Wellbeing Times - March 2011

A monthly newsletter from the Luncheon Club & Positive Living Centre.

MARCH 2011

March is Mardi Gras parade and party month so I’ll take this opportunity to say ‘Happy Mardi Gras’, enjoy yourself and party safely, always.

So what’s in store in this issue? There’s a response from the political parties contesting the upcoming State election to issues around HIV. Make sure you read it before casting your vote.

There are loads of great health promotion programs and workshops about to start that may be of assistance to you or someone you know with HIV; more details can be found inside.

And you’ll also find an interesting article for those of us considering starting treatments on page 3.

Finally, enjoy the long, last days of summer. The days are shortening, and soon we’ll see the end of daylight saving.

Till next month, take good care of each other.

Andrew Buchanan Manager, Positive Services and Health Promotion

To Oxford St/Taylor Square

Devonshire St

to Central Mort St

PLC

Bourke St

Crown St

703 Bourke St

Ridge St Cleveland St to Moore Park

Surry Hills

Opening hours at the Positive Living Centre Monday Closed for drop in. Appointments only Tuesday 10.00 am to 4.00 p.m. (drop In) Wednesday 10.00 am to 4.00 p.m. (drop In) Thursday 10.00 am to 4.00 p.m. (drop In) Friday 10.00 am to 4.00 p.m. (drop In) Please Note: We are also open during the evenings on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for therapy appointments and evening courses. If you have a therapy booking after 4.00pm, please ring the front doorbell, and a staff member will let you in.

To confirm a therapy booking or if you want more information please telephone: 02 9699 8756 or e- mail: plc@acon.org.au

NEWS A NEW THERAPIST HAS COMMENCED AT THE PLC. See below for a message from Kane, our new masseur.

NATURAL CLEANING On Thursday 24th March from 2pm – 4pm the Eden Garden will be hosting a workshop about natural cleaning. Find out how to clean your home without using harsh and expensive chemicals. You will save money, and your health and the environment will be better off too! In this workshop we will make a cleaning product to try at home, so bring along a jar.

NEW MASSEUR Hi all, my name is Kane and I am of Maori descent. I come from a long line of energy healers. Knowledge of energising the body through the mind and vice versa has led me on this path. Remedial massage has given me an outlet to continue this practice although through a different modality. Since my technique is purposely slow, deep and methodical, combined with triggers, compression and stretching of the muscle I have found this to be the style on which I base my treatment. The thought of those leaving your side happier than when you first met is the greatest experience any one can wish for. Look forward to meeting those willing to take this opportunity.

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...safe travels Kane Puna

HIV TREATMENTS AND 10 GOOD REASONS TO THINK ABOUT TAKING THEM Medications used to treat HIV have traditionally been called ‘treatments’.

They can also be called medication, medicine, meds, HAART, ART, cART, combination, combo, Antivirals, Antiretrovirals, Antirets, therapy or whatever you like to call it.

People worry about taking HIV treatments because they are concerned about the side effects. Most stories and fears about side effects relate to information about old treatments that are no longer used. In the early days of HIV treatment, people with HIV and their doctors used to wait as long as they could before starting treatments so as to avoid side effects.

Among people that have been living with HIV for a long time, doctors and researchers are seeing the development of health issues a lot earlier in comparison to people who don’t have HIV. Doctors have also noticed that HIV treatment can reduce the risk of people developing these health issues by reducing the amount of HIV in the body.

New treatments are being developed all the time and these new treatments can work more effectively against HIV, often with fewer side effects. These days side effects are usually only experienced at the beginning of treatment, don’t last for very long and are easily managed therefore people are starting treatments much earlier than was previously the case.

Starting treatment at the right time can reduce the risk of long term side effects as well as reducing the risk of developing HIV related health issues.

The benefits of taking HIV treatment include: 1. LIVING LONGER People who take treatments live longer and healthier lives than people who don’t. Treatments stop HIV from replicating or multiplying, reducing the level of HIV in our blood to ‘undetectable’. An undetectable viral load allows our immune system to work better. A healthy immune system helps us fight infection and other health issues, so we don’t get sick as often and are less likely to get an AIDS defining illness.

2. A HEALTHY HEART The HIV can cause damage to our heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, hardening of the blood vessels, stroke (CVA) and other problems relating to circulation. This is because HIV signals the immune system to send out cells that cause inflammation to fight HIV. As well as fighting HIV, these cells cause damage to the heart and blood vessels. People who take HIV treatment have a lower risk of health issues relating to the heart and blood vessels.

A word of caution though. Some older treatments can also cause heart problems by increasing the amount of fats in your blood, like cholesterol and triglycerides. You should ask your doctor about the level of these fats in your blood results. If they are high ask your doctor about diet, exercise and other strategies to bring these levels down. Sometimes switching HIV treatments will help.

