Change Grow Live will be hosting two events in Bootle as part of National HIV Testing Week

Information stall

National HIV Testing Week runs from Monday 5^th to Sunday 11^th February. As part of it, the charity will be taking a HIV testing information stall at:

• Bootle Life Rooms 68 Merton Road, Bootle, L20 7AT from 11.30am to 1pm on Wednesday 7th February;
  
  
• The Green House, 2 Bridle Way Bootle L30 4UA from 9.30am to 12 noon on Thursday 8th February.

Anyone who comes along to the events will be able to meet with members of Change Grow Live’s friendly team  and have an open and non-judgmental chat about anything sexual health related.

People will be able to take away safer sex packs and also HIV home testing kits.

Reasons for testing

National HIV Testing Week promotes regular testing among key population groups in England and this year’s theme is ‘I Test’ which explores different reasons for testing.

People can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms so a test is the best way for people to stay in control of their health and know if they have HIV.

Regular HIV testing benefits everyone. If you are HIV negative, you can still use protection such as PrEP or condoms to stay negative and you are HIV positive, you can start treatment and live a long and healthy life. Also people on effective HIV treatment cannot pass it on to partners.

HIV Testing Clinics in Sefton

Southport Centre for Health and Wellbeing at Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0PQ (01695 656550) offers HIV testing and appointments and walk-in tests between 9am and 12.30pmon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

St Hugh’s, Bootle, (5th floor), Stanley Road, Bootle, L20 3QQ.(01695 656550) offers HIV testing and appointments and walk-in tests between 9am and 12.30pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

Other testing opportunities

Free and confidential HIV testing can also be arranged at LCVS (Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services), 4th Floor, LCVS Building, 151 Dale Street, Liverpol L2 2AH.

They can also provide HIV self-testing kits for home use or help people to book an appointment with a local sexual health clinic.

People can pick up condoms, lube, and information on other HIV prevention resources including PEP and PREP.

You can contact them on 0151 673 1912 or by emailing hivtesting@sahir.uk.com

You can also use this link to find out more from Sefton Sexual Health Service.