To coincide with National HIV Testing Week, NAM is launching a free-to-use online and smartphone tool, which lets you quickly find out where you can go for an HIV test in the UK.
The new online tool allows you to enter your location and get contact details for your local hospital or clinic where HIV testing and other sexual health tests are available. An advanced search option displays results on a map, and lists specialised clinics (e.g. for gay men and young people) as well as out-of-office hours testing locations and paid-for tests.
You can access the HIV test finder:
- Using the iPhone app (download here or search HIV test finder in the App store)
- Through our website, at: www.aidsmap.com/hiv-test-finder
- Using the Facebook app (download here or search HIV test finder on Facebook).
Caspar Thomson, Executive Director of NAM, says: “Taking an HIV test can be a life-saving step. The UK is fortunate to have more than 600 excellent and free services, which mean testing is more convenient and quicker than ever. Yet, despite this, nearly a quarter of people living with HIV in the UK are unaware of their status. We’re delighted the Big Lottery is funding our HIV test finder app, which we are launching to coincide with National HIV Testing Week, a nationwide drive to reduce the number of people with undiagnosed HIV. With NAM’s app, finding an HIV test has become even easier.”
The iPhone app will let you find a testing centre while out on the move, telephone and book an appointment and use a map to get directions. Using the Facebook app will not show up on your timeline. If you want to encourage your friends to take an HIV test, you can share the app with them.
The arrival of the HIV test finder tool brings a new, simple and convenient way for people to quickly and easily get the information they need to get tested for HIV, in just a few clicks.
Used the HIV test finder? We’d love your feedback, do get in touch with us on 020 7837 6988 or email us at info@nam.org.uk.
More information
About NAM: NAM works to change lives by sharing information about HIV and AIDS. We believe that, wherever you are in the world, having independent, clear and accurate information is vital in the fight against HIV and AIDS. It enables individuals and communities affected by HIV to protect themselves, care for others, advocate for better services and challenge stigma and discrimination. We produce useful information that you can trust, and make sure it is there for anyone who needs it.
About National HIV Testing Week: Testing week is a new initiative run by the HIV Prevention England partnership and aims to encourage people at high risk of HIV to take a test. National HIV Testing Week takes place between 23rd and 30th November, and will be promoted online and on radio. We will be tweeting from @aidsmap using the hashtag #HIVtestingweek to raise awareness of the week. You can find out more about National HIV Testing Week on THT’s website.
To access/download the app: Visit www.aidsmap.com/hiv-test-finder from a web browser (on a smartphone or computer). To download the iPhone app, visit the App Store and search for: HIV test finder or go to: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id577199759. To find the app on Facebook, search for HIV test finder on Facebook or go to: https://apps.facebook.com/hiv-test-finder/.
The app contains: The full address information and telephone contact details of over 700 HIV testing locations across the UK, including sexual health clinics, community testing projects, as well as private testing centres and organisations that can support home testing.