Monday 9 to Sunday 15 February 2026
Wirral Ways is supporting National HIV Testing Week 2026, a national campaign encouraging people to test for HIV and know their status.
National HIV Testing Week is led by Terrence Higgins Trust as part of HIV Prevention England and funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. The campaign aims to increase access to HIV testing, reduce late diagnoses, and challenge stigma around HIV.
This year’s campaign uses the message “I Test”, recognising that people choose to test for many different reasons. Whether it is for peace of mind, looking after your health, or protecting others, testing is a positive step.
Why HIV testing matters
HIV testing is the gateway to treatment, care and prevention.
Around 4,700 people in England are estimated to be living with undiagnosed HIV, meaning they are not accessing treatment or support. UK Health Security Agency data also shows that 42% of HIV diagnoses are made late, which can have a serious impact on health.
Once on effective treatment, people living with HIV can stay healthy and cannot pass HIV on during sex. HIV testing is quick, confidential and free, and many people have no symptoms for a long time. Testing is the only way to know your status.
Free HIV testing on Wirral
If you live on Wirral, you can access free, confidential HIV testing through Wirral Ways, delivered in partnership with Sahir.
Wirral Ways testing is:
- Open to anyone aged 18 and over
- Available whether or not you are accessing other Wirral Ways services
- Confidential and judgement-free
Support is available before, during and after testing, whatever the result.
HIV testing locations and times on Wirral
Monday 9 February
Wirral Sexual Health Clinic
08:00–11:30 and 13:00–15:00
St Catherine’s Health Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead CH41 0LQ
Walk-in clinic
Tuesday 10 February
Wirral Ways / Sahir
12:00–17:00
84 Market Street, Birkenhead CH41 6HB
Appointment only
Wirral Sexual Health Clinic
08:00–15:00
Victoria Central Health Centre, Outpatients Department, Mill Lane, Wallasey CH44 5UF
Appointment only
Our Place
15:00–19:00
1st Floor, St Catherine’s Health Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead CH41 0LQ
Walk-in and appointments (under 19s only)
Wednesday 11 February
Wirral Sexual Health Clinic
08:00–15:00 (appointment only)
16:00–19:00 (walk-in)
St Catherine’s Health Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead CH41 0LQ
Wirral Sexual Health Clinic
08:00–15:00
Victoria Central Health Centre, Outpatients Department, Mill Lane, Wallasey CH44 5UF
Appointment only
Wirral Ways / Sahir
09:00–15:00
151 Brighton Street, Wallasey CH44 8DY
Drop-in testing available
Women’s Health Huddle – Wirral Ways / Sahir
17:00–19:30
84 Market Street, Birkenhead CH41 6HB
Female identifying only
Our Place
15:00–19:00
1st Floor, St Catherine’s Health Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead CH41 0LQ
Walk-in and appointments (under 19s only)
Thursday 12 February
Wirral Sexual Health Clinic
08:00–15:00
St Catherine’s Health Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead CH41 0LQ
Appointment only
Wirral Sexual Health Clinic
08:00–15:00 (appointment only)
16:00–19:00 (walk-in)
Victoria Central Health Centre, Outpatients Department, Mill Lane, Wallasey CH44 5UF
Wirral Change
12:30–16:00
St Laurence’s School, St Laurence Drive, Birkenhead CH41 3JD
Men’s Health Huddle – Wirral Ways / Sahir
17:00–19:00
Unit 1–3, Market Wells, Prince Street, Birkenhead CH41 6JN
Male identifying only
Our Place
15:00–19:00
1st Floor, St Catherine’s Health Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead CH41 0LQ
Walk-in and appointments (under 19s only)
Friday 13 February
Wirral Sexual Health Clinic
08:00–19:00
Victoria Central Health Centre, Outpatients Department, Mill Lane, Wallasey CH44 5UF
Appointment only
Wirral Ways / Sahir
09:00–17:00
84 Market Street, Birkenhead CH41 6HB
Wirral Sexual Health Clinic
10:00–14:30
St Catherine’s Health Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead CH41 0LQ
Walk-in clinic
Tea and Testing – Wirral Ways / Sahir
17:00–19:00
88–90 Argyle Street, Grange Precinct, Birkenhead CH41 6AG
Drop-in testing available
Our Place
15:00–18:00
1st Floor, St Catherine’s Health Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead CH41 0LQ
Walk-in and appointments (under 19s only)
Saturday 14 February
Wirral Sexual Health Clinic
08:00–12:00
St Catherine’s Health Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead CH41 0LQ
Appointment only
PrEP Clinic
08:15–11:45
St Catherine’s Health Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead CH41 0LQ
Appointment only
Our Place
13:30–15:30
1st Floor, St Catherine’s Health Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead CH41 0LQ
Walk-in and appointments (under 19s only)
When should you consider testing?
You may want to test:
- After sex without a condom
- After sharing injecting equipment
- If a partner has tested positive for HIV
- When starting or ending a relationship
- As part of your regular sexual health check
If you are unsure about timing, the Wirral Ways team can help you decide the best option.
Support available
Wirral Ways offers:
- Free, confidential HIV testing
- Harm reduction advice and sexual health information
- Help understanding your result and next steps
- Signposting to NHS sexual health services and specialist HIV care if needed
Support is available whatever the result.
You can also order a free home testing kit at www.freetesting.hiv, or find out more about local testing via www.wirralways.org.uk/testing.
Last Updated on 6 February 2026