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.

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said:

"Getting tested for HIV is crucial, as it is the only way to know your status. I am proud to participate in the testing today. The test is easy, quick, confidential, and free at our libraries this week.

“In addition to encouraging people to get tested, we aim to empower the Torbay community with knowledge about HIV. Significant progress has been made in tackling HIV over recent decades, but there is still much work to be done in raising awareness and challenging the stigma associated with the virus."

“HIV does not discriminate, and it’s up to you to prevent yourself from acquiring it. If you do have a positive test, you won’t be on your own. People living with HIV can now access free, effective treatment to live a long and healthy life.”

Mags Davies, CEO of The Eddystone Trust, said:

“HIV Testing Week is more than testing in and of itself; it’s about empowering people with knowledge, breaking down barriers and challenging HIV stigma—whether we’re HIV positive or HIV negative we can all play a role. By making testing accessible and raising awareness about advancements like U=U, we can work together to empower people to take control of their health and claim their status by testing for HIV.”

How You Can Support HIV Testing Week in Torbay:

• Spread the Word: Share campaign materials in public spaces.
• Get Involved: Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to get tested and learn more about HIV prevention.

Together, we can create a long-lasting impact in Torbay by supporting HIV testing and giving everyone access to the tools they need to prioritise their health.

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.

Key facts about HIV in Torbay:

In 2023, there are approximately 196 people living with HIV in Torbay.

Over 50% of people living with HIV in Torbay are aged 50 or over.

The England National HIV Action Plan seeks to end all new transmissions of HIV by 2030

HIV affects people and families from all backgrounds and does not discriminate

In 2023, 100% of people living with HIV in Torbay were accessing HIV treatment and care

In 2023, there were over 2,690 HIV tests performed in Torbay.

National HIV Testing week is an opportunity for everyone to know their HIV status and get a free test.