Click here for Calendar of Events for January
Financial Assistance for Study
Have you thought about studying at TAFE, but concerned about the fees? Wyatt Benevolent Fund accepts applications through agency workers for assisting with course fees. If you are interested and meet the eligibility requirements (Centrelink/low income) see Mahamati for more details.
Community Lunches
The Kitchen Volunteers will be having a well deserved break over the holiday season so the first lunch for 2009 will be held on Friday 16th January.
Poz Het BBQ
On Saturday Jan 31st 2009 there’ll be a BBQ at 12 noon at PLWHA (SA) Glandore. The BBQ is for HIV+ Heterosexuals- partners and children welcome.
It is essential to RSVP so if you’re planning to attend please phone 8293 3700 or email support2@hivsa.org.au There’s no charge so come along and meet others.
Yoga Classes
Are you feeling stressed, anxious, worried or overworked? Have you ever considered giving meditation or yoga a go? If there’s enough interest we’ll be starting up yoga and meditation classes beginning in late January. If you’re interested let Victoria know, in person, by phone on 8293 3700 or via email to support@hivsa.org.au
HIVE
As of May next year the government has banned the use of single use bags, so now is a good time to start getting in the habit of remembering to bring your reusable shopping bags with you when you visit the HIVE. From the beginning of next year HIVE clients will be able to purchase additional bags when doing their shopping for 2 HIVE points.
1st December 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day.
In 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the first World AIDS Day in an effort to raise public awareness about HIV/AIDS issues, including the need for support and understanding for people living with HIV/AIDS. The day is also an opportunity to highlight the need for continued development of education and prevention initiatives.
Over the past 20 years, World AIDS Day has been established as one of the world’s most successful commemorative days. It is now recognised and observed by millions of people in more than 190 countries around the globe.
The Australian theme for World AIDS Day 2008 is:
It is an appeal to all Australians to take personal responsibility in the fight to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Recent studies indicate that HIV infection rates in Australia are gradually increasing – highlighting the need to remind people that HIV/AIDS is a serious problem that continues to pose challenges in Australia, not just overseas.
The theme aims to send out the message that if people take personal responsibility, by being informed about how they can protect themselves and others. There is no reason why they can’t enjoy life and at the same time, stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
The theme’s positive approach also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. While people living with HIV face serious challenges everyday, being HIV-positive is no longer a death sentence. Advances in medical treatment, health management, testing, support and peer education services allow HIV-positive people to live longer and healthier lives.
Safe sex is using condoms and water-based lubricants as well as a range of other things you can do during sex to help reduce the risk of catching or passing on HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) or STIs (sexually transmitted infections). The most common way HIV and STIs are passed on is through vaginal or anal sex without a condom.
HIV and other infections such as hepatitis can be passed on through sharing injecting equipment. It is extremely risky to share needles, syringes and other injecting equipment. The safest way to avoid infections is to not inject drugs. People who inject drugs should always use sterile needles, syringes and equipment.
If you think you are at risk, or have been exposed to HIV, take control, get tested for HIV and know your status. See your doctor or your local sexual health centre.
Book Club Anyone?
Do you like reading? Would you like to have a book club here at PLWHA (SA)? If enough are interested we could start a book club early next year. The idea is to all read the same book during the month (supplied) and then come together and discuss it. It would be one afternoon a month. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Mahamati on 8293 3700 or support2@hivsa.org.au
FUTURES 6 SURVEY
HIV Futures is run by the Living with HIV program at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University. The survey has been developed in consultation with a variety of community groups and it is officially supported by NAPWA, AFAO and ASHM.
The HIV Futures survey is an anonymous survey of plwha in Australia. The survey asks about health, treatments, work, and the financial situation of plwha. It will provide up to date information on what living with HIV in Australia is like at the moment, and ensure that education and support services for positive people are the most effective they can be. HIV Futures is conducted every two years.
In the past HIV futures has been dominated by the large population of NSW and Vic it would be helpful to assist in filling the futures six out to show what is happening in SA. Surveys can be picked up at reception or be done on line at www.hivfutures.org.au. If you require any help in filling the survey out we are willing to sit down with you and assist where we can. Copies of the Survey are available from the Centre.
No Interest Loans Scheme
From the 1st of
September PLWHA (SA) will begin running a No Interest Loans
Scheme (NILSŪ).
What is NILSŪ? NILSŪ provides interest-free loans for individuals or families on low income. It’s a community-based program that enables people to access fair, safe and equitable credit for the purchase of goods and services.
How does it work? When a borrower makes a repayment to a NILSŪ program, funds are then available as a loan for someone else in the community. This is called “circular community credit” and is a real demonstration of the community in action.
What are the loans for? NILSŪ provided by PLWHA (SA) are available for household goods (up to $1000) Vet procedures (up to $500) or Medical items (up to $500). NILSŪ is not for emergency relief, bond or rent money, living expenses or debt repayment.
Who is eligible? NILSŪ are available to HIV+ residents of South Australia who meet the following criteria;
Registered as a HIV + client with PLWHA (SA) Inc.
Resident within South Australia, defined as three (3) months living in the same dwelling
On a low income, including people receiving Benefits from Centrelink and anyone who holds or is eligible to hold a Health Care Card. (The Scheme has the discretion to provide loans to applicants who are not Health Care Card holders but whose disposable income is assessed as very low.)
People who can afford to pay according to the Support Worker Financial Assessment and have the capacity and willingness to repay the loan generally within 12 – 18 months
No Centrelink advance current.
Would you like to apply for NILSŪ? Contact PLWHA (SA) reception for information.