HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust is joining forces with other local HIV organisations to remind visitors to Birmingham Pride (23 – 24 May) not to put their sexual health at risk by getting carried away with the party mood.

Staff and volunteers from THT’s centres in Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton, along with organisations AB Plus and Freshwinds, will ride a float in Saturday’s Carnival Parade, promoting the safer sex message and handing out condoms to the crowds lining the parade route. They will also run a stall at the event, where festival-goers can pick up free condoms, along with important advice and information, including where to get tested if they have put themselves at risk.

Ben Watson, Centre Manager for THT in Birmingham, said: “Gay men are one of the groups most affected by HIV in the UK, and – after every Pride festival – we do see a rise in calls to our helpline THT Direct from men who are worried they have put themselves at risk of HIV and STIs. Birmingham Pride is a great event with a real festival atmosphere, and we would encourage people to enjoy themselves; just don’t forget your condoms!”