WIRRAL residents are being urged to get tested as part of National HIV Testing Week (NHTW).

Wirral Sexual Health Prevention, Outreach & Testing service (W-SPOT) was launched to residents last year to offer support, advice and free HIV testing in the borough.

Since opening until July this year, W-SPOT has tested more than 60 people for HIV and delivered more than 60 HIV awareness sessions across the borough.

The service works with people considered to be at 'high risk' of HIV transmission who are not currently looking for local sexual health services.

In Wirral due to the high rates of late diagnosis, the service works alongside local agencies outreach services to increase testing rates for 'at risk' people.

Wellbeing practitioner and a tester at W-SPOT Kathleen Charters said: “Getting tested for HIV can be nerve-wracking and scary, but it doesn't have to be.

"Our testing methods are quick and simple, providing results within minutes.

"I think anybody worrying about their risk of contracting HIV should contact us today for a chat.”

W-SPOT offers the following services:

  • Condoms, lube and HIV prevention information
  • A Point of Care Testing static clinic
  • Point of Care Testing detached clinics to other services
  • Outreach HIV prevention work in public sex environments
  • An LGBT drop-in service offering advice and support around sexual health

Testing is free, quick and simple - all you have to do is to provide a finger-prick rapid HIV test that gives a result within minutes.

Following positive tests W-SPOT will stay in touch with clients, linking them up with appropriate follow-up support services.

W-SPOT runs a weekly clinic where people aged 18+ can access information, advice and free testing, for more information visit www.w-spot.org. The clinic runs on Wednesdays, 5pm to 7.30pm at Devonshire Resource Centre, 141 Park Rd N, Birkenhead CH41 0DD (Age UK Wirral).