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3. HIV AND THE BRAIN As well as being detectable in our blood, HIV is detectable in our brain, cum and other parts of the body. The longer you live with HIV, the longer your brain is exposed to HIV, putting you at risk of certain HIV related brain issues.

Having HIV in the brain can cause tiredness, depression, a quick temper and other problems.

You might find you have difficulty concentrating or are more forgetful. HIV treatments can reduce the amount of HIV in the brain and reduce the risk of these health problems. Many of these health issues are reversible if treated in time.

NB: Not all HIV treatments get into the brain as well as others, and one medication, Efavirenz (Stoctrin) can cause side effects like drowsiness. This is usually temporary so talk to your doctor if this side effect continues.

4. ENERGY The immune systems of people with HIV are constantly fighting HIV and consequently burn up a lot of energy. This can leave people feeling tired and flat, not feeling motivated to exercise thus tending to put on weight. Some people with HIV feel so tired they say they feel like they have the flu.

Treatments take care of fighting HIV which means that your body doesn’t need to use up extra energy to fight the virus. Most people find that they have far more energy when they start taking HIV treatments.

When starting HIV treatment for the first time some people can feel tired during the first week while their immune system is getting stronger. This is perfectly normal, so people are encouraged to commence their treatment on days when they don’t have any plans or commitments.

5. HIV AND INFLAMMATION HIV causes chronic inflammation. When we have an infection our immune systems release specialised cells that cause inflammation in order to help fight the infection. This is why our noses get blocked and red when we get a cold or our skin becomes red or bruised if we bump or scratch it. When you recover from a cold, or when your bruise heals, your immune system stops releasing these ‘pro inflammatory’ cells, and things tend to go back to normal.

With HIV however the immune system recognises the virus as a chronic, or ongoing, infection requiring these ‘pro inflammatory’ cells to be constantly released. In the short term, as with a cold, these cells are helpful. Over a long period of time, as with HIV, these cells can cause damage to our heart, kidneys, liver, brain, bones, cause fatigue and problems with digestion, and a range of other health issues. Taking treatments reduces chronic inflammation and the related health issues.

6. CANCER As well as fighting infection, our immune system also fights some cancers.

People with HIV are at higher risk of developing some cancers including Kaposi’s sarcoma, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma. HIV treatments improve immune function and reduce the rate of these cancers.

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7. DIABETES AND INSULIN RESISTANCE Certain HIV treatments can increase the risk of insulin resistance in people with HIV. This group of drugs is called Protease Inhibitors (PI’s). Insulin resistance is a condition whereby our bodies have difficulty using insulin to convert sugar into energy. Insulin resistance increases our risk of developing diabetes and diabetes increases the risk of developing heart and kidney related health complications.

If you have a family history of diabetes you should discuss with your doctor whether you should avoid this group of HIV treatments when choosing your combination.

8. DIGESTION AND GUT HEALTH The gut is one of the most important parts of our immune system. Our gut is full of lymph glands and the gut is where most anti microbial activity occurs, including anti HIV activity. HIV can irritate the digestive tract causing a range of symptoms and sometimes preventing the gut from absorbing all the nutrients from the food we eat. Even with treatment, HIV remains detectable in the gut.

Some researchers think that starting treatment sooner could prevent these symptoms and reduce the amount of HIV in the gut.

9. SEXUAL TRANSMISSION HIV is located in our genital fluids as well as in our blood. Scientists believe that people who are on treatments, have no other STI’s and an undetectable viral load in their blood for at least six months have a reduced risk of passing on HIV to other people during sex.

This is not a reason to stop using condoms, but HIV treatments certainly lower the risk of passing on HIV to other people during sex. This might be something for HIV positive people who have a HIV negative partner to consider when thinking about starting HIV treatments. HIV treatments used in combination with other protective factors will definitely lower the risk of passing on HIV. 10. HOPE FOR THE FUTURE Researchers are constantly developing new treatments, new ways of treating HIV and maybe one day they may even find a cure. New therapies and treatments for HIV may be more successful in people who have better health.

Taking HIV treatments, as well as a healthy diet, exercise and not smoking may allow people with HIV to take better advantage of new developments in HIV treatment and care.

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SOCIAL ACTIVITIES BREAKFAST AT THE PLC Every Tuesday morning, from 10am to 12pm, a late breakfast/brunch is served in the dining room at the PLC. You’ll find a delicious buffet of hot and cold selections to choose from, all healthy and nutritious.

Regular items include smoothies, fresh fruit salad and yoghurt, fruit juices, cereals, tea and toast. Each week there are some specials on the menu too . . . like frittata, or pancakes, or toasties.

