Pride Season 2026: Taking Action, Challenging Stigma, Celebrating Community

Pride season is one of the most important times of the year for us at The Eddystone Trust. It’s a chance to celebrate, connect, and most importantly-have meaningful conversations that can change lives.

This year, we’re proud to be out across the South West for the first part of our Pride season, joining communities at:

• Falmouth Pride – 25 April
• Exeter Pride – 9 May
• Cheltenham Pride – 6 May
• Exeter Respect – 6 & 7 June
• Torbay Pride – 13 June
• Wotton Pride – 13 June
• Exmouth Pride – 20 June
• Bodmin Pride – 27 June
• Dartmouth Pride – 27 June

Each event gives us a chance to meet people where they are-bringing vital information, support, and services directly into the heart of the community.

What We’ll Be Doing

If you come and find us at Pride, you’ll see a friendly, welcoming team ready to chat-no pressure, no judgement.

We’ll be:

• Providing outreach and sexual health information
• Giving out free condoms
• Running fun competitions (including our Guess the Condoms fundraiser 👀)
• Selling merch and raising funds to support our work
• Having open, honest conversations about HIV and sexual health

It’s about making these conversations normal, accessible, and stigma-free.

Why Pride Matters to Us

Our goals this Pride season are simple but powerful:

• Raise awareness of the services we offer
• Tackle HIV stigma head-on
• Raise funds to continue supporting our communities

We’ve made huge progress in HIV prevention, testing, and treatment-but we’re not done yet.

The reality is this: stigma remains the biggest barrier to ending new HIV diagnoses.

Our Message This Year

We’re focusing on three key messages:

• U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)
• Claim Your Status
• End stigma to end new diagnoses

HIV is no longer what it once was. People living with HIV who are on effective treatment cannot pass it on. Testing is easier than ever. Support is available.

And yet-fear, misinformation, and stigma still stop people from getting tested or accessing help.

If we want to truly end new HIV diagnoses, this is what we need to tackle next.

Reaching More Communities

One of the most important parts of Pride is its diversity. No two events are the same, and that’s exactly why we attend so many.

From coastal towns to cities, we’re aiming to engage with a wide range of people—especially those who might not otherwise access sexual health services.

Because everyone deserves access to the information and support they need.

How We Can Support You

Whether you meet us at Pride or connect with us afterwards, we’re here for you.

Our services include:

• Free condoms through Condoms Direct
• HIV testing
• Chemsex support
• Ongoing HIV support and advice

Everything we do is confidential, inclusive, and designed to meet you where you are.

Come and Say Hello

If you’re heading to any Pride events this year, come and find us. Have a chat. Ask a question. Take some resources. Enter a competition.

Or just stop by for a friendly face.

Because Pride isn’t just about celebration—it’s about community, connection, and creating a future without stigma.

We’ll see you there.