CHARITIES and organisations across south Essex will be aiming to challenge the stigma surrounding HIV and sexual health during Black History Month.

Concerns have been raised about the attitudes to sexual health and it is hoped open conversations during a series of events will help to address them.

Among them will be a fashion show from the Southend based, Mumba Children’s Project.

The group is hosting a fashion show at the Kursaal Function Rooms, Eastern Esplanade on Saturday in honour of this month to improve the quality of life of black communities in Africa and in the UK.

The event is supported by The World of Braiding and Extensions, and The Terrence Higgins Trust, a charity that campaigns on and provides services relating to HIV and sexual health.

Hildah Mulenga, founder of Mumba Children’s Project said: “This event will hopefully encourage some much needed conversation around sexual health and HIV within the black African community.

“We’re thrilled to be able to use this opportunity to raise awareness of the Terrence Higgins Trust’s sexual health services.

“Terrence Higgins Trust continues to do amazing work promoting good sexual health, and we’re really pleased to help in any way we can.”

An exhibition will also be held at the function rooms throughout the day which will help raise funds for the project’s safe-sex awareness and education projects for young black adults.

Laura Horne, a health promotion specialist for Southend, said: “We do believe that it’s important for us as a charity to be visible at community events such as this.

“We will be offering free rapid HIV tests and sexual health advice to all those who attend.

“This Black History Month we want to focus on how we can help end HIV stigma within the black African community, and we believe our presence at events like this is a step in the right direction.”

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West added the month is a big opportunity to educate the public.

He said: “I welcome Black History Month as an opportunity, particularly for our young people, to be reminded of the challenges that black people have faced to achieve equality of opportunity.

“In particular we think of the slave trade and apartheid in South Africa.

“I very much hope that Parliament will take the opportunity this month to celebrate the election of a record number of black MPs at last year’s general election.”

Southend Council also have plans to mark the month with an event, Celebrating Our Place in British History, on October 23.

The event, which will take place at the Civic Centre in Victoria Avenue will be held alongside the town’s Unison trade branch.

James Courtenay, deputy leader of the council added Southend Council is a proud supporter of Black History Month.

Speaking about the event, he said: “Staff and the public are warmly encouraged to attend alongside the public to sample the foods from a wide range of ethnic origins, and listen to the speakers touching on British Black history. It’s set to be a lively celebration.”