PLWHA newsletter
Our aim is direct. We want to maintain and improve the quality of life for everyone living with HIV/AIDS.
Whether you have just found out you're HIV positive, you've been living with HIV/AIDS for some time, or you're not infected but close to people who are, PLWHA ACT can provide practical help and support when you need it.If you want advice on medical treatments or alternative therapies, we will get you the information. If you want a support service, we will put you in touch with the most appropriate one. If you've been discriminated against or need legal help, we can advocate on your behalf.
You can contact us by phone or drop into our office at Westlund House, Acton. If you would rather meet outside our office we can arrange to meet you in another location, for example in a coffee shop.
To contact PLWHA ACT please:
Phone: 02 6257 4985 or 02 6257 2855
Fax: 02 6257 4838
E-Mail: plwha.act@aidsaction.org.au
or marcus.bogie@aidsaction.org.au
Snail Mail: GPO Box 229 Canberra ACT 2601
In Person: 16 Gordon Street ACTON
Confidentiality is assured - all PLWHA ACT and AIDS Action Council staff are bound by confidentiality agreements.
We work closely with the AIDS Action Council to ensure that our combined range of services are comprehensive and accessible to all people with HIV and their partners, families and friends.
Aside from direct support to people affected by HIV/AIDS, we take broader action to ensure the concerns of people living with HIV/AIDS are being heard, by sitting on boards and committees which make decisions that could affect our lives, and by representation to health, political, government and community organisations whose work may affect the lives of our membership.
PLWHA ACT is part of the Australian National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS, NAPWA, which has links to worldwide HIV/AIDS organisations.
PLWHA library
PLWHA has a library with HIV/AIDS related information and resources such as brochures, books, journals and magazines from organisations around the world. There is also a great selection of assorted novels available for people to borrow. The AIDS Action Council also runs a specialist library and resource centre.
Internet access
PLWHA has access to the wide range of HIV related resources available on the Net, and has useful guidelines on where to start looking and where the best chat groups are. Call the PLWHA office and we can arrange a time for you to log on to the Net computer.
Newsletter
PLWHA produces a monthly newsletter, 'POSITIVELY', which covers news and issues of interest to our members. If you would like to be on our mailing list, or to contribute articles to 'POSITIVELY'', call the PLWHA office and let us know your details.
PLWHA support worker
Sometimes finding your way through the information maze can be daunting. The PLWHA support worker is available during office hours to answer any questions you may have about HIV/AIDS treatments and monitoring, staying well, financial and legal issues, housing and welfare assistance and other services in the ACT.
Appointments are not always necessary, although it may be a good idea to call and check the workers availability.
Campaigns/information sessions
Throughout the year the AIDS Action Council, in conjunction with PLWHA, conducts workshops for people living with HIV/AIDS and their partners, families and friends. These are semi-structured workshops which allow you to share and discuss issues and learn in a group setting.
AIDS Action Council counsellor
Free and confidential counselling is available to all HIV positive people, their partners, carers or significant others. Appointments need to be made, and the counsellor is able to visit people at a location most suitable to them.
Positive Support Network (PSN)
Fortnightly on Tuesday evenings, HIV positive people and their partners get together at 6:00pm for peer support and to share information. PSN is mostly a social occasion where people can share the experience of living with HIV over a free meal, without the formality of a structured meeting.
PSN also provides a free sandwich lunch (during Summer and Soup during Winter) every Wednesday from 12:00 noon.
Support from volunteers
The AIDS Action Council has trained volunteers to help home care, transport, housework or simply to provide some friendly company. Requests for volunteers can be made to the Co-ordinator of Volunteers at the AIDS Action Council, or through the PLWHA office.
Spiritual advice
The AIDS Action Council Counsellor can provide details of groups and other contacts in the ACT who can provide spiritual support and guidance for people living with HIV/AIDS. Call the AIDS Action Council for more information.
Trevor Daley Fund (TDF)
The fund provides assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS who are experiencing financial hardship, for payment of bills, treatments, emergency assistance and other costs.
Links with other welfare agencies
PLWHA maintains links with services such as CARE Credit and Debt Counselling Service, which can provide financial advice and counselling to people experiencing difficulties with their financial affairs, and the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service which can offer assistance to people re-entering the workforce after a period of absence or illness.
Centrelink employ a Community Liaison officer who can help people with HIV/AIDS negotiate their way through the Social Security system and determine which benefits may be available to them. Appointments can be made to see the Community Liaison Officer through PLWHA, and in most cases can be arranged at a location suitable to you.
Housing and accommodation
PLWHA Support workers maintain contact with ACT Housing and a range of other accommodation providers in the ACT. HIV positive people who are experiencing difficulties with accommodation, or who need to find somewhere to stay can call the PLWHA office and they will assist you to find the most appropriate option.
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