Release Date: 28/11/2008
Civic leaders are calling on residents to don a red ribbon in support of World Aids Day (WAD) on 1 December.
The annual event aims to breakdown the silence and stigma surrounding the virus with this year’s theme ‘Respect and Protect’ encouraging people to treat those living with HIV fairly, respect their confidentiality and challenge prejudice where it occurs.
The borough’s HIV team are urging people to find out more about the virus and consider whether they need to be tested.
Cllr Denise Carr, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing on Richmond Council, said:
“HIV affects over 80,000 people in Britain and 33 million worldwide but it remains something that many people don’t fully understand or talk about. It is vital we raise awareness, even if it is something as simple as wearing a red ribbon.
“Our HIV team are dedicated to helping people in the borough and increasing communication about the virus - if you feel you need more information or advice I urge you to contact them.
Houda Al-Sharifi, Director of Public Health at the Richmond and Twickenham Primary Care Trust (PCT), added:
“The campaign theme for this year is ‘Respect and Protect’. This aims to inspire individuals to think about the varied roles they can play in ending stigma against those living with HIV and stopping the spread of HIV.”
“The theme ‘Respect and Protect’ challenges us to take a lead in respecting and protecting our own lives, those we work with and the relationships we develop.”
To support the event HIV Teams from Richmond Council (HIV services and advice) and Richmond and Twickenham PCT (HIV Services) will unveil a display in the Civic Centre. They have also distributed packs containing useful information and red ribbons to over 200 venues in the borough.
Part of the display will be made up with artwork from pupils from Orleans Park School, Waldegrave School for Girls and Richmond Ministry Youth Club who took part in a poster designing competition, with their work representing this year’s themes.
Ribbons are available at venues around the borough including libraries, schools, council buildings and health clinics. Any donations will be passed to the ‘Food Chain’, an organisation that provides nutritional meals, short term food hampers and cooking lessons to those in need.
There will also be a special church service on the 7 December at 6.30pm, St John the Divine, Kew Road in Richmond featuring a reading from the Mayor Cllr Helen Lee-Parsons.
Any donations can be left with reception staff or sent to Denise Flowers at 42 York Street, Twickenham.
For more information about World Aids Day, including details on the borough venues supporting the event, please call Denise Flowers on 020 8831 6209.