In 2018, Liberate were the recipients of an unexpected donation. The donation came with the restriction that it was to be used to support the fight against HIV/AIDS by providing support to those living with HIV and/or their families; support for medical research regarding care of those with HIV, treatment and/or prevention of HIV; and, promotion or education around safe sexual health.

To find out what is being done in the UK by charities working in this area we have visited the Terence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity; the National AIDS Trust, who champion the rights of people living with HIV and campaign for change; and, StopAIDS, the network of UK agencies working to secure an effective global response to HIV and AIDS.

As a result of the meetings, we have secured offers of support from Terence Higgins Trust and National AIDS Trust for any work Liberate does in the Islands. We have also supported the ENDAIDS2030 Festival organised by StopAIDS that marks 30 years of World AIDS Day and raises awareness of the commitment to end AIDS globally by 2030.

Progress: Having asked Islanders to complete a (completely anonymous) online survey and interviewed those working in this area, we have compiled a report of what the picture look like across the Bailiwicks. Crucially, we know that the focus of our work has to be reducing the stigma associated with being HIV positive by educating and informing to stop the myths and misinformation.

Report on the results of our survey of HIV across the Channel Islands

Liberate has produced awareness training to address this issue, which can be accessed here. We also offer free home testing kits that can be requested by emailing hivsupport@liberate.je – we can arrange to meet you or post a test to you. We also offer free counselling for anyone who is living with HIV or newly diagnosed.