FRIDAY LUNCH Each Friday the PLC puts on a three course meal for its members to enjoy. Like brunch on Tuesdays, this is an informal gathering of friends, old and new, who use this as an opportunity to catch up and share a meal.

The menu items are healthy choices, prepared by the PLC chef from seasonal produce, and cater for various dietary needs including vegetarian. This is also a good time to learn about new workshops or events that may be of benefit to you. All PLC members are most welcome to come and share a meal and each other’s company LUNCHEON CLUB MEALS The Luncheon Club, each Monday and Wednesday from 10am until 3pm, is open to all people with HIV and their carers, located at 77 Kellick Street, Waterloo (9318 1197). A free lunch is served at 12.30pm offering a wide variety of nutritionally balanced food. The Luncheon Club also provides a Larder which is a free grocery item service for HIV + people who are on Centrelink benefits (proof of status and a pension card are necessary to participate in the Larder). This service provides grocery items, and fresh fruit and vegetables on a fortnightly or monthly basis.

The Luncheon Club also provides free health promotion workshops and referrals to other services in addition to a library service, a clothing exchange and plenty of volunteering opportunities.

exploring intimacy ...

• Are your engagements with friends and lovers satisfying?

• Do you feel at ease with your sense of self?

ACON invites you to a safe and confidential 12 week therapeutic group that explores how intimacy affects our sense of self, our relationships and our community.

The men’s group starts on Tuesday 29 March 2011 and runs from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. This group will be facilitated by Peter East and Ross Henderson.

Commitment for the duration of the group is essential.

Places are limited.

• Do you get lost in intimate relationships?

• Can intimacy and mystery co-exist in a relationship?

Please call Deb or Ann-Maree on 9206 2000 from 28 Feb - 4 Mar 2011, between 11am – 1pm.

ACON accepts donations towards this service.

ACON offers services to people from the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, and/or those who may be living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

For more information on this and other therapy groups, please visit our website: www.acon.org.au 6

EXPLORING MINDFULNESS Who is it for?: This group is open to men and woman who may be living with or affected by HIV and /or from the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community.

Duration: 8 weeks When: Tuesday Evenings 6.30pm – 9pm + 12th June 9am – 5pm Where: A ll group sessions take place at the ACON offices in Sydney. The day long intensive will be on 12th June will take place at an alternative venue.

Intake for the next Exploring Mindfulness group will be 5 - 15 April. Call Deb or Ann-Maree between 11 am – 1 pm, Monday – Friday on 9206 2000.

The Exploring Mindfulness group is a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction – MBSR - is an eight week evidencebased experiential course which will engage you physically, emotionally and intellectually. It uses mindfulness meditation training as the basis of a program which is practical, inspiring and transformative. It has been widely researched over the past 25 years and is at the cutting edge of integrative and preventative medicine.

Two decades of published research indicates that the majority of people who complete the course report: • • •

Lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms An increased ability to relax Reductions in pain levels and an enhanced ability to cope with pain that may not go away • Greater energy and enthusiasm for life • Improved self-esteem • An ability to cope more effectively with both short and long-term stressful situations.

In the group you will have the opportunity to learn about stress and stress reduction and to learn and practice a range of mindfulness meditations, as well as to share your experience of the practices with other members of the group.

For more information, visit www.acon.org.au

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THERAPIES REIKI Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive.

Remedial massage is a therapeutic deep tissue massage that can treat specific health issues, musculoskeletal problems and injuries.

It provides a wonderful relaxation if you are stressed and soothes sore, tired muscles. Massage therapy is based on three principles.

Firstly that the body is affected by its parts, secondly shortened muscle tissues do not work, and thirdly that soft tissues of the body respond to touch.

LIFE COACHING

BOWEN TECHNIQUE

The aim of life coaching is to help individuals to determine and achieve personal goals. Life coaches use multiple methods that will help you with the process of setting and reaching goals. The treatment usually runs for 10/12 weeks for one hour per week.

Bowen Technique is a gentle form of body work in which very subtle moves performed over the muscles and connective tissue send messages deep into the body, retrieving cellular memory of a preferred, relaxed, balanced way of wellbeing. Bowen can be useful for back pain, nerve pain, headache, digestive and bowel problems, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, knee, ankle, foot problems, sporting and accident injuries, respiratory problems and hay fever or.. just for relaxation!

ACUPUNCTURE

VITAMIN SERVICE

Acupuncture literally means ‘needle piercing,” the practice of inserting very fine needles into the skin to stimulate specific anatomic points in the body (called acupoints or acupuncture points) for therapeutic purposes. Along with the usual method of puncturing the skin with the fine needles, the practitioners of acupuncture also use heat, pressure, friction, suction, or impulses of electromagnetic energy to stimulate the points. The acupoints (acupuncture points) are stimulated to balance the movement of energy (qi) in the body to restore health.

