“PrEP for Summer”: PaSH launches new campaign to help communities prepare, protect and stay healthy this summer by raising awareness of PrEP, a pill that prevents HIV.
During PrEP Awareness Week, the PaSH (Passionate About Sexual Health) Partnership is raising awareness of PrEP (pre‑exposure prophylaxis) and its role in preventing HIV, with a particular focus on encouraging people to get PrEPped for summer with the right sexual health tools.
Summer is a time when people may be travelling, attending festivals, Pride events, or meeting new partners – a time to connect, have fun and explore. Getting prepped for summer means having the information, support and tools in place to enjoy it safely and with confidence.
What is PrEP?
PrEP is a highly effective medication that prevents HIV transmission. It can be taken daily or around the times someone has sex, giving people more choice and control over their sexual health. Starting PrEP ahead of summer is one-way people can get prepped – helping them feel protected and more confident, whatever their plans look like.
PrEP works best as part of a combination approach to prevention, alongside regular HIV testing and using condoms – giving people more ways to stay in control of their sexual health throughout the summer.
- PrEP – prevents HIV
- DOXYPEP – reduces risks of syphilis and chlamydia
- Vaccination – prevents or reduces harms of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, MPOX, Gonorrhea and HPV
- Condoms – prevents HIV, STIs and unplanned pregnancy
- Contraception – prevents unplanned pregnancy
- Testing – ensures early diagnosis and treatment
- PEP – medication taken within 72 hours of potential exposure – emergency option available in England from A & E and sexual health clinics
PrEP is safe, effective, and it’s free from any sexual health services, yet many people who could benefit from it still do not know if it is an option for them.
PrEP Inequalities
PaSH is particularly focused on improving awareness and access for Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, cis women, trans men, sex workers and others who may be vulnerable to HIV transmission but are often overlooked in traditional PrEP messaging and outreach. For many people, stigma, misinformation, and assumptions about who PrEP is “for” continue to make it difficult for people to feel confident using PrEP.
“For people travelling to visit friends or family in countries with higher HIV prevalence, particularly in parts of sub-Saharan Africa which is the region most affected by HIV globally, it’s important to think about sexual health as part of planning a trip including taking PrEP. Summer should be about enjoying yourself not worrying about your health and PrEP keeps you safe and in control.” [Richard Scarborough, HIVe Lead – BHA for Equality]
PaSH believes that everyone deserves clear, inclusive, and non-judgmental information about their sexual health options. As part of PrEP Awareness Week, the PaSH Partnership will be running a range of activities to support communities to learn more about PrEP, how to access it and how you can stay prepped for summer!
PrEP for Summer
The campaign positions PrEP within a wider narrative of summer preparation: encouraging audiences to consider PrEP alongside travel vaccinations, packing lists and summer activities, framing PrEP not just as a HIV prevention tool, but as an asset to empowerment and summer enjoyment.
It encourages people to take simple steps:
- Before: Test for HIV and STIs, start PrEP if needed, and sort contraception
- During: Use condoms and take PrEP as advised
- After: Get tested again, even if there are no symptoms
During PrEP Awareness Week, LGBT Foundation is organizing a community PrEP initiation and testing event, designed to provide accessible information about what PrEP is, how it works, who it’s for, and how to get it. The event will also support people to start PrEP, access HIV testing and other prevention tools – helping them get prepped and feel more confident going into summer.
For more information on the PrEP initiation clinic, visit LGBT Foundation’s social media: @lgbtfdn
“PrEP is over 99% effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed, yet too many people still do not know about it or cannot access it. Through PaSH and
LGBT Foundation, we have seen firsthand the need for clear, community specific messaging to reach those who would benefit most.
We need urgent action to tackle stigma and improve education in schools, colleges and universities, as well as in community spaces- alongside more positive and visible representation of PrEP across the media. Healthcare providers also have a critical role to play and must equip themselves with the knowledge and confidence to talk about PrEP with patients.
This PrEP Awareness Week, the message is simple: talk about it, ask for it, and make it part of every sexual health check up. Access to PrEP should not be the exception. It should be the norm.” [Craig Langton, Sexual Health Programme Manager, LGBT Foundation]
About PaSH
The PaSH Partnership brings together BHA for Equality, LGBT Foundation, and George House Trust to ensure people at risk of HIV can access accurate information, prevention tools, and support.
BHA for Equality provides free and confidential sexual health services for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.
LGBT Foundation delivers advice, support and resources to help LGBT communities take control of their sexual health and wellbeing.
George House Trust offers free and confidential support, advice and advocacy for people living with HIV.
Together, the partners work to reduce HIV stigma, promote regular testing, and improve access to prevention tools such as PrEP through community outreach, education and tailored support.
To learn more about PrEP and how to access it, visit:
Greater Manchester: gmpash.org.uk/news/prep-awareness-week-2026 or follow @gmpash on social media.
Liverpool: lpash.org.uk/prep-awareness-week-2026/ or follow @pashinliverpool on social media.
For media enquiries, interviews or further information, please contact:
Megan Wiltshire, BHA for Equality – [email protected]
Tracey Kerr, LGBT Foundation – [email protected]