Tender B

Project: Tender B

Funded by: NHS Sexual Health

Contact: Jacqueline Svisviro. (Peer Support Development Worker)

Who Can Access Service: Anyone

Description: ACIA offer high level of social and support groups that offer different services to cater for each individual according to needs. Once a month groups are carried out in Kingston upon Thames at the Welcare Centre, Shaka Services in Kennington, Forum @ Greenwich, The Positive Place in Deptford and The Healthy Living Centre at Thornton Heath Leisure Centre. The times for all the groups are 6pm-9pm.

ACIA Support groups provide a forum for mutual acceptance, understanding and self-discovery. The Peer Support Groups provide free information, education, empowerment, and support to adults and children diagnosed with HIV/AIDS as well as their family members and loved ones. While support groups should not be considered as a substitute for treatment, they can often be a complement to treatment.

Research shows that peer support groups can be valuable in helping people deal with significant changes in their lives. In fact, a 1989 Stanford University study demonstrated that cancer patients who participate in peer support groups live twice as long as those who do not.

The groups are designed to benefit and update new and old service users on what is available for them and what best suits their problem so that people Living with HIV/AIDS do not feel isolated or sidelined most of all, keeping them updated on important issues that they should be well abreast with concerning treatment updates/issues, financial needs, HIV & Nutrition, Relationships, Immigration issues, Disclosure, Employment and where to get support, Education and available opportunities, Financial pitfalls in the U.K and how to avoid being a victim, Looking at Childcare for those families with children, Issues of Disclosure, HIV and Employment, Benefits and Housing Entitlement for People Living with HIV.

The services offered have assisted people to overcome isolation and exclusion. This has made it easier for people to move on with their lives being able to break through the many barriers such as stigma, discrimination and lack of confidence after being diagnosed.