The PLC now stocks a great range of multi-vitamins and supplements that can be purchased directly at the PLC. We stock everything from a general multivitamin range to digestive enzymes and food supplement powders. with our new naturopath on board it’s the perfect opportunity to discuss your vitamin needs with a qualified practitioner. We can advise you on what items will target specific symptoms you may be experiencing.

LOMI LOMI MASSAGE

EDEN COMMUNITY GARDEN

Lomi Lomi means “to massage”, “to knead” or “to weave”. Weaving aloha, weaving light, and weaving spirit, weaving consciousness into the unconscious. The massage practice integrates physical and energetic healing techniques with flowing forearm movements, breath, presence, aloha and sacred space.

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REMEDIAL/SWEDISH MASSAGE

Eden Community Garden is a community garden located behind the Uniting Church in Raglan Street Waterloo. The garden is a place to become refreshed and feel at peace. All are welcome. If you would like to know more about the garden please contact Sharny Chalmers on 9699 8756.

HEALTH PROMOTION UPDATE WOMEN AND FAMILIES Wow, how fast is the year going already! We hope that you managed with the extreme weather we experienced in February and that you kept cool and well.

February saw the first African Women’s Group meeting get off to a FANTASTIC start. The group worked together to set out their plans for the year ahead and there are some exciting projects being developed. We had 3 new ladies attend and as always they were warmly welcomed by their African sisters with plenty of singing and dancing - a great day was had by all. If you know of anyone who’d like to join the African Women’s Group then please get in touch with Jodie at the PLC. We also had our first ‘Women’s Day’ for the year out at The Western Suburbs Haven during February. This is a collaboration with Heterosexual HIV/AIDS Service (Pozhet), ACON’s Women and Families affected by HIV/AIDS project, and the wonderful ladies from The Haven. A beautiful lunch was provided, and the women had a great time catching up. We will be holding another ‘Ladies Day’ in couple of months so stay tuned for the dates. If you’d like to come along please contact Jodie on 9699 8756.

BGF has announced a PozQuest Workshop from March 21-25, 2011. The PozQuest workshops have been run in partnership with Petrea King’s ‘Quest for Life Foundation’ since 2008 and are enormously beneficial to our clients.

The workshops are open to HIV positive people irrespective of sexuality whether you are single or in a couple. This workshop targets positive people only, so if you are in a serodiscordant relationship, and interested in participating, speak to Peter Thoms at BGF on 02 9283 8666. For further information please contact Peter or visit www.bgf.org.au Sam is working on the ‘Needs Analysis/Client Survey’. The main purpose of this survey is to determine your needs and expectations for our services.

There are two methods which you can choose from to complete the survey.

One way is to arrange a one-on-one meeting with Sam, at a time and place convenient to you. Alternatively you are able to access an electronic version via ‘Survey Monkey’ which is an easy online survey tool that leads you through the questionnaire. In the near future you will be hearing from Sam about your participation. We are really looking forward to finding out what you have to say.

Which leads into our next bit of news…ACON is moving!! This has been in the pipeline for quite a while and it’s now official. The main changes that our clients will see are that the PLC and Luncheon Club will now be housed within ACON head office. This is EXCITING news, as now all our services will be in one place.

Our new location is 414 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills. The building was an old wool warehouse, covering five floors, on the corner of Elizabeth and Devonshire Streets. It’s a very exciting time of change with brand new facilities and new ways in which we will work to provide you with innovative and exciting services that address your health needs. If you’d like to know more about the proposed move, feel free to check out the presentation on the ACON website.

Wishing you all a Marvelous MAD Mardi-Gras Month in March!

Jodie Nas Jones and Samantha Fieldes Health Promotion Officers Women and Families Affected by HIV/AIDS Project

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HEALTH PROMOTION UPDATE THE MENS HIV HEALTH PROMOTION TEAM UPDATE We hope everyone had a fabby Fair Day. So many of you gorgeous people came up to the Pozitude team for photos and encouragement. Check out the photos at www.acon.org.au/pozitude Planet Positive was a great success with everyone catching up during the Mardi Gras season. We’ll be holding another Planet Positive evening in May, more about that later.

Two of our key health promotion programs are about to be launched in 2011 with Genesis taking place in the middle of March, and Healthy Life Plus commencing on 29th March.

Healthy Life + provides practical assistance for those addressing their ongoing health and fitness needs. HL+ continues through until the end of June. Each month you’ll be kept updated on the progress of the program.

Our workshop for recently diagnosed gay men, Genesis, takes place over 3 days, the 18th, 19th and 20th March. Intakes for this highly valuable program close in the next week, so please act quickly if you or anyone you know is interested in participating. Contact either of the Steves on 9699 8756 or email hivling@acon.org.au

Recently diagnosed HIV positive?

