Events around the country

updated by marian | 30/01/2012

Diary dates: go to www.hva.org.uk/new.html for the diary dates

We are often told that: "I was really nervous about coming to meet you. But it was the best thing I've ever done. I really enjoyed meeting other people with herpes and talk about it openly - and to get my questions answered."

People thinking about coming along always ask "What sort of people come to these?" And the answer is "Normal people!" We all are: all ages, all colours, all sexes! Some have been before; others are new; members have had invitations through the post; non-members have seen these details 'on the net'. Conversation is about everything: how someone had caught it, how someone else's partner had reacted. Mainly, it involves feelings of lack of self-esteem and the problems/methods of talking about herpes simplex ('cold sores on the wots-it') to new or potential partners.

At a previous event, one of the people attending was helpline volunteer. She went off to a corner sofa to give some individual advice and support to a couple of young women. One of them decided to subscribe and gave me her cheque right away, two more said they planned to. Everyone said that they had benefitted and enjoyed their afternoon. Will you be there next time?

"At my first meeting I was told 'Of course you can have a normal sex life' by a man who'd had herpes simplex for five years. I didn't believe him. Now I know he was telling the truth." says Marian

Do you have herpes simplex? Come along to a support group/social get-together run by the Herpes Viruses Association, meet others with the virus, and get answers to your questions.

London

There are usually several meetings in London each month. We meet on Saturday afternoons and on weekday evenings - see below.

SATURDAY afternoons: 21st May, 18th June (more in July, etc). From 3 pm onwards - this time is convenient for people who are coming into London from a bit further away. This venue is especially good if you don't like pubs as you can get coffee/tea as well as beer/wine, etc. Some of us go on to eat somewhere nearby at about 6.00pm.

We can discuss 'it' in public without anyone being aware we are talking about genital herpes. Saying 's' 'e' 'x' won't set people earwigging. The venue is the Atrium of the President Hotel, Guilford Street, off Russell Square. Turn left out of Russell Square tube, first left down Herbrand Rd, the hotel is 60 yds ahead. Inside, turn right, the atrium is through the double-doors.

Marian or other volunteer will put a Toblerone-shaped sign with 'SPHERE' on the table.

WEEKDAYS: Thursday 12th May, Wednesday 8th June, 6.30 pm. All welcome to come and meet Marian and chat or ask questions about 'it'. Marian will wait till 8.00 pm and if no one has arrived, she'll leave. BUT if you have arrived before 8.00, we can go on chatting till all hours... This is an open meeting at the President Hotel - see above. This is such a pleasant venue that one member who often comes along, commented that it was more comfortable than her own sitting room! Another meeting 'open to all' will be here again and more later...

For members, Saturday 14th and 21st May - see details sent with SPHERE 25/4.

Around the country

These social (and sometimes 'support') events occur in people's homes and in pubs, cafes, etc. around the country. Groups meet in Manchester, South Coast (Portsmouth to Poole), Newcastle (Tyne & Wear) - and of course London.

New places! Members are interested in meetings in Plymouth, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cambs/Peterbrough. The HVA office will help members to host an event in your area.

Study Day, in the spring - 14th May

We run workshops to help you develop confidence in 'Talking to a new partner'. 16 people attended the last one. They all told us it was a wonderful day and several commented that it was even better than they had expected. These workshops are for our members only - see subscription form to join. Feedback from people who attend these is always very positive. Come along to learn the facts, overcome the stigma, share experiences, practice your lines... Join now (click on 'Membership' button on left to see how to subscribe by post, by email - or phone 020 7607 9661 with your credit card or debit card). Date: every three months or so - next to be advised back to top

Home Frequently Asked Questions News Blog Membership services Professional enquiries Donate now Cold sores Shingles & PHN Events Media releases Shop Testimonials About us Links Terms & Conditions		Home Events around the country updated by marian \| 30/01/2012 Diary dates: go to www.hva.org.uk/new.html for the diary dates Social events - London Social events - countrywide Study day - London We are often told that: "I was really nervous about coming to meet you. But it was the best thing I've ever done. I really enjoyed meeting other people with herpes and talk about it openly - and to get my questions answered." People thinking about coming along always ask "What sort of people come to these?" And the answer is "Normal people!" We all are: all ages, all colours, all sexes! Some have been before; others are new; members have had invitations through the post; non-members have seen these details 'on the net'. Conversation is about everything: how someone had caught it, how someone else's partner had reacted. Mainly, it involves feelings of lack of self-esteem and the problems/methods of talking about herpes simplex ('cold sores on the wots-it') to new or potential partners. At a previous event, one of the people attending was helpline volunteer. She went off to a corner sofa to give some individual advice and support to a couple of young women. One of them decided to subscribe and gave me her cheque right away, two more said they planned to. Everyone said that they had benefitted and enjoyed their afternoon. Will you be there next time? "At my first meeting I was told 'Of course you can have a normal sex life' by a man who'd had herpes simplex for five years. I didn't believe him. Now I know he was telling the truth." says Marian Do you have herpes simplex? Come along to a support group/social get-together run by the Herpes Viruses Association, meet others with the virus, and get answers to your questions. back to top London There are usually several meetings in London each month. We meet on Saturday afternoons and on weekday evenings - see below. SATURDAY afternoons: 21st May, 18th June (more in July, etc). From 3 pm onwards - this time is convenient for people who are coming into London from a bit further away. This venue is especially good if you don't like pubs as you can get coffee/tea as well as beer/wine, etc. Some of us go on to eat somewhere nearby at about 6.00pm. We can discuss 'it' in public without anyone being aware we are talking about genital herpes. Saying 's' 'e' 'x' won't set people earwigging. The venue is the Atrium of the President Hotel, Guilford Street, off Russell Square. Turn left out of Russell Square tube, first left down Herbrand Rd, the hotel is 60 yds ahead. Inside, turn right, the atrium is through the double-doors. Marian or other volunteer will put a Toblerone-shaped sign with 'SPHERE' on the table. WEEKDAYS: Thursday 12th May, Wednesday 8th June, 6.30 pm. All welcome to come and meet Marian and chat or ask questions about 'it'. Marian will wait till 8.00 pm and if no one has arrived, she'll leave. BUT if you have arrived before 8.00, we can go on chatting till all hours... This is an open meeting at the President Hotel - see above. This is such a pleasant venue that one member who often comes along, commented that it was more comfortable than her own sitting room! Another meeting 'open to all' will be here again and more later... For members, Saturday 14th and 21st May - see details sent with SPHERE 25/4. back to top Around the country These social (and sometimes 'support') events occur in people's homes and in pubs, cafes, etc. around the country. Groups meet in Manchester, South Coast (Portsmouth to Poole), Newcastle (Tyne & Wear) - and of course London. New places! Members are interested in meetings in Plymouth, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cambs/Peterbrough. The HVA office will help members to host an event in your area. Study Day, in the spring - 14th May We run workshops to help you develop confidence in 'Talking to a new partner'. 16 people attended the last one. They all told us it was a wonderful day and several commented that it was even better than they had expected. These workshops are for our members only - see subscription form to join. Feedback from people who attend these is always very positive. Come along to learn the facts, overcome the stigma, share experiences, practice your lines... Join now (click on 'Membership' button on left to see how to subscribe by post, by email - or phone 020 7607 9661 with your credit card or debit card). Date: every three months or so - next to be advised back to top