World AIDS Day 2025
Hillcrest Futures’ Tayside Injecting Equipment Provision (IEP) service has been marking World AIDS Day across our services in Tayside this week.
Our team has been offering blood tests using a quick and simple dry blood spot test (DBST). This confidential test checks for HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B, and is available through our harm reduction service in Dundee, Perth and Angus. So far, we have carried out 12 tests and will continue our World AIDS Day activities throughout this week and next.
The team has also been giving advice on blood borne virus (BBV) safety and protection. As part of the awareness work, they have been handing out goodie bags designed to support safer choices, increase awareness and encourage conversations about transmission risks.
The bags included:
- Toothbrushes to reduce the risk of BBV transmission if items are shared
- Lip balm to protect lips from cracks that can increase risk when sharing items like crack pipes or vapes
- Condoms and lubricant for safer sex
- Information on Hepatitis B vaccinations available at our clinics
- Information on HIV treatment
- Details of Hillcrest Futures support services
- World AIDS Day ribbons, stickers and pens
- Bottles of water to support hydration and wellbeing
- Cup-a-soups to help keep warm
- Sweet treats
- Pens, stickers and information cards donated by the NHS HIV team
This year’s World AIDS Day bouquet was handmade by our project worker Joanne Tosh. The heart-shaped decorations used in our display were kindly donated by Dawn at Forget Me Not Florist on Strathmartine Road in Dundee.
To find out more about our Harm Reduction services, please scan the QR code or visit: Hillcrest Harm Reduction | Instagram | Linktree
