HIV Testing and Support in Blackpool

Blackpool's gay scene lived through the AIDS years, and today the town has a strong local response: a community charity in the Rainbow Quarter that offers rapid tests and long-term support, an NHS HIV service, and a council commitment to ending new HIV transmissions. Whether you want a quick test, have just been diagnosed or have lived with HIV for decades, there is help on your doorstep.

Getting tested

HIV testing in Blackpool is free, confidential and quick. You have four main options.

1. The Tuesday drop-in on Dickson Road

The LGBTQ+ health charity at 102 Dickson Road, a short walk from Blackpool North station, runs a fast-track clinic every Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm. Its HIV test is a finger-prick test that gives a result in about a minute, and you can have syphilis and hepatitis C checked at the same time. You can drop in or book on 01253 311431. The clinic is for people aged 16 and over without symptoms.

2. NHS sexual health clinics

The Blackpool and Lancashire Sexual Health Service tests for HIV alongside other infections. Book on 0300 1234 154 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), or use the weekday morning walk-in sessions at Whitegate Health Centre on Whitegate Drive. Under-25s can use the young people's centre on Talbot Road.

3. A kit through the post

Lancashire and Blackpool residents can order a free postal kit online. It tests for HIV along with syphilis, hepatitis B and C, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Results usually arrive by text or email within two or three days.

4. Out in the community

The charity's outreach team takes testing to where people are, including LGBTQ+ bars and events. It has a purpose-built van that gives a private space for a chat and a test. During National HIV Testing Week in February 2026, the team ran an evening of testing and safer-sex outreach in the Rainbow Quarter, a stand at Blackpool North station, extended clinic hours and a session on a university campus. Look out for it at Pride, too.

How often should I test?

A good rule is at least once a year if you are sexually active, and every three months if you have new or several partners, or if you are a gay or bisexual man who has condomless sex. If you are on PrEP, testing is built into your regular check-ups.

If your result is reactive

A reactive rapid test is not a diagnosis. It means you need a confirmatory blood test. In Blackpool, the charity's staff pass reactive results straight to the NHS sexual health service so that you're seen quickly. If HIV is confirmed, the NHS HIV team will look after your treatment.

Modern HIV treatment is one pill a day for most people. Once treatment brings the virus down to undetectable levels, HIV cannot be passed on through sex. This is often shortened to U=U: undetectable equals untransmittable. People diagnosed today can expect a normal lifespan.

Support for people living with HIV

Since October 2024, the charity's HIV work has been brought together under a single service called Revolution. It covers Blackpool, Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, and it is free and confidential. It offers:

• One-to-one support from a key worker, whether you were diagnosed last week or many years ago and just want someone to talk to.
• Counselling, with a choice of person-centred therapy, CBT or pluralistic therapy.
• Group and peer support, so you can meet others with similar experiences.
• A personal assessment and plan, with links to other services you might need, from housing to benefits.
• Training for workplaces, health providers, charities and community groups on HIV awareness and stigma.

You can refer yourself through the charity's website, ask a professional to refer you, or call 01253 311431 and ask to speak to a Revolution key worker.

The NHS service also has information pages for people who are newly diagnosed, for women living with HIV and on living well with HIV. Ask at your clinic.

Hepatitis and other blood-borne viruses

The same Dickson Road centre offers dried blood spot tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, hepatitis B vaccination, and one-to-one support for anyone who is hepatitis C positive. Hepatitis C is now curable with a short course of tablets, so testing is well worth it.

Preventing HIV

• PrEP is free on the NHS and highly effective. See our sexual health and PrEP page for how to get it in Blackpool.
• PEP must be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure. Call 0300 1234 154 in working hours or go to the emergency department at Blackpool Victoria Hospital out of hours.
• Condoms and lube are free at the Tuesday clinic, NHS clinics and by post for eligible people.

Blackpool's goal: no new HIV transmissions

In December 2023 Blackpool signed up to the international Fast-Track Cities movement, which aims to end new HIV transmissions by 2030. The town's hospital trust had already met the global 95-95-95 targets for diagnosis, treatment and viral suppression back in 2019. The council's Rainbow Quarter action plan also commits to this goal and to improving PrEP access. The local charity says its aim is to help people with HIV live long, healthy lives and to cut stigma through education.

National signposts

• The Terrence Higgins Trust runs a national helpline and support programme for people living with HIV.
• The LGBT Foundation, based in Manchester, offers a national helpline and HIV information.

Clinic times and services can change, so check before you go.