GENESIS may help you Genesis is an educational and practical weekend workshop designed to help newly diagnosed gay men make sense of a range of issues confronting them. It is peer-facilitated and free of charge.

The next Genesis workshop is being held on 18, 19 and 20 March 2011. If you’d like to know more, or wish to participate, call 96998756 or email: hivliving@acon.org.au.

GENESIS IS FACILITATED BY ACON’S MEN’S HEALTH PROMOTION TEAM IN CONJUNCTION WITH POSITIVE LIFE NSW. 10

IN REACH SERVICES ACON HOUSING Raymond, the ACON Housing Officer, is available every Friday at the PLC from 12pm-2.30pm to answer your questions and assist with housing issues. If you would like to talk to Raymond please see the receptionist to put your name on the list. This is a drop-in service and is run on a first come first served basis.

Alternatively if you would like to make an appointment to see an ACON Housing representative, please call 9206 2093

BGF A staff member from the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation is available once a month at the PLC to answer any questions or issues around their service provision. This includes practical support, referrals and also financial counseling and advice.

Please ask staff for the date they are here, or alternatively contact BGF at their offices.

HALC The HIV/AIDS Legal Centre (HALC) sends members of its staff to the PLC every 2nd Tuesday from 10am -12pm to answer your legal questions. This is conducted in a confidential space. Please check the calendar to see which dates they are here. Clients are seen at a first come first served basis so please see reception to place your name on the list.

VITAMIN SERVICE Why not call and make an appointment to see Jae to discuss some of our new and discounted products and how this service could possibly benefit you.

We would encourage you to call before coming in to buy your vitamins as this service is dependant on sale staff availability.

ABORIGINAL PROJECT The ACON Aboriginal Project is here to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in NSW to stay strong and healthy by providing resources and education.

Phone: 02 9206 2000 • Freecall: 1800 063 060 www.acon.org.au/aboriginal The Aboriginal Project can be found at 9 Commonwealth St Surry Hills NSW 2000 ACON has 5 branches around NSW Call 1800 063 060 to find your nearest one

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INFORM YOUR VOTE ON SATURDAY 26 MARCH 2011, A STATE ELECTION WILL BE HELD IN NSW. ACON, Positive Life NSW and the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby have sought responses from the major political parties and selected independents on a range of questions relating to the GLBT community and people affected by HIV. To help inform your vote, their responses have been compiled into 11 issuebased facts sheets.

The fact sheet outlining their responses to questions around HIV has been reprinted below for your convenience.

3. HIV J

Would you support the policy of maintaining or increasing in real terms the current levels of investment in HIV/AIDS in NSW?

J

Would you support the renewal or development of a NSW HIV Strategy?

J

Would you support the policy of funding a pilot project trialling rapid HIV testing provided by a community based organisation?

J

Would you support a pilot project to allow community pharmacies to dispense HIV medications?

J

Would you support policies to reduce the discrimination experienced by people with HIV in the health system through HIV education campaigns and HIV awareness training for staff?

Liberal/National The NSW Liberals and Nationals appreciate that our State’s multi-faceted response to HIV has been central to keeping the infection rate in NSW low and relatively stable in recent years. The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to ensuring that HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment initiatives continue to receive an appropriate share of government funding. The NSW Liberals and Nationals endorse the 2010-13 National HIV Strategy and commit to the renewal or development of a NSW HIV Strategy.

be separated from expert counselling services and that pharmaceuticals should only be dispensed by people appropriately qualified to provide expert advice about all aspects of health management.

There will be no tolerance for discrimination in any part of the health system in relation to HIV/Hep C or any other illness and appropriate education programs to address this issue will be put in place. It was the Coalition State Government led by Premier John Fahey that introduced legislation against the

While we recognise the benefits of a varied approach, the question of which specific programs are adopted will be subject to budgetary considerations and the outcome of consultations with stakeholders and expert medical practitioners.

vilification of people with HIV-AIDS and the Liberals remain committed to addressing discrimination against people with HIV and ensuring that all patients in our health system receive the highest standard of care without discrimination.

In relation to the actual treatment of HIV infection, the NSW Liberals and Nationals believe that, given the complexity of the issues involved, testing procedures should never

Premier Fahey’s Government also provided ACON with its offices in Commonwealth Street.

Clover Moore Would you support the policy of maintaining or increasing in real terms the current levels of investment in HIV/AIDS in NSW?

Would you support a pilot project to allow community pharmacies to dispense HIV medications?

Yes, I support practical and innovative measures to address health and welfare concerns.

Australia’s successful HIV/AIDS strategies rely on maintaining education and support programs that meet current needs and reach target groups at risk, and I support this investment. I note the research identifying a return of $13 for every $1 invested in HIV prevention.

