PrEP Awareness Week 2026

• BHA ran a social media campaign called “PrEP for Summer”, combining culturally relevant messaging with summer-themed content to encourage PrEP uptake.
• The campaign was designed to position PrEP as an essential part of summer health and wellbeing.
• PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) was promoted as a highly effective HIV prevention medication available free through the NHS for HIV-negative people.
• The campaign worked with social media influencers including Dr Amber, Dr Olu, Humphrey, and Talk with Steph to increase awareness and engagement.
• BHA promoted a fast-track referral system specifically designed for ethnically minoritised communities.

Men’s Health Week 2026

• BHA participated in Men’s Health Week from 15 to 21 June 2026.
• The campaign encouraged men to discuss all aspects of health, including sexual health, and highlighted the importance of seeking support when needed.
• Stigma and shame were identified as significant barriers preventing men from accessing healthcare services, particularly sexual health services.
• BHA attended a men’s health event with F.C. United, engaging men who are often underrepresented in sexual health services.
• BHA appeared on Crescent Radio in Rochdale to discuss:
  • Asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • The importance of regular testing
  • Advances in HIV treatment
  • The benefits of PrEP
• Social media activity promoted condom use, HIV/STI testing, and PrEP awareness.

Living Well with Hepatitis B Guide

• BHA developed the “Living Well with Hepatitis B” guide based on community research.
• The guide highlights the experiences of people living with Hepatitis B across Greater Manchester and provides support for individuals managing the condition.
• BHA hosted an online launch event featuring speakers from:
  • UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
  • Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
• Research findings were presented alongside the new guide.
• BHA announced a year-long peer support partnership with North Manchester Hospital to expand support for ethnically minoritised people living with Hepatitis B.

BHIVA/BASHH Conference 2026

• BHA attended the joint BHIVA/BASHH Conference 2026 in Liverpool.
• The organisation participated in:
  • Two panel sessions
  • Five conference poster presentations
• BHA showcased community co-produced research and resources focused on improving health equity in ethnically minoritised communities.
• The conference provided an opportunity to launch and promote the new Hepatitis B guide.

Menopause Education and Support

• BHA facilitated a menopause-focused session with eight women at Conversation Over Borders, a peer support group for refugee and asylum-seeking women.
• Topics discussed included:
  • Common menopause symptoms
  • Treatment options
  • Cervical screening and the importance of regular smear tests
• Participants shared experiences and benefited from peer learning and support.

Women’s Empowerment Group

• The Women’s Empowerment Group continued regular activities and began collaborating with the Communing Ground Project at the Whitworth Art Gallery.
• Activities focused on wellbeing, belonging, and community connection.
• Members created menopause-supportive plant beds using herbs and plants believed to help alleviate perimenopause and menopause symptoms.
• Group discussions centred on the five pillars of wellbeing:
  • Community
  • Connection
  • Health
  • Nature
  • Spirit
• Participants also created summer mood boards and discussed migrant health and navigating UK health services.
• Future sessions will explore themes of nature, home, community, and connection.

Refugee Week Activities

• During Refugee Week, BHA attended an event at Rochdale Town Hall.
• Services provided included:
  • Free HIV and STI testing
  • Free condoms
  • Sexual health information and advice
• The event supported community engagement and improved access to sexual health services.

Sexual Health Services

• BHA announced the availability of home full-screen STI testing kits.
• Home testing covers:
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhoea
  • Syphilis
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV
• The organisation also offers a free and discreet condom and lubricant delivery service.
• In-person HIV and STI testing appointments are available through BHA.

Upcoming Activities and Events

• Awareness activities planned for World Hepatitis Day (28 July).
• Participation in summer community festivals:
  • Mela Festival (1 August)
  • Carnival Festival (8 August)
• Testing appointments scheduled at:
  • Bolton Library (20 August and 17 September)
  • Pendleton Gateway, Salford (27 August and 24 September)

External Links

• https://www.thebha.org.uk/gmtestinghttps://www.thebha.org.uk/gmtesting