HIV and sexual health charity THT (Terrence Higgins Trust) is working with East Sussex County Council to hold the region's first dedicated event for people living with HIV. The event which takes place on Tuesday December 1 aims to hear first hand about some of the issues experienced by people living with the condition including isolation, stigma, ageing with HIV, benefits and immigration.

'Positive People's Voice Heard' coincides with World Aids Day which has been
running every December since 1988, and is dedicated to raising awareness of the
condition. In the UK alone, 80,000 people are living with HIV and over 7,500 are
diagnosed every year.

Daniel Murray, HIV Health Coach for THT in East Sussex said:
"We know that over 240 HIV positive people use the Eastbourne and Hastings HIV clinics in East Sussex. There are many more using HIV services outside the region for their treatment. We really hope that this event, which is the first of its kind, will
bring together people living with HIV and their carers as well as local
organisations to discuss and explore the current services on offer in East
Sussex."

A heterosexual East Sussex resident who has lived with HIV for ten years and is helping to co-ordinate the event said:
"We're trying to encourage people in East Sussex to stop being silent about their needs, we can't help other positive people if we don't know what their needs are. The day will be a time where we can all get together and look at how we can improve services for us, so do come along and join us."

The 'Positive People's Voice Heard' event is open to people living with HIV and
their carers as well as any organisations who provides support services to
people living with HIV in East Sussex.

The free event runs from 10am to 3pm on December 1 at the International
Lawn Tennis Centre at Devonshire Park, College Road, Eastbourne and will include a small buffet lunch.

For more information contact Daniel Murray at THT on 01323 649927 or email daniel.murray@tht.org.uk