The AIDS Action Council is here for you. We continue to strengthen the community response to HIV/AIDS by providing support and education to the community. We aim to promote awareness and understanding of all issues related to HIV and AIDS. All our services are provided confidentially and without discrimination.
Community education and health promotion
Providing information and education about all aspects of HIV and AIDS is an important part of the AIDS Action Council’s work. We have a primary focus on HIV transmission prevention. We also provide education on gay and bisexual men’s issues, a telephone information service (02 6247 2726), and various health promotion campaigns.
We also focus on education for people living with HIV/AIDS. Other initiatives include outreach projects, workshops, training sessions and speaking engagements. Many people phone or drop in to get information on HIV transmission and prevention, HIV testing and advocacy. Our education services are available to individuals, community groups and organisations.
Resources
We have a wide range of HIV/AIDS related pamphlets, brochures, posters and other resources available to the public. Most of these are free. We also have a comprehensive specialist resource library is open to the public during office hours. Many library resources are available for borrowing by AIDS Council members. Our web site www.aidsaction.org.au is another source of information and provides links to many national and international HIV/AIDS sites.
Prevention
We supply free condoms, lubricant, gloves and safe sex dams to individuals, as well as selling safe sex products to businesses and organisations at very competitive rates. We also operate a needle exchange outlet where free new injecting equipment and sharps containers can be obtained, and used injecting equipment can be disposed of safely.
Workshop Programs
The AIDS Action Council conducts workshop programs from time to time for specific groups of people. Groups have included both younger and older gay and bisexual men, people with HIV/AIDS, lesbians and bisexual women. The programs focus on personal development and building self-esteem and supportive networks.
Community support services
A major task of the Council is to provide a range of coordinated care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS. Trained volunteers from our “Links” program can provide practical and emotional support. This might involve anything from mowing lawns or doing the vacuuming to assisting with the care of a person who is ill. Our large pool of volunteers includes a range of skills and the service can be tailored to meet individual needs.
Counselling
HIV/AIDS may raise complex and difficult issues for those affected by it. A full-time counsellor is available who can provide support on a one-to-one basis, or home and hospital visits where necessary.
Counselling is also available for a range of other HIV related or particular issues, including gay and lesbian, sexuality and gender issues, coming out, and male sexual assault. The counsellor can liaise with other health care workers and make appropriate referrals.
The counselling service is free. Appointments may be made either directly with the counsellor, or through the AAC receptionist.
Support Groups
The AIDS Action Council provides support in a number of ways, including facilitating peer networks. We currently run support networks for HIV-positive men and women, as well as assisting a number of community operated support groups for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. These groups and networks focus on peer support and education, and new members are always welcome.
Health Maintenance
We have staff who can provide information about treatments for HIV/AIDS, medical tests and long-term health issues. If you don’t understand some information your doctor has given you about HIV/AIDS, or perhaps you have some other difficulty with your health care, we can assist. We also operate a discount vitamin service, and can refer you to other health services such as GPs, complementary therapists and dietitians.
Trevor Daley Fund
The Fund provides financial assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS in the ACT who are experiencing financial hardship. All monies come from donations and fund-raising events within the community. The Fund can help with electricity or gas bills, or assist in meeting the cost of treatments. It will consider any reasonable application for financial assistance. All donations to the Trevor Daley Fund are tax deductible.
People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) ACT
PLWHA ACT is an independent support, information and advocacy group for people living with HIV/AIDS, their partners, families and friends. We operate a drop-in centre and provide a friendly and safe environment. We can also provide support and advocacy in matters as varied as getting a massage, finding accommodation or coping with personal crisis. PLWHA ACT produces “Positively”, a free monthly newsletter. Membership of PLWHA ACT is also free, and office hours are between 9-5 Mon-Fri.
Referral
If we can’t help you, chances are we know someone else who can. The AIDS Action Council works closely with other services in the ACT and surrounding regions. We have an extensive referral list of services and people who may be able to help.
Special activities
The AIDS Action Council is involved in a number of special activities throughout the year and plays a primary role in events like the AIDS Memorial Quilt Project, World AIDS Day and the AIDS Candlelight Memorial. These important events help raise and maintain awareness of HIV/AIDS in the community. They are also important ways of raising the funds needed to support people with HIV/AIDS who are living in hardship.
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