Sunday December 1 is World AIDs Day.
City of Edinburgh Council colleagues & UNISON contributed £37.00 in donations to the NATIONAL AIDS Trust at the Waverly Court stall on Thursday 28 November and are proudly wearing RED RIBBON. Ian, Don and
Michael
from UNISON and Nina from Unite volunteered to man the stall over lunch.
What is World AIDS Day?
World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Since 1988, communities have stood together on World AIDS Day to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost.
Why is World AIDS Day important?
In the UK, more than 105,000 people are living with HIV. Globally, an estimated 38 million people live with the virus. More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS related illnesses over the past 40 years, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Medical advances mean people with HIV in the UK can expect a long and healthy life and that we have the tools to stop HIV transmissions for good. But HIV continues to be highly stigmatised and misunderstood. At National AIDS Trust, the UK’s HIV rights charity, we are contacted weekly by people experiencing discrimination because of HIV, including in work, education, housing and even healthcare.
World AIDS Day exists to shine a light on the real experiences of people living with HIV today, while celebrating the strength, resilience and diversity of the communities most affected. It is a moment to inspire the leadership needed to create a future where HIV doesn’t stand in the way of anyone’s life.
For further information about World Aid Day click on this link What is World AIDS Day?
If you would like to honour a loved one lost to HIV or an AIDS related illness, visit the World AIDs Trust Memorial page.
What’s the story behind the red ribbon?
The red ribbon is the universal symbol of awareness and support for people living with HIV. It was first devised in 1991, when twelve artists met to discuss a new project for Visual AIDS, a New York HIV-awareness arts organisation.
It was there that they came up with what would become one of the most recognised symbols of the decade: the red ribbon, worn to signify awareness and support for people living with HIV. The artists wanted to create a visual expression of compassion for people living with HIV and chose red for its boldness, and for its symbolic associations with passion, the heart and love.
We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to end the HIV epidemic for good, but we must also continue fighting the stigma still experienced by people living with HIV. By supporting National AIDS Trust this World AIDS Day, you’ll be helping to stop HIV from standing in the way of health, dignity and equality, and to end new HIV transmissions.
If you need support
There’s lots of support available if you need support or you’ve struggling with any issues relating to this topic.
Internal resources
- Our Employee wellbeing Orb pages
- Speak Up Supporters
- PAM Assist online or phone 0800 882 4102
- City of Edinburgh Council – Help and Support for People with HIV, AIDs or Hep C or call 0131 200 2324
AID & HIV specific support
- Positive Help Edinburgh providing free practical support to enable people to access treatment and support to live well with HIV and/or Hepatitis.
- LGBT Health and Wellbeing is a registered charity promoting the health, wellbeing and equality of adults in Scotland. They also offer support services and community events.
- Waverly Care Charity providing support from testing and knowing your status, to accessing treatment and living well with HIV and hepatitis