Test, test, test! For national HIV Testing Week 2025

05 February 2025

Getting tested is the only way to know if you have HIV – it’s also free and confidential.

Local groups are reminding residents that it’s never been easier to test for HIV, during National HIV Testing Week (10 – 14 February).

Wirral Council is supporting Sahir House, Sexual Health Wirral and Wirral Ways to Recovery (CGL) to urge people across the borough to get tested. These organisations, along with community groups and businesses, are joining forces for a collaborative testing effort to mark the awareness week.

Cllr Julie McManus, Chair of Wirral’s Adult Social Care and Health Committee, said:

Getting tested is the only way to know if you have HIV – it’s also free and confidential. People can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms so, it’s worth getting tested.
It’s much easier than you think to get and take an HIV test, whether you use a sexual health clinic, community testing or a GP, or prefer the convenience of using an at-home test kit.

Throughout National HIV Testing Week residents can access a series of outreach, information and pop-up events, held in community locations, offering free, quick and easy testing.

Cllr McManus said:

These events aim to normalise HIV testing, encouraging everyone to consider regular testing for HIV (and STIs) as well as working to reduce stigma and late diagnosis across the borough.
I would encourage anyone who is able to attend an event to get tested.

A range of drop-in events and activities will take place in Wirral during National HIV Testing Week. They include, educational workshops, outreach activities, and confidential testing services at:

Monday 10 February

Walk in clinic at Wirral Sexual Health Clinic | 8am-11.30am and 1pm-3pm. Location: St Catherine’s Health Centre, CH41 0LQ.
Walk in and appointments (under 19s only) at Our Place | 3pm – 7pm. Location: 1st floor, St Catherine’s Health Centre, CH41 0LQ.
Wirral Sexual Health Clinic (appointment only) | 8am – 3pm. Location: Victoria Central Health Centre, Outpatients Department, CH44 5UF.

Tuesday 11 February

Wirral Sexual Health Clinic | 8am – 3pm (appointment only) and 4pm -7pm (walk in). Location: St Catherine’s Health Centre, CH41 0LQ.
Wirral Sexual Health Clinic (appointment only) | 8am – 3pm. Location: Victoria Central Health Centre, Outpatients Department, CH44 5UF.
Sahir House Information and testing stall (students only) | 11.30am - 1.35pm. Location: Wirral Met, Twelve Quays Campus, CH41 1AG.
Walk in and appointments (under 19s only) at Our Place | 3pm – 7pm. Location: 1st floor, St Catherine’s Health Centre, CH41 0LQ.
Women’s Health Huddle (women only) | 4pm – 7.30pm. Location: Wirral Ways, 84 Market Street, Birkenhead, CH41 6HB.

Wednesday 12 February

Wirral Sexual Health Clinic (appointment only) | 8am – 3pm. Location: St Catherine’s Health Centre, CH41 0LQ.
Wirral Sexual Health Clinic | 8am – 3pm (appointment only) and 4pm -7pm (walk in). Location: Victoria Central Health Centre, Outpatients Department, CH44 5UF.
Walk in and appointments (under 19s only) at Our Place | 3pm – 7pm. Location: 1st floor, St Catherine’s Health Centre, CH41 0LQ.
Men’s Health and Wellbeing Clinic (men only) | 5pm – 7.30pm. Location: Wirral Ways, 84 Market Street, CH41 6HB.

Thursday 13 February

Wirral Sexual Health Clinic (appointment only) | 8am – 7pm. Location: Victoria Central Health Centre, Outpatients Department, CH44 5UF.
Wirral Sexual Health Clinic (walk in) | 10am – 2.30pm. Location: St Catherine’s Health Centre, CH41 0LQ.
CGL Drop-in Clinic (testing and information/advice)| 9am – 5pm. Location: Wirral Ways, 84 Market Street, CH41 6HB.
Walk in and appointments (under 19s only) at Our Place | 3pm – 7pm. Location: 1st floor, St Catherine’s Health Centre, CH41 0LQ.
Tea and Testing (testing in a social environment)| 5pm – 7pm. Location: Nightingales Café, 88-90 Argyle Street, CH41 6AG.

Friday 14 February

Wirral Sexual Health Clinic (appointment only) | 8am – 3pm. Location: St Catherine’s Health Centre, CH41 0LQ.
Walk in and appointments (under 19s only) at Our Place | 3pm – 6pm. Location: 1st floor, St Catherine’s Health Centre, CH41 0LQ.
CGL Drop-in Clinic | 9am – 5pm. Location: Wirral Ways, Brighton Street hub, CH44 8DU.

Wirral Sexual Health Clinic appointments can be booked by calling the service via 0300 123 5474 (Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm).

You can also order postal test kits online through Free Postal Test Kits - Sexual Health Wirral.