A workshop to create a commemorative artwork to be displayed at the Manchester’s World Aids Day vigil is just one of the activities being organised by LGBT Foundation to mark the occasion in the city.

The leading voice for the city’s LGBT community is encouraging people affected by HIV and their supporters to come along to its centre on Richmond Street on 30 November to create a tile to reflect their experiences.

Inspired by San Francisco’s AIDS Memorial Quilt, the completed tiles will form part of a collective piece of artwork that will be displayed as a centrepiece at the annual vigil held at Sackville Gardens from 7pm on 1December.

LGBT Foundation along with the World Aids Day Partnership will also be organising red ribbon collections around the city centre and a stall at Manchester Piccadilly station to raise awareness around HIV and collect vital funds for ongoing support and prevention work.

Commenting on the planned programme, Charlotte Cooke volunteer co-ordinator at LGBT Foundation, said:

“December 1 is an important date for the LGBT Community, and the collective artwork will be the perfect centrepiece for the vigil as Manchester comes together to stand as individuals and as a community to mark World AIDS Day.

“This is also an important opportunity for us to increase awareness of HIV prevention and testing as well as raising vital funds for our support services. Thanks to the generosity of Greater Manchester residents and the hard work of our volunteers last year LGBT Foundation raised nearly £3000 in three days. We hope that Manchester people will continue to do us proud and give generously to help us to provide support and save lives.”

The vigil follows National HIV Testing Week, an annual event that raises awareness of HIV, which seeks to encourage most affected by HIV to get tested and know their HIV status. Manchester continues to have one of the largest number of people accessing HIV treatment outside of London and according to recent figures 531 new cases were diagnosed last year.

The vigil is organised by the Manchester World Aids Day Partnership.

For further information on events visit www.lgbt.foundation/WAD or visit the Manchester World AIDS Day Partnership on Facebook and Twitter.