The Herpes Association (now the Herpes Viruses Association) was started in 1982. It is a support group for people with Herpes simplex virus. It conducts information campaigns and attempts to reduce the stigma associated with sexually transmitted diseases. It became a registered charity with a Dept of Health grant in 1985. The charity started as a string of local group meetings before acquiring an office and a national spread. It is widely referred to as a source of help for patients who are anxious about the conditions, primarily genital herpes.