Peer Support

• 7-2-9 a social discussion night for gay men living longer with HIV, held Thursdays, monthly from 7pm. People Living With HIV/AIDS (NSW), a non-profit community organisation representing the interests of people with HIV/AIDS in New South Wales. More information.
• Positive Living Centre (PLC) provides a range of structured programs, special events and social activities as well as peer support and health promotion programs for people with HIV/AIDS.
• Positive Heterosexuals (Pozhet) is the first stop for information, fun and support for the positive straight community in NSW. They have programs tailored for positive men, positive women, and partners, as well as their popular Open House for everyone living heterosexually with HIV/AIDS.
• Multicultural HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Service (MHAHS) provides services and support to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Counselling

• Albion St Centre, The Psychology Unit is staffed by a team of psychologists experienced in working in HIV/AIDS who provide a range of clinical services for HIV positive people, their families, partners and carers. Services include therapy for specific problems (e.g. depression, grief and loss).
• The acon Counselling Service offers trained professional counsellors who are able to help you deal with issues in many areas of your life, including: grief and loss, relationships, depression and anxiety, stress management, personal development and growth, and general life concerns.
• Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service of NSW (GLCS) Anonymous and confidential, volunteer-based telephone counselling, information line and referral service across NSW.
• Talk to your GP, he or she may be able to refer you to a counsellor as part of an Enhanced Primary Care Scheme.

Financial Support

• BGF (Bobby Goldsmith Foundation)

Vocational Training

• Positive Futures, BGF (Bobby Goldsmith Foundation) - Positive Futures is designed to assist positive people make informed and effective decisions about their future. It’s free for anyone living with HIV in NSW who may be: considering a return to work; wanting to develop new skills; considering options other than paid work – such as volunteer work, and currently working and thinking about changing jobs.
• Phoenix Workshops also run by BGF are for positive people who are thinking about taking up study, starting working or another life change. It covers a range of topics including: personal goal setting; improving communication skills; building self-confidence and self-esteem; managing disclosure; financial planning and budgeting, and applying for jobs and writing resumes.

Education or Training

There’s a range of courses available through local Community Colleges, TAFE Outreach, TAFE and Universities. For more information on this contact:

• the Positive Futures Project at BGF
• Centrelink (call 13 24 90 or visit www.centrelink.gov.au) or 
• the individual training or educational institution.

Technical Aid to the Disabled NSW (TAD) provides cheap computers and Internet access for people on DSP or low income. Call (02) 9808 2022, Freecall (Calls from outside Sydney);  email: tad@tadnsw.org.au or visit www.tadnsw.org.au

Volunteering

Many people choose to volunteer, with charities and community organisations as a way of developing skills, feeling part of something and getting used to routine. If you want to volunteer, but can’t use public transport, you may be eligible for the Mobility Allowance. To find out about volunteering and the Mobility Allowance, contact your local Centrelink office and ask about the Voluntary Work Initiative (VWI).

Organisations that can help if you are considering volunteer work include:

• Volunteering Australia - Call 03 9820 4100 or visit www.govolunteer.com.au
• Volunteering NSW - Call 02 9261 3600 or visit www.volunteering.com.au

There are also many organisations in the gay and lesbian community that rely on the work of volunteers. Contact BGF to find out more about these.

Healthy Lifestyle

• Positive Living Centre (PLC) provides a range of structured programs, special events and social activities, as well as peer support and health promotion programs for people with HIV/AIDS.
• The Sanctuary provides holistic care, massage, shiatsu, meditation, yoga, social activities and information.
• acon has developed Healthy Life +, a twelve week gym program for positive gay men based on exercise, general health and diet. To find out when the next program starts or to ask for a copy of the accompanying booklet.
• Contact your local community centre or council for lifestyle programs such as walking groups, exercise classes and other activities.

For treatment and referral to Drug and Alcohol Services call:

• acon, Alcohol and Other Drugs Program 02 9206 2052
• Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) 02 9361 8000
• The Langton Centre 02 9332 8777 
• Kirketon Road Centre 02 9360 2766 
• NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) 02 8354 7300/ 1800 644 413

For Sexual Health information and referral:  

• Sexual Health Infoline 1800 451 624
• www.whytest.org