Would you support policies to reduce the discrimination experienced by people with HIV in the health system through HIV education campaigns and HIV awareness training for staff?

Would you support the renewal or development of a NSW HIV Strategy?

I share community concern that people with HIV not suffer discrimination from health services, which are vital to their survival and health. All health workers should understand and respond appropriately, based on need rather than prejudice.

Yes, community health policy and programs require regular updating.

Would you support the policy of funding a pilot project trialling rapid HIV testing provided by a community based organisation?

I note the recent research identifying a drop in the HIV testing rate, and support the proposal to trial rapid HIV testing.

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3. HIV J

Would you support the policy of maintaining or increasing in real terms the current levels of investment in HIV/AIDS in NSW?

J

Would you support the renewal or development of a NSW HIV Strategy?

J

Would you support the policy of funding a pilot project trialling rapid HIV testing provided by a community based organisation?

J

Would you support a pilot project to allow community pharmacies to dispense HIV medications?

J

Would you support policies to reduce the discrimination experienced by people with HIV in the health system through HIV education campaigns and HIV awareness training for staff?

Labor Will your party commit to maintaining or increasing in real terms the current levels of investment in HIV/AIDS in NSW?

rates stabilised and the use of illicit drugs has decreased.

Labor committed and spent more than $150 million per year on drug treatment and prevention measures which include a range of education, treatment and prevention programs designed to drive down drug use.

In 2010/11, the NSW Government is investing more than $110 million in direct efforts to prevent HIV, sexually transmissible infections and hepatitis C, and to provide treatment and support for people living with or affected by these conditions.

Will your party commit to the renewal or development of a NSW HIV Strategy?

Labor is proud of its record on HIV prevention, and is committed to the successful programs currently in place. We will continue to consider any new proposals that are shown to be effective.

Approximately $46.5 million was spent directly on prevention and control activities. This has proved to be a sound investment.

Independent analysis concluded that the HIV prevention program prevented some 45,000 HIV infections and 2,750 deaths in NSW.

Will your party commit to funding a pilot project trialling rapid HIV testing provided by a community based organisation?

For example, programs such as the Needle and Syringe Program have proven highly successful in preventing the spread of infections such as of HIV and Hepatitis C among drug users.

As above.

Will your party support a pilot project to allow community pharmacies to dispense HIV medications?

As above.

We are a signatory to the National Drug Strategy which includes harm reduction as one of three key approaches to tackling drug use and harm in Australia. Harm reduction is about reducing the harm of drug use both to individuals and minimising the transmission of HIV and blood-borne viruses and reducing other drug related harm in the community. In NSW, we have seen positive results with HIV

Will your party reduce the discrimination experienced by people with HIV in the health system through HIV education campaigns and HIV awareness training for staff?

As above.

Greens Will your party commit to maintaining or increasing in real terms the current levels of investment in HIV/AIDS in NSW?

Will your party support a pilot project to allow community pharmacies to dispense HIV medications?

Yes

Will your party reduce the discrimination experienced by people with HIV in the health system through HIV education campaigns and HIV awareness training for staff?

Yes

Will your party commit to the renewal or development of a NSW HIV Strategy?

Yes

Yes

Will your party commit to funding a pilot project trialling rapid HIV testing provided by a community based organisation?

Yes

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For a more detailed report, please go to http://www.acon.org.au/advocacy/2011-NSW-Election.

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MARCH 2011 – PLC Calendar Mon

1

Tue

2

PLC Breakfast 10am – 12noon HALC 10am – 12noon Remedial Kane 12pm – 5pm

7

8

14

16

22

23

29 Alan’s Exercise Class 5.30pm -6.30pm NEXUS 7 -9pm

Acupuncture Angie 1.40-3.20pm Remedial Fiona 2pm -4pm Yoga @ ACON 6 -7pm

Acupuncture Angie 1.40-3.20pm Remedial Fiona 2pm -4pm Yoga @ ACON 6 -7pm

PLC Breakfast 10am – 12noon Remedial Kane 12pm – 5pm

Alan’s Exercise Class 5.30pm -6.30pm

28

Acupuncture Angie 1.40 -3.20pm Remedial Fiona 2pm -4pm Yoga @ ACON 6 -7pm

PLC Breakfast 10am – 12noon HALC 10am – 12noon Remedial Kane 12pm – 5pm

Alan’s Exercise Class 5.30pm -6.30pm

14

9

15

21

Acupuncture Angie 1.40 -3.20pm Remedial Fiona 2pm -4pm Yoga @ ACON 6 -7pm

PLC Breakfast 10am – 12noon Remedial Kane 12pm – 5pm

Alan’s Exercise Class 5.30pm -6.30pm

Wed

30 PLC Breakfast 10am – 12noon Remedial Kane 12pm – 5pm HEALTHY LIFE PLUS STARTS PLC 6.00pm – 8.30pm

Acupuncture Angie 1.40-3.20pm Remedial Fiona 2pm -4pm Yoga @ ACON 6 -7pm

3

Thu

4

African Women’s Group St Mary’s 10.30 – 2.30 ACON Housing 12 noon to 2.30pm PLC LUNCH 12.30 -2pm

