Free HIV testing for local people

NATIONAL HIV Testing Week in Warrington is offering a chance for local people to get a fast, free and confidential HIV test across the town.
Warrington Centre for Sexual Health (WCSH) is joining with Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), to provide testing at centres around the town including local pharmacies, community centres and leisure centres. Chester University Warrington campus will also be encouraging people to take the HIV test and find out their status.
National HIV Testing Week runs until Saturday ((November 26) but will be extended in Warrington until December 2, with a WCSH “Know your status” campaign.
Testing and promotion is being led by both services. They are encouraging people to take a simple and quick test, particularly those most at risk of HIV, including gay or bisexual men and black African men and women.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin , Warrington Borough Council’s lead member for public health and wellbeing, said: “Getting an HIV test can put your mind at rest, and should the test be positive, it puts you in control. You’ll be able to access treatment quickly, which will stop you from getting seriously ill and enable you to live a normal lifespan. I encourage anyone who might be at risk to take advantage of these sessions and to take the test.
“I am pleased that we are able to offer these testing sessions during National HIV Testing Week. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness of the risk of Aids in the run up to World Aids Day on December 1.”
Specialist staff from both WCSH and THT will be on hand at the venues below to provide support, advice and information about HIV and, in particular, looking after sexual health.
HIV testing sessions will be available as follows.
Monday 21 November:
*Bath Street Clinic, Legh Street, 10am – 12 noon;
*The Gateway, Sankey Street, 3.30 – 6pm
Tuesday 22 November:
*Hood Manor Medical Centre, 31 Winstanley Close, Great Sankey  3pm – 4.30pm
*James Leigh House 12:30-2:30
Wednesday 23 November:
*Orford Community Hub, Festival Avenue 10-12pm
*Whitecross Centre 1-3pm
*Kurdish Community Centre, Orford  3.30pm – 4.30pm;
*Winwick Leisure Centre, Africa Church 6pm – 7.30pm
*Glyss 7-9pm
Tuesday 29 November:
*Dallam Pharmacy, 7 Harrison Square, 9am – 11am
*Livewire Orford Jubilee Hub 12-4pm
Thursday 1 December:
*Bath Street Centre, Legh Street – WCSH clinic 10am-12 noon (Walk-in session
every morning for those who wish to discuss any sexual health concerns)
*Warrington Collegiate 12-2pm
*Asda Birchwood, 6-8pm
*YAS Gateway, 3.15- 5.30
More information about National HIV Testing Week and sexual health is available at www.warringtonsexualhealth.nhs.uk and www.startswithme.org.u