Date Published: 3 October 2008

'Fastest' to provide interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing gay and bisexual men in Brighton

The Terence Higgins Trust (THT) is a UK charity that provides advice and support about HIV and sexual health more generally. THT has a lot of experience of working with all kinds of young people. Visit their website for advice about safe sex and sexual health.

Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton is extending its Fastest service, making the service more accessible for deaf and hard of hearing gay and bisexual men by providing interpreters at a selection of clinic dates.

Ben Tunstall, Senior Practitioner in Health Promotion at THT in Brighton said:

Research recently conducted by the University of Brighton revealed the difficulties deaf and hard of hearing gay and bisexual men living in Brighton face when trying to access health care services. In response to this THT is making some changes to our Fastest' service, which offers HIV test results within an hour. We hope that by making it easier to have an HIV test, more people will come forward.

Fastest, which runs as a drop-in clinic every Monday evening from 6 9pm, will have BSL interpreters on the following dates:

• Monday 24th November 2008
• Monday 23rd February 2009
• Monday 1st June 2009

As only the first ten men can be seen each week, anyone who requires the services of an interpreter on the dates above can book a space by contacting Mark Cull on 01273 764 223 using type talk or email mark.cull@tht.org.uk For the November clinic, please contact Mark by Tuesday 18th November.

Fastest in Brighton has been running since 2004. The service aims to provide an alternative testing environment for people who are not able to access services during the normal working day, or who may be put off by hospitals and traditional sexual health clinics. The clinic offers test results for HIV within an hour, whereas results from sexual health clinics can take several days.

Tests are free and confidential for everyone. Pre and post test counselling and support will be offered to those attending and anyone who tests positive will be given full support in choosing a treatment centre. They will also be given information on the range of support services provided by THT and other local services including counselling, information, advice and peer support.

For further information on the clinic please contact Mark Cull at the Terrence Higgins Trust on 01273 764 223.

News is included on the IvyRose website to inform visitors about current health issues, but not to endorse any particular view or activity. Any views expressed in the article above are not necessarily those of IvyRose Ltd.. At least some of the material in this news item was released by the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) on or about 3 October 2008.