Celebrating 20 Years of Positive Voices

Celebrating 20 Years of Positive Voices: Highlights from the Terrence Higgins Trust Awards

On Thursday 22 October 2026, Darren and Andrew had the immense pleasure of attending an extraordinary evening celebrating 20 years of Positive Voices, the flagship speaker programme by the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT).

The evening brought together speakers, supporters, healthcare partners, and staff to honor two decades of lived experience driving real social change.

Two Decades of Impact

For 20 years, Positive Voices speakers, people living with HIV, have bravely shared their personal journeys with audiences across the UK. Through honest storytelling in workplaces, healthcare settings, schools, and local communities, they have challenged HIV stigma, increased public understanding, and helped create far more inclusive environments.

The success of Positive Voices has also laid the foundation for vital sister initiatives, including the London HIV Ambassadors Programme and the HIV Health Equity and Justice Partnership. Opening and closing the ceremony, THT Chief Executive Richard Angell reflected on how leadership, stewardship, and personal courage have allowed this work to thrive over the last two decades.

Presenting the Quiet Impact Award

A standout highlight of the night for us was sponsoring the Quiet Impact Award, a category dedicated to a speaker whose commitment, reliability, and care make a profound difference behind the scenes. Andrew had the honour of joining event co-hosts Katie Piper and Angelina Namiba on stage to present the award.

We were also thrilled to be named a finalist in the Longstanding Support: Corporate Partner category. Whilst we didn't take home the top trophy, being shortlisted is a fabulous achievement that reflects our sustained dedication to HIV awareness, inclusion, and stigma reduction over the years.

Reflecting on Our Shared Journey

Networking with the speakers during drinks and canapés gave us a welcome moment to reflect on our own journey alongside Positive Voices over the years:

• 2021: We hosted our very first live Lunch & Learn session with speaker Steve Hughes.

• 2022: Positive Voices speakers visited our head office for an inspiring photo shoot to launch our first Pride collection, raising vital funds for THT.

• 2025: We had the privilege of interviewing speaker Daniel Whitebread for our special Radio Next broadcast during Pride Month 2025.

A Well-Deserved Standing Ovation

The emotional peak of the evening came when Sue Hunter, Programme Manager for the Positive Voices Speaker Programme, was awarded the Above and Beyond Award. 

Celebrating her tireless work, dedication, and leadership in empowering speakers across the UK, the entire room rose to its feet for a rousing, well-deserved standing ovation!

It was a fabulous, deeply engaging evening that reinforced why our partnership with Terrence Higgins Trust matters so much. Thank you to everyone across our network whose continued support makes this collaboration possible!