We're joining with the Eddystone Trust and calling on Torbay people to ‘Claim Your Status’ and join the global effort to end HIV transmission

This World AIDS Day (1 December), we're urging communities across Torbay to act in support of the global HIV response.

Under this year’s theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the global HIV response,” local partners are drawing attention to the growing pressures on HIV services around the world - and the importance of continued community leadership here at home.

Despite decades of progress in prevention, treatment, and support, the global HIV response is at a pivotal moment. International funding is decreasing, community organisations are facing greater strain, and rising stigma is pushing people away from the care they need. Yet the message remains clear: HIV is not over. And neither are we.

Continuing the Work in Torbay

For over 30 years, The Eddystone Trust has worked alongside people and communities affected by HIV across the South West - providing non-judgmental support, education, and inclusive sexual health services.

Despite having relatively small numbers, Torbay is once again a high prevalence area for HIV. Too many people are diagnosed late, which means that they are often quite ill when they are diagnosed. 

In 2024, there were 218 people living with HIV locally. Torbay has an ageing population of adults living with HIV – over 50% of people living with HIV are aged over 50.

HIV does not discriminate.  It can be prevented by taking part in safer sex including using condoms.  A person may also be eligible for PrEP; this drug can be taken pre-exposure to prevent contracting the virus.

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Testing is the only way to know your HIV status. Testing for HIV is free, confidential and easy. Finding out means being able to start highly effective treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus onto anyone else. I would urge people to get tested and find out more about the activities taking place this World AIDS Day locally.”

A key message is U=U - Undetectable means Untransmissible. HIV medication is highly effective. A person taking regular anti-viral therapy can reduce viral load to undetectable levels. This means they cannot sexually transmit HIV.

Mags Davies, CEO of The Eddystone Trust, said: "We know that stigma still prevents too many people from speaking openly about HIV - and from accessing testing and treatment. But the facts are powerful: with access to effective treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives - and cannot pass HIV on to their partners. U=U is a message of dignity, of truth, and of hope.”

The UK remains one of the few places in the world where HIV treatment and care are free. But The Eddystone Trust warns that even here, services must continue to adapt as communities change.

Mags Davies added: “No one should have to navigate this alone. Healthcare is a human right, and community connection is key.”

The Road to 2030

The UK remains on track to achieve zero new HIV transmissions by 2030, but only if testing, education, and stigma-reduction efforts continue.

HIV is everyone’s business. We all have an HIV status, and the only way to know it is to test.

This World AIDS Day, The Eddystone Trust is asking people across Torbay to Claim Your Status by taking a test. Testing is quick, free, and confidential.

Devon Sexual Health, based at Castle Circus Health Centre, provides a free and confidential HIV testing service and assessment for PrEP. They can be contacted at https://www.devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk/ or by calling 0300 303 3989. 

Online HIV tests can be ordered through: https://eddystone.org.uk/pages/testing 

World AIDS Day Activities in Torbay

The Eddystone Trust will be present across Torbay throughout November and on World AIDS Day to raise awareness, share information, and encourage HIV testing.

Thursday 20 November

• Torbay Hospital - awareness-raising and signposting to testing and support.
• Brixham Library and Torquay Library - public engagement and access to information and resources.

Wednesday 26 November

• Paignton Library - community stall offering information, advice and red ribbons.

Thursday 27 November

• Steamer Quay, Totnes - community outreach and awareness activity.
• Torquay town centre - they will join with Standing Tall to host a stigma awareness activity featuring a miniature therapy pony to encourage conversation and engagement.

World AIDS Day - 1 December - The Meadfoot Pub
Community quiz night to mark the day, honour those lost and stand with people living with HIV.

Honouring the Past, Committing to the Future

On World AIDS Day, we remember all those lost to AIDS-related illness. We honour the activists, caregivers, and communities who fought, and continue to fight, for dignity, equality, and justice.

We wear the red ribbon not only as remembrance, but as a commitment to action.

Join Us

• Claim Your Status - Test for HIV
• Share U=U - Undetectable = Untransmittable
• Support community-led services
• Stand with people living with HIV by wearing a red ribbon

Learn more about the Eddystone Trust