Tomorrow is World Aids Day and the Terrence Higgins Trust in Oxfordshire will be collecting funds in Oxford and Witney. The trust offers an advocacy, advice and support services to people affected by the HIV virus. Many of these services are provided by volunteers.

World Aids Day is everyone's chance to show they care and to remember the 17,000 people in the UK who have died from HIV infection. HIV is not going away.

Some people assume that there is a cure for Aids. Unfortunately, there is still none.

Every year about 7,000 people are diagnosed with the virus, but there are also more than 2,000 people who are unaware that they are infected.

"I need to tell you something, but I'm not sure how you'll react. I'm HIV positive." How would you react? Would you be angry, scared, upset, or would you be caring and supportive?

Some people are disgusted and even abusive when they are told.

Imagine how it would feel if your family turned its back on you, or an employer finds a way to sack you, or your partner ends a relationship because you are HIV positive?

These are the reactions that somebody living with HIV has to think about when they confide in others. Stigma and discrimination remain some of the main difficulties.

Yet there are medications ensuring people remain as healthy as possible and support services to help them deal with emotional issues.

A service user said: "If it wasn't for the help the Terence Higgins Trust gave me when I was first diagnosed, I'm not sure what I'd have done. I felt so alone and frightened.

"They helped me to see that my life wasn't over, and that by looking after myself there was no reason why I wouldn't be alive to see my children grow up and have children of their own".

Steve Jones, regional manager of the Terrence Higgins Trust in Oxfordshire, said: "HIV is everyone's business. It can and does affect people from all walks of life. There are simple ways to protect yourself from becoming infected: the simplest being to use a condom every time you have sex.

"If you do become infected, there are services available to help you come to terms with living with a long-term medical condition. Although we are based in Oxford city centre, we provide services across Oxfordshire and help people with a variety of issues."

If you would like to volunteer or if you need advice, contact the Terrence Higgins Trust on Oxford 01865 243389 or e-mail at info.oxford@tht.org.uk