A charity that promotes the rights of marginalised people is working with health officials on the issue of HIV.

Isle of Pride is working p with the Department of Health and Social Care to create an educational package to provide student nurses studying at Keyll Darree with ’insight and understanding’ to help them to work with patients and families of those affected.

Committee member Zoe Bennett said: ’We have been in talks with the staff at Keyll Darree about supporting their training provision particularly in terms of inclusion with a specific focus on patients with HIV.

’They had recognised that the current training has some gaps especially in areas we as a charity can help support.

’This is an excellent partnership opportunity for us to work with those training to be on the front line of health care and help educate people so we end the stigma still associated with HIV as well as promoting testing, prevention and treatment.’ Legislative Buildings, was lit up in red lighting on Sunday, December 1, in acknowledgement of World Aids Day in support of the Isle of Pride campaign to help people with HIV.

In addition to this, Juan Christian of Compton Vaults and Isle of Pride held an evening of live music to raise money and the profile of Aids-related charities on island.

’The show of support we have received from the community has been overwhelming,’ said Ms Bennett.

’It is excellent to see so many people wanting to take positive action for change in terms of eliminating discrimination across all sections of our society.

’HIV is most definitely not limited to the LGBTQ+ community, but it is our mission to provide the island with safe inclusive spaces as well as education on where to seek help and support for the wide array of needs that are not always met, leaving people feeling alone and vulnerable.

HIV is something that is not always openly talked about on island that has the potential to affect all people from all walks of life.’

Currently there is no definitive data surrounding people on island living with HIV, so nobody knows how many are affected either directly or indirectly.

For further information on HIV and AIDS or to make an appointment to get tested and know your status contact the Sexual Health Clinic at Nobles Hospital on 01624 650710

All calls are treated in the strictest confidence.

Clinics are held as follows by appointment only:

Monday: 1.45pm to 4.15pm

Tuesday: 1.45pm to 4.15pm and 6pm to 7.30pm

Wednesday: 1.45pm to 4.15pm

Thursday: 9am to 12pm

Friday: 9am to 12pm and 1.45pm to 4.15pm