Saving Lives UK
@savinglives.bsky.social
500 followers 630 following 43 posts
Saving Lives is a UK charity that’s all about busting stigma and making HIV and Sexual Health testing more accessible. 💪 ❤️ #GetTested #TreatmentWorks #PrEPWorks #UequalsU #ZeroStigma Find out more at: www.savinglivesuk.com
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Reposted by Saving Lives UK
bhiva.bsky.social
There is *no evidence* that taking paracetamol during conception, pregnancy or breastfeeding causes autism in children.

It is important that pregnant people have access to safe and appropriate pain relief.

For more information see the NHS statement below:

www.nhs.uk/medicines/pa...
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking paracetamol for adults
NHS medicines information on paracetamol and whether you can take it while pregnant or breastfeeding.
www.nhs.uk
Reposted by Saving Lives UK
who.int
WHO @who.int · 15d
WHO statement on autism-related issues

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between #autism and use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy

Full statement bit.ly/47YsgwI
WHO statement on autism-related issues

Follow @WHO for the latest updates
savinglives.bsky.social
Paracetamol is on the World Health Organisation (WHO) list of 'Essential Medications' which "are selected with due regard to disease prevalence and public health relevance, evidence of efficacy and safety and comparative cost-effectiveness."

LINK: iris.who.int/bitstream/ha...
savinglives.bsky.social
In "this shouldn't need saying but here we are" news:

Paracetamol, used as directed, remains safe for use during conception, pregnancy & into later life.

There is NO LINK between #paracetamol and #autism.

To state otherwise, so publicly, is both disingenuous and dangerous - to women especially.
a poster for the outlaws shows a woman with her eyes closed
Alt: A woman in a red jacket tilts her head and says "Don't listen to them".
media.tenor.com
Reposted by Saving Lives UK
scottishtrans.bsky.social
There’s never been a more important time to tell your MP and the UK Minister for Equalities why it’s essential that trans people can still be included in everyday services. Use our tool and get in touch in 2 minutes: www.scottishtrans.org/emailfortran... 🏳️‍⚧️
Graphic with a pink background. It says "Tell your MP and the Minister for Equalities that trans people need access to services too! 
Email in 2 minutes here: scottishtrans.org/emailfortransinclusion". Underneath are three drawings of placards, they say "Trans people belong", "Inclusion not Exclusion" and "No segregation! Trans Liberation". The Scottish Trans logo is at the bottom. Graphic with a pink background. It says "What's happening and what can I do?" "The EHRC proposed updates to their Code of Practice following the Supreme Court judgment - they all focus on how trans people can be excluded from services

This would have huge negative  impacts on trans people's human  rights and daily lives.

The consultation on the Code of Practice has now closed, but you can still make a difference. The Minister for Equalities has to approve the Code – so we need everyone who can to email her and their MP to tell them why it won’t work: scottishtrans.org/emailfortransinclusion". The Scottish Trans logo is in the bottom right.
Reposted by Saving Lives UK
shareeastlondon.bsky.social
We developed the study together with 17 amazing community members reflecting experiences from 17 European countries.
The wonderful @angelinanamiba.bsky.social
co-chaired the co-design process and the brilliant
@matthewhodson.bsky.social
was our external scrutineer.

/2
Reposted by Saving Lives UK
shareeastlondon.bsky.social
Our latest study 'ASK US Europe' is live and open to recruitment for people living with HIV in Europe who are on ART!

Please share widely across your networks in Europe and the UK.

bit.ly/4m5ktRm

/1
Ask Us Europe
This survey aims to gather insights from the perspective of people living with HIV on discussions with HIV healthcare provider about new HIV treatments.
bit.ly
Reposted by Saving Lives UK
nat.org.uk
5,200 people living with #HIV have not yet been diagnosed. National AIDS Trust and the Behavioural Insights Team have assessed the potential role for financial incentives in increasing HIV testing in the UK, particularly among underserved populations.

Read the full report:

nat.org.uk/publicati...
Reposted by Saving Lives UK
positivelad.me
Check out this new article that @tristanjbarber.bsky.social, and myself, wrote with #ViiVHealthcare for @gaytimes.bsky.social magazine about how life with #HIV has changed - and why it's important to be part of making decisions about your care and treatment. #HIVHasChanged

#AD #Sponsored
The realities of living with HIV have changed
Dr Tristan Barber and Tom Hayes-Isaacs, an activist living with HIV, discuss how advances in medicine now allow many people living with HIV to lead full and healthy lives.
www.gaytimes.com
savinglives.bsky.social
Most of England now covered by a Amber Health Alert from the @ukhsa.bsky.social 🚨☀️

Valid until Monday.

Remember to stay in the shade, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable older, younger and unwell friends & family.

