BASHH/BHIVA Conference 2026

• BHA attended the annual joint BASHH/BHIVA Conference held in Liverpool in April 2026.
• The organisation showcased its services, resources and community work.
• BHA participated in two panel discussions and contributed to five conference posters.
• One panel focused on reaching Black African men with HIV prevention and health messages through Black-owned businesses and faith groups.
• BHA shared successful engagement approaches involving local barber shops and churches.
• Another panel addressed community engagement and support for people living with hepatitis B in Greater Manchester.
• BHA presented findings from its Hep B Voices project and discussed barriers faced by ethnically minoritised people living with long-term health conditions.

PrEP Awareness Week 2026

• PrEP Awareness Week promotes understanding of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), a medication that helps prevent HIV infection in HIV-negative individuals.
• The newsletter highlights that PrEP is available free through the NHS and is highly effective when taken correctly.
• BHA delivered a social media campaign called “PrEP for Summer” to increase awareness and uptake.
• The campaign combined culturally relevant messaging with a summer theme to engage a diverse audience.
• BHA partnered with influencers including Dr Amber, Dr Olu, Humphrey and Talk with Steph to encourage discussions about sexual health and PrEP.
• The campaign promoted booking free HIV testing appointments and accessing free condoms and lubricant.

Fast Track Cities Cardiff 2026

• BHA attended the Fast Track Cities 2026 event in Cardiff.
• Representatives took part in three panel discussions.
• One discussion focused on practical approaches to reducing health inequalities and highlighted the importance of partnership working.
• BHA showcased Liverpool’s PaSH partnership involving BHA, LGBT Foundation and George House Trust.
• Another panel explored data monitoring and accountability.
• BHA chaired a discussion on reaching underserved communities.
• Topics included needs-based service delivery, community engagement and supporting people with long-term health conditions.

BWSL PrEP Project

• BHA hosted a feedback event and thank-you lunch with five community organisations.
• Participating organisations included:
  • Liverpool Sisterhood Network
  • Blackburne House
  • IGBO Women Association
  • Koko Collective UK
  • Afloat Theatre
• These partners contributed to the Elton John AIDS Foundation-funded BWSL PrEP Project in Liverpool.
• The event recognised the organisations’ contributions in providing community perspectives and lived experiences.
• Feedback from partner organisations helped shape more accessible, inclusive and effective PrEP referral pathways and services.

HIV and STI Testing Services

• BHA offers multiple HIV and STI testing options across Liverpool, including bookable appointments and drop-in sessions.
• Testing locations include:
  • Toxteth Town Hall, 15 High Park Street, L8 8DX
  • Kuumba Imani, 4 Princes Road, L8 1TH
  • Kensington Centre, 157 Edge Lane, L7 2AB
• Additional testing opportunities are available through community outreach events across Liverpool.
• The organisation also promotes click-and-collect condoms and STI testing kits.

Community Outreach and Engagement

• BHA continues to focus on community-led approaches to improving health outcomes.
• Partnerships with community organisations, influencers, faith groups and local businesses play a significant role in increasing access to health information and services.
• The organisation emphasises reaching underserved communities and reducing health inequalities.

Upcoming Activities

World Hepatitis Day

• BHA plans to run a social media awareness campaign for World Hepatitis Day on 28 July.

Student Outreach

• Sexual health outreach activities are planned at:
  • Freshers Week events
  • True Student accommodation sites
  • Unite Student accommodation sites

Men’s Health Group

• A Men’s Health Group session will be held at Bridge 2 Liverpool, supporting refugees and asylum seekers.