Bowen Ian 1pm -5pm Swedish Toshi 6pm–7pm Lomi Lomi Marc 6pm-7pm

10

Fri

11 Bowen Ian 1pm -5pm Swedish Toshi 6 – 7pm Lomi Lomi Marc 6pm-7pm

17

ACON Housing 12 noon to 2.30pm PLC LUNCH 12.30 -2pm

Bowen Ian 1pm -5pm Swedish Toshi 6 – 7pm Lomi Lomi Marc 6pm-7pm

19/20 Genesis PLC 6.30pm – 9.00pm ACON Housing 12 noon to 2pm PLC LUNCH 12.30 -2pm

25 Bowen Ian 1pm -5pm Swedish Toshi 6 – 7pm Lomi Lomi Marc 6pm-7pm

MARDI GRAS PARADE AND PARTY

12/13

18

24

Sat/Sun 5/6

Genesis PLC 9am – 5pm

26/27 ACON Housing 12 noon to 2.30pm PLC LUNCH 12.30 -2pm

31 Bowen Ian 1pm -5pm Swedish Toshi 6 – 7pm Lomi Lomi Marc 6pm-7pm 15

THE LUNCHEON CLUB 77 Kellick Street, Waterloo.

For all enquiries please Call / Fax 9318 1197 The Luncheon Club is open to all people with HIV and their carers. We are located in Waterloo and open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am until 3pm. A free lunch is served at 12.30pm with a wide and varied nutritionally balanced menu.

Incorporated into the Luncheon Club is the Larder, a free grocery service for HIV + people who are on Centrelink benefits (proof of status and a pension card are necessary for membership). This service provides grocery items and fresh fruit and vegetables on a fortnightly or monthly basis. The Luncheon Club also provides free health promotion workshops and referrals to other services.

MARCH WORKSHOPS 14 March - Andrew Trist NSP Education Officer ACON - Slap & Tickle a post Mardi Gras catch up on Sex and Drugs 21 March - Domenic Commisso has a Dip of Nutrition, a Dip of Dietetics and a Bach of Health in Naturopathy. He will be giving a workshop about the importance of Antioxidants in the presence of HIV and how to obtain Antioxidants from simple food purchases and preparation. Domenic will do a powerpoint presentation and leave time for Q & A. 23, 29 March Louisa Lunn, Health Education Officer at the O’Brien Centre will be presenting workshops on Oral Hygiene . Participants will receive a goodie bag to take away.

28 March – Stella and Michelle from Positive Central update on Community HIV and group programs.

LUNCH HOURS 12.30pm Monday & Wednesday

Bourke Street (to Oxford St)

THE LUNCHEON CLUB 10am - 3pm Mondays & Wednesdays

BUS

STOP

Phillip Street

Kellick St McEvoy Street

16

Str

eet

The Luncheon Club

Bo urk e

CLOTHING EXCHANGE 10am - 3pm Monday and Wednesday

Redfern Street

Elizabeth Street

LARDER HOURS 11am - 3pm Mondays 10am - 2pm Wednesdays

FOOD DISTRIBUTION NETWORK Fresh fruit and veggies every Wednesday: 10am - 12noon larder clients, 12noon all other clients.

343 Bus to City

Cleveland Street

The Gordon Ibbett Activity Centre 77 Kellick St Waterloo Nearest Bus 343 George Hotel Bus Stop Elizabeth St

REGULAR PROGRAMS CONDOM PACKING GROUP Shane and David run a table dedicated to making “safe packs� that are distributed throughout Sydney. Join the group to help us continue this important work on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Luncheon Club.

EDEN GARDENING GROUP. Keith and the wonderful volunteers meet every Thursday morning. Come and make some new friends, learn new gardening skills and hopefully get some sun. Eden garden is located in the grounds of the Uniting Church, 56A Raglan Street, Waterloo and is just a short walk from the Luncheon Club.

CLOTHING EXCHANGE Our ever helpful volunteers Efrem and Jeff continue to re-vitalise this service.

Efrem and Jeff are keen to get clients the seasonal clothing they need or want.

They have also been receiving and organising the donations and there is plenty of new stock to be excited about.

Clients must be registered Larder clients to access the clothing exchange and are able to take 5 items per month.

