Torbay is supporting National HIV Testing Week, running from Monday 10 February to Sunday 16 February 2025. This annual event is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of regular HIV testing, reduce stigma, and help end new HIV cases. The Department of Health and Social Care are funding events as a key component of the HIV Prevention England strategy,
The Eddystone Trust, a sexual health charity in the South West, is supporting the week with a series of free, confidential, and accessible HIV testing sessions in Torbay. Testing will be available at Brixham, Paignton, and Torbay Libraries on the following dates and times:
• Wednesday 12 February, Brixham Library, 11am to 1pm
• Wednesday 12 February, Torquay Library, 3pm to 6pm
• Wednesday 19 February, Paignton Library, 11am to 2pm
The Eddystone Trust also provides support to individuals in Torbay living with HIV. They offer information about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable), and provide free HIV home testing kits.
Why Get Tested?
People can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms. Testing is the only way to know your HIV status. Testing is quick, free, confidential, and easy. It is thought that around 4,700 people in England are currently living with undiagnosed HIV.
By increasing testing rates, more people receive early treatment and care. Free HIV testing kits are available during HIV Testing Week online at www.freetesting.hiv.
Anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support. If you test positive, you can start treatment that keeps you healthy and prevents passing on the virus. This is known as undetectable equals untransmittable. People living with HIV can and do live long and normal lives thanks to advances in treatment.
For more information on National HIV Testing Week, visit www.startswithme.org.uk, or learn more about The Eddystone Trust at www.eddystone.org.uk.
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