Residents have more opportunities to take a rapid HIV test at community venues in Croydon next week.
During HIV Testing Week, starting Monday, 6 February, people are being encouraged to take a quick and easy HIV test and find out their result in just a few minutes.
The council is supporting the week to highlight the importance of regular testing to reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV and those diagnosed late. The sooner someone with HIV starts treatment, the better it is for their health, and they can avoid passing the virus on to anyone else.
The charities Aids Health Foundation (AHF) and KwaAfrica will be offering rapid HIV testing at various local venues throughout the week:
- Monday, 6 February, 12pm – 4.00pm – CVA Resource Centre, 82 London Road, CR0 2TB (opposite Lidl)
- Wednesday, 8 February, 5pm – 7pm – Carers Support Centre, 24 George Street CR0 1PB (walk-in or book at freeHIVtest.uk)
- Thursday, 9 February, 1pm – 5pm – CVA Resource Centre, 82 London Road, CR0 2TB (opposite Lidl)
- Sunday, 12 February, 4pm – 7pm – Uganda Croydon Catholic Community (UCCC) event at St Chad’s Catholic Church Hall, Burgoyne Road, SE25 6XN (behind the church)
Croydon BME Forum and other organisations will work alongside the charities on those dates giving people health and wellbeing advice and information.
AHF, KwaAfrica and Croydon Health Services NHS Trust are also hosting an information event to celebrate International Condom Day on Monday, 13 February, 10am-3pm at Boots Pharmacy, 2-18 Whitgift Centre, CR9 1SN.
Free self-test kits are available to order anytime from AHF at freeHIVtest.uk and at freetesting.hiv. People can also get tested regularly at a sexual health clinic, GPs and HIV and sexual health charities. Anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support.
This year’s testing week campaign theme is, ‘I Test’, exploring the different reasons for testing, whether it’s to help you live your life, whatever the result, or to be part of the generation that stops HIV.
“We are encouraging residents to use this opportunity during HIV Testing Week to get tested so that you can receive early and effective treatment if needed. Anyone can go to the community testing venues in Croydon for a confidential HIV test. There will also be information and support at the events to help you to look after your health and protect yourself and others from illness.”
Councillor Yvette Hopley, cabinet member for health and adult social care
