Torbay urged to ‘Claim Your Status’ for World AIDS Day

Torbay Council and local charity The Eddystone Trust are encouraging residents to take action this World AIDS Day, which falls on Sunday, 1 December, by getting tested for HIV.

In 2024, there were 218 people living with HIV locally, with more than half aged over 50. Local health officials say late diagnoses remain a concern, meaning some people are quite ill by the time they find out they have the virus.

The council has reaffirmed that the UK remains on track to achieve zero new HIV transmissions by 2030, but only if testing, education, and stigma-reduction efforts continue.

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said testing is essential. “Testing for HIV is free, confidential and easy. Finding out means being able to start highly effective treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus onto anyone else. I would urge people to get tested and find out more about the activities taking place this World AIDS Day locally.”

The Eddystone Trust has supported people affected by HIV across the South West for over 30 years, providing education, inclusive sexual health services, and non-judgmental support.

Mags Davies, the charity’s CEO, highlighted the importance of reducing stigma and promoting effective treatment. “With access to effective treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives – and cannot pass HIV on to their partners. U=U is a message of dignity, of truth, and of hope,” she said, referring to the principle that undetectable equals untransmissible.

Awareness and testing initiatives are taking place throughout November, including stalls and outreach at libraries, Torbay Hospital, and public spaces, as well as a community quiz night at The Meadfoot Pub on 1 December.

Free testing is available through Devon Sexual Health at Castle Circus Health Centre, while home-testing kits can be ordered online via The Eddystone Trust.

World AIDS Day Activities in Torbay

The Eddystone Trust will be present across Torbay throughout November and on World AIDS Day to raise awareness, share information, and encourage HIV testing.

Thursday 20 November

• Torbay Hospital - awareness-raising and signposting to testing and support.
• Brixham Library and Torquay Library - public engagement and access to information and resources.

Wednesday 26 November

• Paignton Library - community stall offering information, advice and red ribbons.

Thursday 27 November

• Steamer Quay, Totnes - community outreach and awareness activity.
• Torquay town centre - they will join with Standing Tall to host a stigma awareness activity featuring a miniature therapy pony to encourage conversation and engagement.

World AIDS Day - 1 December - The Meadfoot Pub
Community quiz night to mark the day, honour those lost and stand with people living with HIV.