The UK’s leading sexual health and HIV charity has rolled out a national programme –Health Wealth and Happiness Project (HWHP) – aimed at the one in four of those living with HIV in the UK who are over 50, with Manchester one of five locations chosen.
HWHP focuses on providing support, advice, counselling and information to the first generation of people living with HIV into older age.
These numbers are set to rise significantly over the next decade with 53 per cent (42, 000) of people currently living with HIV in the UK in the 35 – 49 age group.
In 2013 it was revealed that 21.5 per cent of total people (4717) seen for HIV care in Manchester were over 50 – 832 Men and180 women. Of the total seen for care 11 per cent were new diagnoses over 50.
Tina Kamzi, Lead Project Coordinator Health, Wealth and Happiness, Terrence Higgins Trust said:
“Our Health, Wealth & Happiness Project is of real benefit to older people living with HIV in Manchester . There is so much on offer from workshops to volunteering, and the chance to meet new people.
“If you are an organisation working with older people locally, we also provide training on HIV. This is invaluable as we are now experiencing the first generation with HIV to live well past their 50s, 60’s 70s and into their 80s.”
Pembrokeshire-born Terrence (Terry) Higgins became one of the first people in Britain to be claimed by Aids back in 1982.
Later that year, Martyn Butler, from Newport, along with two of Mr Higgins’s other close friends, established the Terrence Higgins Trust in his memory.
It started in a London flat, but has grown to become a leading voice on sexual health, as well as providing counselling and clinics.
“Dr Rosemary Gillespie, Terrence Higgins Trust CEO, said:
“As we commemorate Terry Higgin’s 70th birthday we are reminded that people with HIV are now living into older age – something which was barely conceivable until recently.