LINK: ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/weather-heal...
A map of the UK with most of the midlands and south covered by an Amber alert, with the north of England covered by a Yellow alert.
Reposted by Saving Lives UK
bashhuk.bsky.social
📢 The BASHH/BHIVA Guidelines on the Use of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) 2025 have been published

Thank you to @bhiva.bsky.social, the writing group, and all contributors for your expertise and dedication.

Access the guidelines here ➡️ bit.ly/4lMe9Ou
Reposted by Saving Lives UK
bhiva.bsky.social
New BASHH/BHIVA guidelines on the use of #HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis ( #PrEP ) 2025 are out 💊🧬

They include new sections on equity and risk assessment, shifting away from clinical trial-based eligibility criteria. This aims to reduce barriers and expand access.

LINK: bhiva.org/clinical-gui...
Decorative image: The BHIVA logo.
savinglives.bsky.social
Today is going to be a scorcher of a #heatwave in parts of the UK

To stay safe remember to:
- Seek shade
- Dress lightly
- Drink plenty of water
- Wear SPF if you go out

To keep your house cool, it may seem counterintuitive but, keep windows, curtains and blinds shut - keep the heat out.
a woman is standing in front of a screen that says scorchio
Alt: a woman is standing in front of a screen that says scorchio
media.tenor.com
savinglives.bsky.social
We're excited to welcome our friend @angelinanamiba.bsky.social and @4mproject.bsky.social to BlueSky.

Angelina is a tireless, prosecco powered, fashion icon, HIV activist, advocate and ally.

The 4M Project exists to support women living with HIV during pregnancy and parenting through empowerment.
savinglives.bsky.social
For those wanting to see the #UKAIDSQuilt in person this weekend, here are the details:

www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tat...
UK AIDS Memorial Quilt | Tate Modern
www.tate.org.uk
savinglives.bsky.social
To coincide with the display of the #UKAIDSQuilt at the Tate Modern this weekend, the BBC will be airing a piece on the ‘Cover Up Quilts’ project.

The feature will be shown today during the #MorningLive show on BBC One which runs from 0930 to 1045.

@bhiva.bsky.social @nat.org.uk #HIVsky
A photograph of a room. On a table stands a steel structure of two entwined hearts. A red and gold quilt panel. On it in black letters “Stop prejudice and stigma” A quilt panel. On it a silhouette of a tree wrapped in red ribbon is growing multi coloured hearts from its branches. A white quilt panel. On it the writing reads “have you been tested?”  It’s decorated with red droplet shapes and hearts.
savinglives.bsky.social
#TeamSavingLives are always here for our LGBTQIA+ staff & clients.

Pride means different things to everyone. For some it’s a celebration, for others it’s a protest.

Equal rights are not guaranteed. We need to continue to fight for everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.

#PrideMonth
A rectangular flag made up of rainbow colours of the pride rainbow.
Reposted by Saving Lives UK
danhartland.bsky.social
Private viewing last night for Glitter & Feathers at the @nationaltrust.org.uk Back To Backs in Birmingham: a retrospective for local artist Garry Jones and a powerful expression of what Pride means.

Glad to speak briefly on behalf of @savinglives.bsky.social, which often supports Garry’s projects.
A life-size maquette of a stylized drag queen wearing Pride colours stands next to an introductory card to the Glitters and Feathers exhibition. The card's text reads:

Garry Jones is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness. He arrived in Birmingham in the 1990s to study Theatre Design and follow his dream to pursue a career in the arts. During his time at university, Garry found his place within Birmingham’s vibrant LGBTQ community, working at iconic venues like The Nightingale.

Since the first Birmingham Pride in 1997, Garry has been a dedicated part of the celebration. He made the costume for a local drag queen called Tilly, who led the Pride celebrations that year. Over the years, Garry has worked with local community and youth groups, crafting art that has become an essential part of Pride.

Growing up in Rothwell in Northamptonshire, Garry often felt isolated with no openly gay role models. He’d sneak to London to volunteer at ‘Gay’s The Word’, the UK’s oldest LGBT bookshop, finding community and understanding in the power of shared identity.

In 2006, Garry received a HIV diagnosis. He soon became a vocal advocate for those living with HIV, raising awareness in the Midlands and beyond. This exhibition reflects his artistic journey, community collaborations, and what Pride means to him. A collage of photography and sketches from Garry Jones's long history of costume design at Birmingham Pride parades. Photos include Garry meeting Queen Elizabeth II, fireworks at Pride, and images of Garry with various friends over the years; sketches include elaborate designs for drag-influenced and rainbow-coloured costumes and clothing. An information card from the Glitter and Feathers exhibition titled 'Pride and Protest'. The text reads as follows:

The history of Pride parades began more than 50 years ago after the Stonewall riots erupted in New York. Police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar, sparking an outpouring of defiance from the community. What followed was a turning point in LGBTQ+ history: a powerful three-day protest known as the Stonewall Uprising.

