been a 40% real terms cut to public health funding since 2015/15. This pressure was exacerbated by mpox, which left clinics in the most affected areas unable to provide HIV and STI testing, HIV prevention and access to contraception due to the displacement of these core and vital services. These cuts are compromising access to services, with more than half now unable to offer face-to-face appointments for people presenting without symptoms, even though many STIs can be asymptomatic. We need to ensure there are services accessible for this level of demand, which is why an increase in the public health grant as part of a multi-year settlement is essential in improving the nation’s sexual health. It's great to news that there’s been a 50% decrease in genital warts among young women age 15 to 17 since 2019. The life-saving HPV vaccination programme has had a huge impact in driving down rates of both HPV-related warts and HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer. JCVI has recommended a vaccine for gonorrhoea and mpox, but it is yet to be rolled out. This must happen quickly."

Today is the start of #VolunteersWeek. Our charity couldn’t do what we do without the dedication of our volunteers. We are so grateful to all of our volunteers, past, present, and future. Here's our Chief Executive Richard Angell on why their contributions are so important. Find out about volunteering opportunities across the UK with Terrence Higgins Trust👇 https://lnkd.in/e_2DfkbY

NEW: We're standing with over 20 charities to urge the next Government to deliver on historic goal of zero HIV cases by 2030. With just five years until 2030, our joint manifesto One Parliament Left, sets out the urgent actions Parliament must take to achieve this commitment. We can end new HIV transmissions in the UK by 2030 and ensure everyone living with HIV can live a long, healthy life. We could even be the first country in the world to do so. But there are less than 6 weeks until polls open and the UK elects the parliament that will have the chance to make this a reality. The manifesto calls for the following six actions to ensure the UK achieves zero HIV transmissions by 2030: 1. An expansion of opt-out HIV testing 2. The introduction of a national one-stop-shop online PrEP, HIV and STI postal testing service 3. The creation of a national re-engagement programme for people living with HIV who are not in care 4. The provision of year-on-year, above inflation public authority health grant funding 5. The development of a national sexual health strategy 6. Justice for those impacted by the contaminated blood scandal The 2019 to 2024 Parliament has seen considerable progress – the first UK Government HIV Action Plan was published, opt-out HIV testing introduced in 81 A&E departments, PrEP commissioned in sexual health services, and discrimination is being tackled across multiple settings including; the military, pilots, driving, blood donation and fertility rights. But there is so much more to be done. The vital progress made so far is threatened by a new sexual health crisis. Rates of STIs are higher than ever, demand for services is ever increasing, and access is limited for many. This manifesto is a clear call from the HIV and sexual health sector. We are united and committed to work with government, the NHS, and all partners to take forward these top priorities. If our leaders are serious about ending the HIV epidemic they must act fast in the next parliament or we will miss the chance to end new cases by 2030 and have no chance of being the first country to do it.

We were excited to launch our club to end new HIV cases in the UK by 2030 at #ChelseaFlowerShow. The 2030 Club is a space for those who can see that achieving zero HIV transmissions in the UK is within our grasp and are dedicated to making it happen. From where we were in the 1980s and 1990s, we can now put a stop to the 40-year HIV epidemic. The UK could be the first country in the world to reach this milestone. We were delighted to have Louise Vallace and Callum Lea join us at #ChelseaFlowerShow and share their experience of living with HIV. Visitors also heard from our Chief Executive Richard Angell and trustee Melanie Knight on how you can make history by joining the 2030 Club. When Louise and Callum were diagnosed with HIV, their world “absolutely changed.” While effective HIV treatment meant that they could live a healthy life and not pass the virus on to anyone else, the stigma had a huge impact. They didn’t talk to anyone about living with HIV for years out of fear of judgement.   Once Louise told her kids, it gave her the strength to share her story publicly. After getting therapy from Terrence Higgins Trust, Callum’s self-acceptance grew and he felt ready to share his experience with others. Today they both live a fulfilling life and are excited for what the future holds.   “With the support of Terrence Higgins Trust, who gave me the platform, the framework and the training to talk about living with HIV I feel so much more empowered,” said Louise.   “Being on effective treatment, it means I can’t pass the virus on. It is one pill a day and that is going to help me live a really long and happy, healthy life,” said Callum.   Our supporters have campaigned to ensure PrEP is available on the NHS, donated to ensure our services can run effectively, and helped bring public awareness to the vital message that effective treatment now means people living with HIV have a normal life expectancy and cannot pass the virus on to others. Ending new HIV cases by 2030 is within reach, and the UK has the opportunity to be the first country in the world to get there.   Email 2030Club@tht.org.uk to find out how you can help.

"It's a tribute to Terry Higgins and the charity we founded in his memory," says our co-founder and patron Dr. Rupert Whitaker OBE from our Terrence Higgins Trust Bridge to 2030 Garden at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It was wonderful to be joined by Rupert for this important moment in our history as hundreds of thousands -- at the show and around the world -- hear about how much HIV has changed. As well as joining us on our mission to end new HIV cases in the UK by 2030. For more information about our garden and our life-changing work, visit tht.org.uk/chelsea