BHA for Equality Newsletter April – June 2025

🏙️ Fast Track Cities Manchester 2025 Event

• Held on 22 May 2025 at the People’s History Museum.
• Celebrated Greater Manchester’s progress in HIV prevention and care.
• Highlighted the achievement of 95-95-95 targets since 2022:
  • 95% of people living with HIV know their status.
  • 95% of those diagnosed are on antiretroviral therapy.
  • 95% of those on ART achieve viral suppression.
• Included speakers from across the region and a collaborative workshop to plan future actions.

🌈 LGBTQ+ Sexual Health Session

• Hosted at Queer Lit to support ethnically minoritised LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Covered topics like menopause, abortion, and HIV.
• Emphasized the need for greater awareness and inclusive sexual health education.

🧘 Mind, Body & Soul: Connection, Care & Community

• Held on 21 June at Contact Theatre with The Poetry Place.
• Focused on Black wellbeing through creativity and cultural care.
• Activities included yoga, sound baths, massages, a health fair, and open mic discussions.
• Created a warm, empowering space for healing and dialogue.

🎨 Sexation: Picture Power Workshop

• Explored identity and storytelling through photography.
• Encouraged creative expression and visual empowerment in sexual health conversations.

🎙️ The “S” Word Podcast

• Returned with new episodes tackling sex, health, and stigma in Black communities.
• Featured guests from local organizations and professions.
• Aimed to break silence and empower listeners through culturally relevant stories.

💊 Get PrEPped for Summer Campaign

• Promoted PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) uptake during summer.
• Included social media campaigns and outreach with posters.
• Directed users to Fast-Track PrEP services.

🧪 Home STI Testing

• BHA now offers home STI test kits for:
  • Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B & C, and HIV.
• Tests can be ordered online via QR code.

🧘 Men’s Health Week

• Celebrated with events and community engagement.
• Included creative campaigns like Test and Chill, focusing on lesser-known STIs.

🧑‍⚕️ GP Training Sessions

• Over 30 health professionals trained on:
  • BHA’s sexual and reproductive health services.
  • Menopause and its impact on minoritised communities.
• Shared insights and trends from ethnically diverse populations.

🚭 Smoking Cessation Support

• BHA supports access to the NHS Swap to Stop service.
• Offers free vape voucher codes to help users quit smoking.

📦 Condom & Lube Services

• Free and discreet delivery service available.
• Upcoming Click + Collect service at City View House, Manchester.

📅 Upcoming Events

• World Hepatitis Day Campaign: 28 July – 3 August
• MCR Caribbean Carnival Festival: 9 August
• Melanin Markets: 30 August
• Mela Festival: 13 September
• Sexual Health Week: 15–21 September