At risk groups in Bolton have been urged to take advantage of free, quick and confidential screening as part of National HIV Testing Week.
The weeklong campaign, organised by the Terrence Higgins Trust runs from November 17 to 23.
The week encourages everyone to have a free test but with a particular focus on groups most affected by HIV, including gay and bisexual men and black African men and women.
According to Public Health England, 44 per cent of HIV patients in Bolton are diagnosed late.
Around one in eight people living with HIV in the UK remain undiagnosed, which means they are not accessing the treatment they need to live well and are increasing the chances of unwittingly passing on the virus.
Pop-up testing is taking place at venues across Greater Manchester during the week, including local bars and nightclubs.
A session will be held at the British Red Cross, Victoria Hall in Bolton on Monday, November 19 from 10.30am to 2pm.
Testing and advice is also available year-round at local sexual health clinics.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, Cllr Debbie Newall, said:
“We encourage anyone who might be at risk to come and get a free, confidential test.
“Today, if you test positive, effective treatment means you can live as long as anyone else, and when the amount of the virus in your blood is reduced to undetectable levels, this means you cannot pass on HIV.
“Testing puts you in control and isn’t something to be afraid of.”
More information about National HIV Testing Week is available here.
At-risk groups can order a free self-test kit to be sent to their home here.
Pop-up testing will be available at the following venues:
HIV testing organised by BHA for Equality:
Nov 17, 10am-3pm: BHA for Equality, 609 Stretford Rd, Manchester
Nov 19, 10.30am-2pm: British Red Cross, Victoria Hall, 37 Knowsley St, Bolton
Nov 19, 1.30pm-4pm: Albert Kennedy Trust, 5 Oak St, Manchester
Nov 19, 5pm-8pm: Longsight Library, 519 Stockport Rd, Manchester
Nov 20, 10am-1pm: Manchester Revive, Brigid’s Parish, 60 Grey Mare Ln, Manchester
Nov 20, 4.30pm-7.30pm: BHA for Equality, 609 Stretford Rd, Manchester
Nov 21, 10am-1pm: Northmoor Community Association, 95-97 Northmoor Rd, Manchester
Nov 21, 10am-3.30pm: SWAP Wigan, Penson St, Wigan
Nov 21, 4.30pm-6.30pm: Stockport Advocacy, 48 Middle Hillgate, Stockport
Nov 22, 11am-2pm: Kath Locke Centre, 123 Moss Ln E, Manchester
Nov 22, 11am-2pm: Oldham Baptist Church, 70-76 Brunswick St, Oldham
Nov 23, 11am-2pm: Limelight, 1 St Brides Way, Stretford
Nov 23, 11am-3pm: Pendeleton Together Trust, Horn Beam Court, Salford
HIV testing organised by the LGBT Foundation:
Nov 17, 1pm-5pm: LGBT Foundation, 5 Richmond St, Manchester
Nov 18, 1pm-5pm: LGBT Foundation, 5 Richmond St, Manchester (closed clinic for LGBT sports groups)
Nov 18, 12noon-6pm: Barber Below, 10 Hilton St, Manchester (Please book here: http:/tinyurl.com/testandtrim)
Nov 19, 5pm-9pm: LGBT Foundation, 5 Richmond St, Manchester
Nov 19, 4pm-8pm: George House Trust , 75-77 Ardwick Green North, Manchester
Nov 19, 1:30pm-4pm: Stockport Mind, Dove House, 65 Union St, Stockport
Nov 20, 9am-12pm: Townside Primary Care Centre, Knowsley Place, Knowsley St, Bury
Nov 20, 12noon-4pm: Manchester Metropolitan University, Conference Suite, Students Union, 21 Higher Cambridge St, Manchester
Nov 21, 1pm-5pm: University of Salford, Maxwell Building, The Crescent, Salford
Nov 22, 3:30pm-7pm: LGBT Foundation, 5 Richmond St, Manchester
Nov 22, 11am-3pm: Nye Bevan House, Maclure Rd, Rochdale
Nov 22, 12noon-4pm: Twinkle Bar, 88 Market St, Stalybridge
Nov 23, 11am-3pm: Talkshop Trafford, 19 Tatton Rd, Sale
Nov 24, 1pm-5pm: LGBT Foundation, 5 Richmond St, Manchester