WORLD AIDS DAY VIGIL - HANLEY

Take a minute at our World AIDS Day vigil, then join us for a warm, inclusive craft social. Reflect, remember, and create together! 🕯️ World AIDS Day Vigil & Craft SocialProject 93 invites you to a meaningful, welcoming, and reflective evening as we come together to mark World AIDS Day. Continuing a long tradition in North Staffordshire, we will gather in remembrance of those we’ve lost, celebrate progress, and promote solidarity in the fight against HIV. Whether you want to join us for the vigil walk, stand with us at the square, or dive into making a simple and accessible HIV awareness decoration for the tree, this is a safe space to connect and honor the day. A note for newcomers: You are so welcome! We fully understand how daunting it can feel to step into a new space and meet new people for the first time. Please know that we intentionally facilitate our groups to ensure everyone feels safe, valued, and included. Whether you're coming with a friend, a carer, or arriving solo, we pride ourselves on being a friendly, inclusive space where the focus is on individuality and building community. 🌈 What’s the Event About? We are gathering to remember, reflect, and create together. No prior experience is required—just bring your presence and an open heart. The evening flows through two parts: • Part 1: The Vigil & Gathering (5:10 PM – 6:00 PM approx.) • Walking Down Together (5:10 PM): If you would like company on the way, meet us at the Project 93 office at the Dudson Centre at 5:10 PM to walk down together. • Fountain Square Vigil (5:30 PM): We gather at 5:30 PM at Fountain Square, Hanley (ST1 1LG)to share some words, reflect and take a moment of quiet silence together. • Part 2: HIV-Awareness Craft & Social at the Dudson Centre (Following the Vigil) • Make an Awareness Decoration: We will head back to the Dudson Centre to craft simple decoration to hang on our community Christmas tree in solidarity and remembrance. • Friendly Help on Hand: Dave and our charity volunteers will be around all evening to guide the crafting, offer support, or help you settle in. ✨ What You’ll Get Out of It: • Shared Solidarity: A meaningful opportunity to stand together as a local LGBTQ+ and wider community to remember those lost and support those affected by HIV. • Community & Connection: A warm, chatty, and supportive space to share thoughts and find comfort among peers. • A Symbol of Hope: Head home having created a red ribbon decoration for your own tree, or leave one to be added to our communal display. 📋 The Essentials: • What to bring: Wrap up warm for the outdoor vigil at Fountain Square! For the craft portion afterward, all materials are provided, though you are welcome to bring your own craft project if you prefer. • Cost: Completely Free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited. • Vibe: Reflective, creative, social, and completely welcoming. ⏰ Times & Itinerary • 5:10 PM: Optional group walk departs from the Dudson Centre office down to Fountain Square. • 5:30 PM: Annual World AIDS Day Vigil gathers at Fountain Square, Hanley (ST1 1LG)for readings and a moment of silence. • Following the Vigil (~6:00 PM onwards): Return with us to the Dudson Centre for our HIV craft social, wrapping up around 7:30 PM • Refreshments: Free tea, coffee, water, and juice are provided. Hot chocolate, a can of pop, or biscuits are available for a small donation. Fully accessible toilet facilities are on-site. ❤️ About Project 93 We are a registered charity dedicated to providing inclusive support, advocacy, and education that empowers individuals and communities across Staffordshire to embrace their unique journeys. Project 93 offers free, confidential support, counseling, and information for anyone in Staffordshire affected by HIV. While this session is free to attend, we do rely on funding and community support to keep our programmes running. There will be an opportunity to pick up some merchandise or make a donation during the event if you wish. Every penny goes directly back into our mission. 📍 How to Find Us & Parking • The Vigil Start: Fountain Square, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent (ST1 1LG). • The Craft Venue: The Dudson Centre in Hanley (ST1 5DD). • Parking: Free parking is available in the back car park after 5:00 PM, accessed via Hanover Street. • Entry: Please enter through the back gate (the main front entrance may be closed). • Access: Use the intercom at the gate and search for "Project 93"—we’ll buzz you right in! • The Welcome Team: Look out for Dave, our volunteer leading the session (he’ll be in a Project 93 T-shirt), who is there to support and make sure everyone feels right at home. ♿ Accessibility & Inclusion Project 93 is actively committed to being fully inclusive and accessible to people with additional needs. • We warmly welcome autistic people, individuals attending with carers, people with physical disabilities, and members of the Deaf community. • Dave has intermediate experience using British Sign Language (BSL) with the Deaf community to support direct communication. • Please note the main entrance door width at the Dudson Centre is 750mm. If you have any specific accessibility requirements or adjustments you'd like to discuss for either the outdoor vigil or indoor session, please let us know when booking so we can support you. 📞 Get in Touch If you have any questions, need help finding us on the night, or are feeling a bit unsure about coming, please reach out! • Email: [email protected] • Call the office: Speak to one of our friendly team members directly