National HIV Testing Week begins on Monday 10 February to promote regular testing in England for those most affected by HIV. This includes gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and people of Black African ethnicity.

People can live with HIV for a long time without knowing it. An estimated 4,700 people are currently living with undiagnosed HIV in England, including an estimated 1,600 GBMSM, 600 Black African heterosexual men and 1,000 Black African heterosexual women. Testing rates for HIV in sexual health services are still below 2019 levels, particularly among heterosexuals. While testing has increased among GBMSM, there are continuing health inequities including for those outside of London and for younger men. Amongst Black African heterosexuals, late diagnoses remain high and trends in new diagnoses suggest ongoing transmission.

Finding out sooner means that you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus on to anyone else.

Where can I find out more?

National HIV Testing Week is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and delivered by Terrence Higgins Trust, as part of HIV Prevention England. To find out more about the week and what you can do to support the campaign join a webinar with HIV Prevention England at 1pm on 13 February at this link: Webinar Registration - Zoom

How can I get tested?

Testing for HIV with CNWL is quick and easy, confidential and free. All it takes is a finger-prick test and you can even test from the comfort of your own home. If you have HIV, finding out means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus onto anyone else.

CNWL runs sexual health services across London and Surrey. There are lots of ways to get a HIV test with CNWL.

If you're based in London, you can book a quick check appointment (often available the same day) in one of our clinics or order free tests online. 

Residents in Surrey (who are over 16) can visit our dedicated page to order home testing kits.

Anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support. CNWL provides HIV care and treatment at the Bloomsbury Clinic in London and in Surrey from two clinics in Guildford and Redhill. In London, you can transfer your care to us by calling us on 020 3317 5100. In Surrey you can call us on 01483 675 389 and press option 4 for HIV Services.

This year free HIV testing kits are available online via www.freetesting.hiv

Who should test?

Testing at least once a year for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is good sexual health practice for everyone who is sexually active, even if there is no risk of infection. Depending on how many different sexual partners someone has in one year, testing more regularly should be considered.

GBMSM should get tested routinely for HIV and other STIs - at least annually or every three months if having sex without condoms with new or casual partners.

Black African men and women should have a regular HIV and STI screen if having sex without condoms with new or casual partners.

Trans women and trans men who have sex with MSM should test regularly for HIV and other STIs, annually or every three months, if having sex without condoms with new or casual partners.

The best way to protect from HIV is to wear a condom and take PrEP

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It’s a medicine people at risk of HIV can take to prevent them from getting HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective. It can help you stay in control of your sex life and keep healthy.  Find more information here (opens link). 

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a treatment that can stop an HIV infection after the virus has entered a person’s body. It must be taken within 72 hours of exposure. PEP is also available from the sexual health service.

Health promotion and testing in the community during HIV Testing Week

To mark HIV Testing Week, CNWL’s Sexual Health outreach teams in London and Surrey will also be raising awareness about the importance of testing for HIV

In Surrey

• 6 Feb University of creative arts in Farnham
• 11 Feb Godalming College
• 13 Feb Reigate College

In London

The CLASH/SHOC service will be focusing on our work, with most venerable and marginalised and those with continuing health inequalities.

The team have a week of planned outreach and clinic sessions where we will be raising awareness of NHTW, wearing the ITest merchandise and promoting HIV screening and the resources.

Monday 10 February 2025

Sex workers C&I - 9am to 1pm
CLASH clinic at Mortimer Market Centre

GBMSM Islington - 11am to 1pm
Antidote
86 Caledonian Road N1 9DN

Tuesday 11 February 2025

Homeless/D&A Islington - 1am to 3pm
Stacey Street Hostel
1 Stacey Street N7 7JT

Sex Workers C&I and Haringey - 5pm to 10pm
CLASH & SHOC
Flat/Premises Outreach

GBMSM Islington
LGBT MIND Service
35 Ashley Road N19 3AG

Wednesday 12 February 2025

BAME Islington - 11am to 12pm
Migrant Centre
16-18 Cross St N1 2BG

BAME Islington - 2pm to 4pm
BAME MIND Service
35 Ashley Road N19 3AG

Homeless/D&A SHP Camden - 12pm to 3pm
Women’s Restbite
Address Confidential

Thursday 12 February 2025

Sex workers Haringey
SHOC clinic @AC

Homeless/D&A Camden - 11am to 1pm
Conway House
18-22 Quex Road NW6 4PL

Friday 13 February 2025

Sex workers C&I - 9am to 1pm
CLASH clinic at Mortimer Market Centre

Our friendly CLASH Outreach Team are pictured below