During HIV Testing Week, 10th to 16th February 2025, Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, visited a pop-up session at Kirkby Christian Fellowship Church supported by Sahir to see how quick and easy HIV testing is.
Cllr Christine Bannon said: “It’s really important to highlight the importance of regular testing which helps to reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV and those diagnosed late. The test is free, confidential, quick and easy so I would encourage people to protect themselves and others by getting tested.”
Most new infections come from unprotected sex with someone who doesn’t know they have HIV as people can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms, so testing is the only way to know your HIV status.
You can also do a test in the comfort of your own home through a self-test kit or you can contact Sahir or book an appointment with Axess.
If you test positive, finding out means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus on to anyone else.
Most people will get a negative result but whatever happens, it’s important to know that anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support.
There are many ways to test – at a sexual health clinic, your GP, through HIV and sexual health charities or by ordering a test online.
Ant Hopkinson, CEO of Sahir, said: “It’s fantastic to have Councillor Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, take part in this important demonstration of how quick and easy HIV self-testing can be. By leading by example, she’s helping to break down stigma, raise awareness, and encourage more people to take control of their sexual health. At Sahir, we know that normalising testing is key to ending new transmissions, and today is a great step forward in that mission.”
Anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support.
For more information visit HIV Prevention England.
Liverpool City Region Charity, Sahir, provides free support to any Knowsley residents affected by HIV. You can speak in confidence with one of the HIV support workers by phoning 0151 673 1972 or emailing info@sahir.org.uk. Information about the range of support and advice available can be found on at LGBTQ+ and HIV Charity in Liverpool City Region – Sahir
Axess is the free sexual health service for Knowsley. They can help with any sexual health concerns and provide virtual and face to face support. The service also delivers a clinic to provide Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), which is a form of medicine that prevents HIV and is provided to eligible residents who wish to accept the offer. You can find out more at https://www.axess.clinic/.