Opening Times 11.00-12.00 and then 1.30pm-2.30pm Efrem and Jeff will be there to showcase the best that pre-loved can offer.

LARDER @ THE LUNCHEON CLUB The Larder is a free grocery service for HIV + people who are on Centrelink benefits (proof of status and a pension card are necessary for membership).

This service provides grocery items and fresh fruit and vegetables on a fortnightly or monthly basis.

Live in Sydney South West? Need free general dental care?

Who: People with HIV who hold a health care or pension card and live in the Sydney South West Area Health Service (SSWAHS) catchment area What: Free general dental services, including dental assessment, preventative services, scale and cleaning, extractions, fillings and dentures Where: Royal Prince Alfred or Liverpool Hospital dental clinic* Bookings: Please ask your SSWAHS health care worker to make a booking for you. You will need to provide some personal and contact information, as well as your Medicare, Pension/Health Care Card number, and preferred clinic for your initial appointment (RPA or Liverpool) You will be contacted by a staff member from SSWAHS Dental Health Service to confirm your booking More information: HIV/AIDS & Related Programs (HARP) Unit on 02 9828 5945 or harpunit@sswahs.nsw.gov.au *A treatment plan will be developed at your first appointment.

You can then make subsequent dental clinic bookings at other dental clinics within SSWAHS if this is more convenient for you.

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MARCH – Luncheon Club Calendar Mon

Wed

2

Thurs

3

Lunch 12.30pm Larder 10.00am – 2.00pm David’s Craft Group 10.00am – 12.30pm Max, BGF 12.00pm – 2.00pm Margaret, Tree of Hope, Client Support 12.00 pm – 2.00pm

7

9

Lunch 12.30 Larder 10-2pm Max, BGF 12-2pm

14

Lunch 12.30 Larder 10-2pm Condom Packing group 10am - 12.30pm Workshop 11am – 12pm Andrew Trist NSP Education officer ACON - Slap & Tickle, a post Mardi Gras catch up on Sex and Drugs Max, BGF 12-2pm

21

Lunch 12.30 Larder 10-2pm Condom Packing group 10am - 12.30pm Workshop 11am-12pm Domenic will be giving a workshop about the importance of Antioxidants in the presence of HIV and how to obtain Antioxidants from simple food purchases and preparation.

Max, BGF 12-2pm

28

Lunch 12.30 Larder 10-2pm Condom Packing group 10am - 12.30pm Max, BGF 12-2pm Workshop 11am-12pm Stella and Michelle from Positive Central update on Community HIV and group programs.

18

Lunch 12.30pm Larder 10.00am – 2.00pm David’s Craft Group 10.00am – 12.30pm Margaret, Tree of Hope, Client Support 12.00pm – 2.00pm Staff / Volunteer meeting 2.00pm – 3.00pm

16

Eden Garden Working Day 9.30am

10

Eden Garden Working Day 9.30am

17

Lunch 12.30pm Larder 10.00am – 2.00pm David’s Craft Group 10.00am – 12.30pm Margaret, Tree of Hope, Client Support 12.00pm – 2.00pm

Eden Garden Working Day 9.30am

Larder 10.00am – 2.00pm 24 23Margaret, Tree of Hope, Client Lunch 12.30pm

Support 12.00pm – 2.00pm Staff / Volunteer meeting 2.00pm – 3.00pm Dental Health Workshop – Louisa Lunn, Health Education Officer at the O’Brien Centre will be presenting workshops on Oral Hygiene .

Participants will receive a goodie bag to take away.

29

Lunch 12.30pm Larder 10.00am – 2.00pm Margaret, Tree of Hope, Client Support 12.00pm – 2.00pm Haircuts with Elizabeth 11am Dental Health Workshop – Louisa Lunn, Health Education Officer at the O’Brien Centre will be presenting workshops on Oral Hygiene . Participants will receive a goodie bag to take away.

Eden Garden Working Day 9.30am Workshop Natural Cleaning – learn to make cleaning products without harsh chemicals.

2pm – 4pm – at the Garden

30 Eden Garden Working Day 9.30am

nomore

butts

quit smoking for people with HIV

QUittinG benefits your health

if you are an HIV positive smoker this is one of the most significant ways to improve your health

may take several attempts the more quit attempts the closer you are to success

builds confidence

you realise you can take on challenges and take control of your life

is a choice you make you need to be ready, set goals and make plans to achieve them

Ready to quit?

Talk to your doctor / health worker or visit www.nomorebutts.org.au If you have a health care card and you need financial assistance for quit smoking therapies contact BGF on 9283 8666 or toll free 1800 651 011 Subsidised NRT may also be available through South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Clinics

Project of the NSW HIV Health Promotion Interagency

Supported by South Eastern Sydney Illawarra and Sydney South West Area Health Services

Andrew Georgiou

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