The Taking Charge project has two ongoing activities…
The Peer Support Network is a regular gathering for all people with HIV aged 50 years and up regardless of gender and sexuality.
The gatherings are safe and confidential. The sessions alternate between social and health information. They are a great way to connect with others in a social setting as well as gain HIV and ageing information.
The social gatherings can help break that isolation while the information sessions can help empower and build health literacy for participants to engage with health and aged care providers.
It also improves self-advocacy, develops skills to disclose HIV status, deal with stigma and discrimination, and builds peer networks. These group meetings are peer led, ensuring that they meet the group’s needs. Topics include improving treatments understanding, managing medication for multiple health conditions, legal matters, Advanced Care planning, nutrition, exercise, cognitive health and computer literacy.
The HIV & Ageing Project trains volunteer peer facilitators to enhance peer-led capacity as well as the sustainability of support networks.
The Positive Self-Management Program is for people with HIV regardless of age, gender and sexuality.
The Positive Self-Management program can help improve your quality of life. The sessions are highly interactive, where mutual support and success will build confidence in your ability to manage your own health and maintain an active and fulfilling life. This program will also help develop strategies to manage depression, loneliness, isolation and stigma. By participating in this program, you will gain valuable knowledge, skills an develop resilience to manage your HIV and your general health. The program is facilitated by trained peers and is held twice yearly. One ‘in person’ and one ‘online’.
The topics covered include…
- Connect with others and break down isolation
- How to best integrate medication regiments into your daily life so they can be taken consistently
- Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fear, fatigue, pain and isolation
- Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
- Nutrition
- Evaluating symptoms
- Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals such as your doctor
- How to achieve your goals
And lots more.
What do the participants say?
“Great workshop. Was good to learn new ideas and feedback from the other participants.”
“Overall, it was a very affirming experience – challenging at times which was a good thing because it took me out of my comfort zone.”
“Was great to share and receive others’ thoughts, opinions, ideas and issues in a way that was open and non-judgmental. Thanks very much.”
Hear what Nigel has to say right now… Nigel.
The peer facilitated, Positive Self-Management program is an evidence based, patient centred, education program model of Stanford Medicine, Stanford University, California. This program follows the principles of self-management, community-based health education and a strong empowerment philosophy. The program provides the skills to coordinate health management needs and set achievable goals.
If you want to be placed on our notification list so you can be kept up to date about the next gathering contact Vic Perri on 03 9863 8733 or vperri@livingpositivevictoria.org.au