In June 1970 a series of pride and protest marches were organised by community-based activists in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles, commemorating the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. The UK held its first Pride march in London in July 1972.

What started as a passionate protest for the rights of gay men and resistance to violence evolved into a bold movement for equality and a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity. Although the Stonewall Riots exacerbated movements to fight for equal rights, records show that protests and activism have been taking place since the end of the 19th century.

Since 1978, the rainbow flag has flown as a symbol of Pride, becoming a vibrant feature in parades across the globe.

Today, Pride celebrations are a powerful reminder of the LGBTQ+ community’s enduring fight for equality. Although significant strides have been made, many people still face prejudice and persecution around the world. But Pride marches on, louder and prouder, celebrating the victories and continuing to fight for justice. A colourful painting by Garry Jones featuring a large rainbow bridge in the foreground, with a pair of ruby slippers at its foot, with red flowers and a yellow brick road alongside. In the distance, the emerald city glows. "Surrender Dorothy!" is written in the top right-hand corner, against blue sky and clouds. The work is by Garry Jones, and was produced in 2009.
savinglives.bsky.social
England is to be the first country in the world to roll out the #gonorrhoea vaccine as rates of the bacterial sexually transmitted infection soar.

Find out more and read Dr Naomi Sutton's thoughts on the impact the #vaccine could have.

#GUMsky #STIsky #SexualHealthSky #HIVSky #VaccineSky #IDSky
Gonorrhoea vaccine to be available in England - beyondpositive
England is to be the first country in the world to roll out the gonorrhoea vaccine as rates of the bacterial sexually transmitted infection soar. In 2023 there were over 85,000 cases of gonorrhoea dia...
www.beyondpositive.org
Reposted by Saving Lives UK
nat.org.uk
Community advocate and NAT trustee Angelina Namiba gave a powerful speech on the transformational power of peer support, reflecting on her personal journey living with #HIV and the critical role of community-led services in supporting people to live well

bsky.app/profile/savi...
savinglives.bsky.social
Angelina Namiba talking about the essential impact of Peer Support and Volunteering in her #HIV journey.

“I will never forget what my friend did for me - they enabled me to come to terms with my diagnosis”.

@nat.org.uk #HIVOutcomes
A stylish black woman in a red dress stands at a lectern
savinglives.bsky.social
James Cole, of @nat.org.uk, talks about the recommendations set out in the #HIVOutcomes report.
A man stands behind a lectern. A screen showing a presentation that says: Recommendations
Report details recommendations for UK governments, commissioners and other funders, healthcare providers and HIV VCSEs
Recommendations for UK Government:
• Renewed partnership with VCSEs in delivery of HIV Action Plan
• Dedicated funding set aside for HIV VCSEs
• Guarantee access to psychosocial support incl. peer support
• Commission a national HIV Retention and Re-engagement programme
Invest in VCSE-led training, campaigns and services to tackle HIV stigma
Ensure the long-term provision of VCSE testing and prevention services
• Expand community-based PrEP services
savinglives.bsky.social
Angelina Namiba talking about the essential impact of Peer Support and Volunteering in her #HIV journey.

“I will never forget what my friend did for me - they enabled me to come to terms with my diagnosis”.

@nat.org.uk #HIVOutcomes
A stylish black woman in a red dress stands at a lectern
savinglives.bsky.social
We’re at the Houses Of Parliament today for the @nat.org.uk #HIVOutcomes report launch.

Voluntary & charitable organisations are the backbone of HIV support, education & outreach in 2025.

The current level of funding for their vital support is unacceptable and unsustainable

@appghiv.bsky.social
A photograph of the Elizabeth Clock Tower, colloquially known as Big Ben, against a sunny blue London sky.
Reposted by Saving Lives UK
positivelad.me
I’m both looking forward to, and dreading, attending the #HIVOutcomes event in parliament today.

The voluntary sector already does so much heavy lifting when it comes to #HIV support, awareness and education - and we’re expected to do even more with less (or even nothing).

It’s not sustainable.
nat.org.uk
A funding crisis threatens the voluntary sector and puts at risk the goal to end new #HIV cases by 2030.

The latest #HIVOutcomes UK report draws on evidence taken from more than 50 HIV-focused organisations and more than 300 people living with HIV.

nat.org.uk/news/hiv-...
H.I.V. services at the crossroads 

The role of the voluntary sector and needs of communities

Picture of two men walking dogs in a crossroad  

Working together: 

National aids trust logo. Red Ribbon. Securing rights, stopping H.I.V.

H.I.V. Outcomes logo. Beyond viral supression. 

The H.I.V. Outcomes U.K. programme is funded by Gilead Sciences and ViiV Healthcare as co-sponsors.