Where can I get tested for HIV in the West Country?

Did you know that an estimated 13% of people with HIV do not know that they are carrying the virus?

Plymouth-based charity, the Eddystone Trust, is encouraging people to get tested as part of National HIV Testing Week. It is holding a number of drop-in sessions across the West Country.

  • Gloucester Fri 24th November at Cityworks

  • Gloucester Mon 27th November at Homeless Healthcare

  • Bath Sat 25th November at Rainbow Cafe

  • Weston-Super-Mare Sat 25th November aboard Wellbeing Bus

  • Frome Thur 23rd November at Frome Medical Centre

  • Bridgwater Fri 24th November at East Quay Medical Centre

  • Torquay Thur 23rd November at Endeavour House and Croft Road Surgery

  • Plymouth Thur 23rd November at Plymouth University Medical Centre and the LGBT Society of Plymouth University

  • Plymouth Fri 24th November at The Swallow Pub

Yvette Twagiramariya demonstrates an HIV self-testing kit to Prince Harry. Credit: PA

Testing at the sessions involves a simple finger prick. It is (relatively) painless, confidential and free. It is also fast and simple. The Eddystone Trust wants everyone to "Give HIV the finger", a campaign backed by Prince Harry.

People can also test at home using either a postal test or a self test but make sure the kits have an approved UK 'CE' mark.

Free HIV postal test kits are available until 4th January 2018 for all gay & bisexual men, black Africans and people who have a partner from a high prevalence country.

  • Order a free HIV test kit here

The charity says it is a good idea to get tested regularly.

For further advice: