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Beaten and bruised… and then betrayed by the council. Read this horrific story and please share.

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We all want HIV to disappear. For one afternoon our volunteers and the people of Bournemouth made that a reality. Watch the video and find out how we did it, with the help of our friends Lovehoney http://www.lovehoneygroup.com . Please share!

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AIDS has been around since 1981 and there is no sign of it dying out just yet. At raTrust we are doing our part to chisel a death date on its grave, as we seek to use education about safe sex to reduce infection rates. Be sure you always stay safe. Share this post so that your friends remember to as well.

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There can hardly be an easier way for HIV to spread than to have someone who is infected with the virus share a needle with someone who is not. You may not know your friend is positive, you may not be able to see the microscopic flecks of blood left in the syringe or on the needle, but you can be sure that you put yourself at risk each time your share a needle. Don't do it, whether you are sharing drugs, mediation or steroids.

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You wouldn't shun your friends for contracting cancer. So why do we treat HIV differently? Many of those who are diagnosed as HIV-positive report feeling isolated or shunned. The raTrust works actively to end discrimination against those with HIV, be that in the family, workplace or society in general.

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We work with those who make their living by selling sex. We don't judge, but we do make sure they have enough condoms and lubricants to keep them safe. After all, sex workers don't have a magic radar that tells them which clients who have STIs or HIV. Whether you are a sex worker or visiting one, you should always use a condom.

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Knowing your HIV status is a gift to yourself and those who love you. Show that you care and get tested. Be bold. Know your status and put your mind at rest. The raTrust helps people to access HIV testing in person and by post. Please show us some love too, and donate to help us get one more person tested.

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Photographer Will Corder set out to explore themes of the stigma surrounding HIV and in doing so he has created a stunning set of portraits that remind us that HIV doesn't happen to strangers, it happens to people. These are sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, lovers, friends. They could be your parents, your children, your spouse.

  The raTrust is teaming up with Will to create an exhibition that will take place in both Bournemouth and London this coming December, to coincide with World AIDS Day. We are still looking for more HIV+ people to take part. You can find out more about the project, and how you can take part and tell your story at raTrust Blog

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You don't judge your friends, family or colleagues when they announce they are seriously ill with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. So why do so many people think it is acceptable to judge someone with a positive HIV diagnosis? Compassion is far better for the health of anyone with an illness, as well as being better for your soul.

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Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK. Just because that girl looks beautiful does not mean she is infection free. An amazing one in every 37 sexually active women under the age of 25 in England has had chlamydia in the last year. Chlamydia, which does not always show symptoms in men or women, can impact on female fertility. So being careless now can have a huge effect on you or your sexual partner's future.

Stay safe and always wear a condom.

Have you or a friend suffered from chlamydia? Feel free to share your stories or ask us for advice below.

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Intravenous drug use is now often ignored as an agent of HIV transmission, but injecting is still the second largest cause of the spread of the virus. Drug users often feel they are safe amongst a group of friends, but sharing a needle, even 'just this once' can so often be deadly. The raTrust is working to educate drug users and anyone who may be tempted to share a needle. Please share this image to help get the word out.

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Stigmatising those with HIV and AIDS just adds to their burden and can be a strain on the physical and mental health of those with a positive diagnosis. Please share and spread the word. As well as providing education and advice on HIV, the raTrust works to end discrimination against anyone with an HIV-positive diagnosis.

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raTrust believes that condom use is vital for HIV and STI prevention, so we gave away 260,000 of them in 2013. Tell us why you love condoms, why you don't like them or even about a time when you think a condom may have saved your life.

Come and join the army of protection!

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raTrust works with all of those at risk of contracting HIV and STIs. This reminder for sex workers applies to us all. Always stay safe and don't let anyone talk you into having unsafe or dangerous sex, whether for love or for money. ALWAYS stay safe!

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10 posts!

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There are only three routes of HIV transmission! • through sexual contact • through contaminated blood • from an infected mother to her baby

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Young women, who are physiologically not fully mature, are much more vulnerable to HIV infection!