Care and Support Program
NTAHC offers a range of services to empower all people affected by, or at risk of blood borne viruses, to lead a healthy life that is free of stigma and discrimination.
Recently diagnosed with HIV, Hepatitis or STI?
Talk to us!
Our Care and Support team offer free and confidential information & support by phone, email or in person.
The Care & Support program offers a range of services to support and empower all people affected by, or at risk of blood borne viruses, to lead a healthy life that is free of stigma and discrimination. Our goal is a positive outcome for all who access the Care & Support Program.
Any person, along with their families, partners or friends from NTAHC’s priority populations are eligible to access the Care & Support program. This program is available at both Darwin and Alice Springs, however, can also be accessed via phone for people living in other parts of the NT.
Opening Hours
- Mon - Fri
- -
- Sat - Sun
- Closed
Women's & Men's Peer Support Groups
"IT'S A GREAT SPACE TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE, FIND SUPPORT AND SHARE INFORMATION"
The Care & Support program’s social inclusion groups are a place for people to meet, share and support each other on their health and wellbeing journey.
Our peer support groups aim to:
- Provide a non-judgmental, safe and supportive environment
- Organise friendly and informal activities based on your wants and needs
- Provide access to information, advocacy and support services
These groups can be a great way to meet others who share your life experience. These events are held throughout the year and also include yearly retreats for different groups.
Care and Support Blogs
Living with HIV
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Shock, denial, or fear: Upon learning of the diagnosis, many women experience shock or disbelief. They may worry about their health, mortality, and future.
Concerns about Disclosure
Telling loved ones: Many women worry about how to disclose their status to family members, friends, or romantic partners, fearing rejection or misunderstanding.
Health and Medical Issues
Starting antiretroviral therapy (ART): Understanding the importance of starting and adhering to ART is essential, but the process may be daunting, especially if they are concerned about side effects.
Sexual and Reproductive Health
Impact on sexual relationships: HIV may bring concerns about intimacy, sexual pleasure, or fear of transmitting the virus to partners.
Stigma and Discrimination
Cultural and gender-based stigma: In many cultures, women with HIV may face more stigma than men. They may be blamed or judged, especially if they are seen as deviating from societal norms regarding sexuality or motherhood.
Access to Care and Support
Healthcare access: Some women may face barriers to accessing high-quality HIV care, including financial limitations, lack of health insurance, or living in areas with limited healthcare resources.
Impact on Family Life
Children and parenting: Women with children may worry about how their diagnosis will affect their ability to care for their children or how to explain their condition to them.
Long-Term Outlook
Life expectancy: Although modern ART allows people with HIV to live long and healthy lives, many newly diagnosed individuals may initially fear a reduced lifespan or future health complications.
Financial and Practical Concerns
Cost of treatment: Worries about the affordability of medication, regular checkups, and potential hospital visits may arise.
The importance of Social Inclusion
Social inclusion is crucial for women who are HIV positive due to its impact on their health, well-being, and overall quality of life. The stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS often affect women disproportionately, particularly in certain cultural or socio-economic contexts. Here are key reasons why social inclusion is important for women living with HIV:
Reduction of Stigma and Discrimination
Combatting Isolation: Social inclusion helps counter the isolation that many HIV-positive women face due to the stigma surrounding the disease. Women often experience double discrimination—both because of their gender and their HIV status.
Improved Mental Health
Support Systems: Being part of a community that includes HIV-positive women can provide emotional support, which helps in coping with the psychological stress that comes with the diagnosis.
Access to Healthcare and Services
Better Access to Resources: Women who feel included and accepted in society are more likely to seek medical treatment, including antiretroviral therapy (ART), regular health checkups, and psychosocial support services.
Websites
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NAPWHA (National Association of People with HIV Australia)
The peak non-government organization representing people living with HIV in Australia.
Positive Life NSW
Provides support, information, and advocacy for people living with HIV in New South Wales.
Living Positive Victoria
Supports people living with HIV in Victoria through advocacy, education, and peer support.
Queensland Positive People (QPP)
Offers support services, information, and advocacy for people living with HIV in Queensland.
Personal Stories and Experiences
Living Authentically:
Women sharing their journeys with HIV, focusing on resilience and personal growth.
Overcoming Stigma:
Stories of overcoming societal stigma and embracing one’s identity.
SURVEYS
One on One Support
Health & Wellbeing
The Care & Support program offers a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for clients to chat with staff about their health and wellbeing concerns.
This can include but not limited to:
- Pre and post test counselling
- One on one education and information
- Advice and support on living well with HIV and/or Hepatitis
- Support person for medical appointments, NDIS applications or other health appointments
- Referrals to GPs and mental health services
- Referrals to HIV and Hepatitis testing
- Referrals to drug and alcohol rehabilitation support
Housing
The Care & Support program can help clients in making public housing applications, provide assistance with finding accommodation, support letters for housing applications and support clients to find safe and affordable housing.
Legal
The Care & Support program can help clients with referrals to legal aid services, support letters for legal matters and be an advocate on behalf of the clint for legal issues.
Financial
The Care & Support program offers financial support via emergency relief funds. This is one off emergency and short term financial support solutions for clients with essential living needs such as, food, accommodation, transport, healthcare, utility bills and material aid and goods. Speak to a member of staff from the Care & Support program to see if you are eligible.
Employment
The Care & Support program can help clients with referrals to employment agencies, support letters for employment purposes and building confidence at work through volunteering.
Immigration & Visas
The Care & Support program can help clients with referrals to immigration services, support letters for visa applications and be an advocate on behalf of the client for immigration matters.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
The Care & Support program can help clients with referrals to AOD rehabilitation services, AOD counselling services, access to harm reduction services such as the Needle & Syringe Program, provide brief interventions and a non-judgmental listening ear to clients that need support.
Education and Training
Referrals
For service providers wanting to make a referral to the Care & Support program please fill out the downloadable document and email to info@ntahc.org.au or directly to one of the Care & Support team.
