Pozhet Service Update
2017 has been a big year. We scaled up our social media presence, reaching more than 180,000 people with the state-wide DBS and PrEP campaigns. We also delivered in-services across NSW and a range of events for heterosexual men and women living with HIV.
Events
At Pozhet events, people have a unique opportunity to talk to others in a similar situation, to develop friendships and to support one another. In 2017, our activities included:
• An annual workshop focusing on legal issues for people living with HIV. Rural and regional participants were given scholarships for accommodation in Sydney.
• Two weekend retreats: One in Berry (28th to 30th April) and one in Myuna Bay (17th to 19th November). In total, there were 34 participants, with 78% reporting that they felt more connected to their peers after the weekend. 78% also stated that they felt more confident making decisions about their well-being and health.
• Two women’s groups, 1 men’s group, and 10 drop-in days.
Campaigns
Pozhet ran campaigns using social media, particularly the Facebook page Friends and Supporters of Pozhet. These campaigns included a Dried Blood Spot (DBS) HIV testing campaign in partnership with Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service (MHAHS) Service, and a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) campaign in partnership with ACON. These campaigns focused on CALD and heterosexual populations to encourage testing and HIV prevention.
Partnerships
Pozhet works closely with partner services to advocate around issues important to heterosexual men and women. Pozhet is available to provide in-services to any service that works with heterosexual men and women. During 2017, we visited sexual health services in Liverpool and North Sydney and have more visits planned for 2018.
Please contact Pozhet if your service would like us to present at a team meeting or present an in-service for your staff.