the experience of women with hiv in the uk parternaship to improve 25-28 september 2004, poland...
TRANSCRIPT
The Experience of Women with HIV in the UK
PARTERNASHIP TO IMPROVE
25-28 September 2004, Poland
Angelina NamibaDirect Services Manager
The only national charity providing support
for women living with HIV
by women living with HIV
History
Started 1987
By HIV+ women
Issues for women living with HIV
•Stigma and Discrimination
•Relationships
•Reproductive issues
•Children
•Disclosure
•Treatments
• Late Presentation/ lack of access
•Other Social issues
1-2-1 Direct Support
National Helpline
One to one sessions
Outreach at clinics, hospitals and prisons
Group Support
Group support and workshops
Treatment advice and road shows
Drugs and alcohol group
Volunteering and
Traineeships
Volunteer work placements
Personal development
Vocational training
Part of the Positive Futures Partnership
Taking Part
Ensure the voice of women living with HIV is heard
Training and mentoring to take part in decision-making at local and national levels:
Public Patient Involvement Forums
Testimonies to Parliament
Peer Support ProcessFrom Isolation to Involvement
1-2-1Support Group
Volunteering Taking Part
Long Term goal: creating a society where an HIV diagnosis is not aggravated by huge stigma and discrimination
Summary
• Diversity of women living with HIV
• Complex choices: Reproductive Issues , treatment, relationships, disclosure
• Other Social issues
• Stigma and discrimination
Conclusions
• In the era of ARV therapy women living with HIV in the UK still have to face very complex choices.
• Support by women with HIV for women with HIV is still vital in improving health and quality of life.
• Through peer support women living with HIV in the UK have developed essential skills to become involved in influencing policy and actively challenge stigma and discrimination.
What really happens …..
When positive women get together…