Sexual health charity, Herts Aid, is launching a new project working with churches and faith groups in the county to get them involved in HIV testing, prevention and support.

The project, called Testing Faith, is designed for faith leaders supporting Black Asian Minority Ethnic congregations.

Suzanne Bannister, director at Herts Aid, said: "Talking about HIV and sexual health isn’t always easy, but we want faith leaders to do just that, helping to tackle stigma and make people living with HIV feel less isolated.

"When things are difficult, people often turn to their faith leaders for guidance and this new project will help faith groups respond to those affected by HIV.

"Raising awareness and promoting testing will also help to prevent HIV being passed on. While it might seem strange for sexual health charities and churches to work together, it actually makes perfect sense."

The Testing Faith project has three key elements a training course for faith leaders on HIV and sexual health, creation of a sexual health plan to educate the congregation and offer support and an HIV testing event or referral process.

There are still spaces available on the next Testing Faith course. Faith leaders interested in attending should contact Denise Blair on 01923 803 440 or email denise@hertsaid.co.uk.

Herts Aid has offices in Watford, for further information visit www.hertsaid.co.uk.