"8,000 people worldwide die from AIDS every single day"

That was the headline that faced me when reading literature on World AIDS Day. Yet still it is frightening to believe in countries that are not faced with poverty, starvation and limited medical care, statistics show that because the number of people dying with AIDS is slowing some people therefore wrongly believe there is a cure for AIDS. When in fact there is just a more effective treatment that prolongs life.

World AIDS Day has a special place in the history of the AIDS pandemic and since 1988, December 1st has been the day we highlight awareness issues around HIV bringing with it compassion, hope and solidarity to all infected and affected.

"Out of Sight….Out of Mind" is the UK theme for this year and globally the World AIDS Day theme is "I Care. Do You?". Both being significant to volunteers, service users and staff of Staffordshire Buddies.

The following lists the activities taking place throughout Staffordshire to signify World AIDS Day. Everyone is welcome to attend and if you'd like more information on specific events or on Staffordshire Buddies please get in touch or email us at ask@staffordshirebuddies.co.uk.

Saturday 24th November, Staffordshire Buddies display at the Potteries Shopping Centre, Hanley

Friday 30th November, 7pm @ St Peter's Church, Stoke, Churches Together & Musicaid.

Saturday 1st December

New Vic Theatre, Newcastle, various activities are taking place throughout the day, including piece of street theatre being held in Hanley, workshops at the New Vic, and display of material created by service users. In the evening the theatre will be showing several pieces of theatre acted out by various youth groups.

1pm World AIDS Day Service at Keele University Chapel followed by a Vigil.

5.30pm Vigil @ Fountain Square, Hanley, call Keith Groom 01782 632746 for more info.

Sunday 2nd December @ 3.30pm, World AIDS Day Service at Sneyd Vicarage, Stoke on Trent

Throughout mid November and early December, Staffordshire Buddies will be answering requesting from schools, colleges and universities to give talks on issues around HIV and World AIDS Day.

We will also be supporting the various events taking place throughout Staffordshire including local universities.

Sarah E Beech
Office Manager