Positive Life NSW

Samantha Fieldes (Women & Families Project Officer) talks about the project and what it is trying to achieve.

So what is the Women and Families Affected by HIV Project?

The Project is run from the Positive Living Centre (PLC), Surry Hills, Sydney. It provides a safe and supportive environment for HIV positive women, their partners, family members, carers and friends. The Women and Families Affected by HIV project is committed to cultural diversity and is sensitive to the needs of all people, welcoming individuals and families from many nations and cultures. It provides education around different aspects of living with HIV, emotional support and empowerment.

What is the Project trying to achieve?

We aim to reduce the social isolation experienced by many positive women. Stronger partnerships enable us to identify community needs and to provide a more comprehensive range of service delivery. We are working on a project with the Sydney West Area Health Service, which aims to establish closer connections with African communities in Western Sydney. As a result we are able to offer social gatherings and workshops. Traditionally this section of the community has been isolated and unable to access the services necessary to meet their needs.

We are also supporting women to build relationships between other services including the Heterosexual HIV/AIDS Service (Pozhets), The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Pine Street Gallery, The Haven, Multicultural HIV/Hep C Service and Family Planning NSW.

What services does the Project currently offer?

The Women and Families Affected by HIV Project currently offers:

• A safe and confidential space to talk about HIV
• Peer support from other HIV positive women
• Friendship and understanding
• Up-to-date health and treatments information
• Referrals and access to other services such as housing, financial counselling, family support, health and vitamins
• Information seminars and workshops
• Support for partners, family members and friends
• Regular monthly Women’s Days
• Evening social events & family outings
• Child-care can be arranged for some events

What happens at the monthly Women’s Day

The Women’s Day comes together every third Monday of each month for an informal gathering. Women have the opportunity to meet other positive women, discuss issues, exchange information and build friendships. A local government grant from Sydney City Council has enabled us to continue an art based project with the Pine Street Gallery. Pine Street Gallery workshops have included jewellery making, ceramics, and card making.
The Women’s Day also provides a great opportunity to learn more about living with HIV. Various professionals come along and talk about treatment updates, health information, and other services. Activities have also included yoga and massage therapy. Morning tea and lunch are provided free of charge as well as the other activities.

Are there any other services that can be accessed at the Positive Living Centre?

FREE Complementary Therapies are available to all women with HIV. Therapies include:

• Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian Massage)
• Acupuncture
• Herbalist
• Swedish Massage
• Acupressure
• Remedial Massage
• Yoga
• Bowen Therapy
• Naturopath

A range of other one on one and group support services are also available, including professional counselling. All HIV positive people and their carers are welcome to access these services, however appointments are necessary.

Do you want to become a member of the Women and Families Project?

You can call or email the Women and Families Project Officer. Alternately, come along to the Women’s Day events at the Positive Living Centre, which are held every third Monday of each month between 10am and 4pm. For updates on current events, access the PLC calendar on the ACON website www.acon.org.au.

No booking necessary, just come along. We hope to see you soon!!!

The Women’s group at the PLC is something that has changed my life. You can freely talk about what you feel and how to live without fear of your status.

For more information contact:

ACON Positive Services and Health Promotion PO Box 155 Surry Hills NSW 2010 www.acon.org.au
PLC Phone: (02) 9699 8756 Fax: (02) 9699 8956
Women’s & Families Project email: family@acon.org.au or www.acon.org.au

*For more information about the African Community Project please call either the PLC or Sydney West Sexual Health & HIV Health Promotion Unit on (02) 4734-3877