UK and Ireland Fastrack Cities and BHIVA Spring Conference 2022

Manchester is indeed the epicentre of everything; from music, partying, football; industry, Corrie…even a crackin’ curry!

However this week, a commitment to ending new transmissions of HIV, supporting people to live well with HIV and tackling HIV stigma were all firmly added to the list!

The Manchester Conference Centre played host to the UK and Ireland Fast Track Cities Conference on Tuesday 19th April 2022 where George House Trust presented on key pieces of work including our Intensive Support Programme and our Positive Speakers work.

We joined NHS and Local Authority colleagues, as well as lots of volunteers and HIV activists and many amazing charities from up and down the country to share the epic work that were all doing in our joint efforts.

Then on Wednesday 20th April 2022, Manchester was host to BHIVA’s Spring Conference 2022!

The 3-day HIV extravaganza brought together experts, researchers, activists, clinicians, people living with HIV, charities and drug companies to talk about everything from new drugs, breastfeeding, campaigns, stigma and innovation in relation to HIV and loads, loads more.

There were thought provoking presentations from a range of individuals, and Josh and Yvonne from George House Trust both had had an opportunity to share their thoughts as presenters. Even Sir Richard Leese and Greater Manchester's Mayor Andy Burnham came along to share their support.

It was incredible to see the passion across both conferences around HIV and the sheer brilliance of the people working to make life better. It was a week of inspiration, learning and creativity and I’ve even been left with a bag full of incredibly important resources from Sophia Forum around HIV and the menopause; something that needs to be talked about more!

It’s so important that we take the time to learn, share and inspire others. My key takeaway from this brilliant week is that when it comes to HIV, it’s truly a team effort, a human effort and indeed a global effort.

Darren Knight

Chief Executive

22nd April 2022