Newsletter - pozhet https://pozhet.org.au Pozhet is an organisation for heterosexual people at risk of, or living with HIV in New South Wales Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:13:46 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 Pozhet celebrates 30 years of service https://pozhet.org.au/pozhet-celebrates-30-years-of-service/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pozhet-celebrates-30-years-of-service Tue, 27 Jun 2023 22:17:43 +0000 https://pozhet.org.au/?p=16392 This year we are celebrating the thirty-year anniversary of Pozhet How we began In 1993, a counsellor at the Albion Centre, Patricia Austin, contacted the Department of Health as she recognised that there was little specific support for heterosexuals living with HIV. They suggested starting with a dedicated phone line. Albion Centre agreed to host […]

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This year we are celebrating the thirty-year anniversary of Pozhet

How we began

In 1993, a counsellor at the Albion Centre, Patricia Austin, contacted the Department of Health as she recognised that there was little specific support for heterosexuals living with HIV. They suggested starting with a dedicated phone line. Albion Centre agreed to host the phone line under the supervision of Patricia, which commenced in 1993. Funding was then sustained by the Australian Department of Health to provide heterosexuals living with HIV/AIDS with a phone line and support groups.

Soon after, Central Sydney Area Health Service (now Sydney Local Health District) agreed to auspice the funding for Pozhet as a NSW-wide service. Pozhet remains under the umbrella of Sydney Local Health District today.

Pozhet organised a calendar of events for people living with HIV who identify as heterosexual, including retreats, workshops, a men’s shed, and an African Women’s group.

In 2023, the nature of HIV has changed. Pozhet is now providing prevention campaigns targeting heterosexuals at risk of HIV.

As the service celebrates its 30th anniversary, Alice shares her experience here. You can read more about her story and Pozhet on Sydney Connect

The post Pozhet celebrates 30 years of service appeared first on pozhet.]]> Pozhet newsletter Winter 2023 https://pozhet.org.au/pozhet-newsletter-winter-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pozhet-newsletter-winter-2023 Wed, 21 Jun 2023 23:13:51 +0000 https://pozhet.org.au/?p=16330 The Winter 2023 edition of the Pozhet Client Newsletter has now been posted and emailed to Pozhet clients. Topics include: Celebrating 30 years of Pozhet Free access to HIV medication for everyone Improving access to cervical screening   You can read it or print it from here. If you would prefer a copy posted out […]

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The Winter 2023 edition of the Pozhet Client Newsletter has now been posted and emailed to Pozhet clients.

Topics include:

  • Celebrating 30 years of Pozhet
  • Free access to HIV medication for everyone
  • Improving access to cervical screening

 

You can read it or print it from here.

If you would prefer a copy posted out to you or if you want to join the mailing list, please email Pozhet

The post Pozhet newsletter Winter 2023 appeared first on pozhet.]]> 30 years of pozhet https://pozhet.org.au/30yearsofpozhet/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=30yearsofpozhet Wed, 17 May 2023 23:53:13 +0000 https://pozhet.org.au/?p=16087 This year we are celebrating the thirty-year anniversary of Pozhet. How we began In 1993, a counsellor at the Albion Centre, Patricia Austin, contacted the Department of Health as she recognised that there was little specific support for heterosexuals living with HIV. They suggested starting with a dedicated phone line. Albion Centre agreed to host […]

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This year we are celebrating the thirty-year anniversary of Pozhet.

How we began

In 1993, a counsellor at the Albion Centre, Patricia Austin, contacted the Department of Health as she recognised that there was little specific support for heterosexuals living with HIV. They suggested starting with a dedicated phone line. Albion Centre agreed to host the phone line under the supervision of Patricia, which commenced in 1993. Funding was then sustained by the Australian Department of Health to provide heterosexuals living with HIV/AIDS with a phone line and support groups.

Soon after, Central Sydney Area Health Service (now Sydney Local Health District) agreed to auspice the funding for Pozhet as a NSW-wide service. Pozhet remains under the umbrella of Sydney Local Health District today.

Pozhet organised a calendar of events for people living with HIV who identify as heterosexual, including retreats, workshops, a men’s shed, and an African Women’s group.

In 2023, the nature of HIV has changed. Pozhet is now providing prevention campaigns targeting heterosexuals at risk of HIV.

The post 30 years of pozhet appeared first on pozhet.]]> New GP education to boost confidence in STI and HIV care https://pozhet.org.au/new-gp-education-to-boost-confidence-in-sti-and-hiv-care/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-gp-education-to-boost-confidence-in-sti-and-hiv-care Thu, 11 May 2023 01:11:05 +0000 https://pozhet.org.au/?p=16154 Syphilis is on the rise in NSW, so your role in preventing, diagnosing, and treating STIs and HIV among your patients has never been as important. New Education New STI and HIV care online education for GPs, will help you: Recognise opportunities to routinely offer STI and HIV testing Assess patients' risk of an STI […]

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Syphilis is on the rise in NSW, so your role in preventing, diagnosing, and treating STIs and HIV among your patients has never been as important.

New Education

New STI and HIV care online education for GPs, will help you:

  • Recognise opportunities to routinely offer STI and HIV testing
  • Assess patients’ risk of an STI and HIV
  • Conduct testing for STIs and HIV in-line with current guidelines
  • Undertake follow-up and contact tracing after a STI diagnosis

Other Resources

You can also tune in to this RACGP podcast, to hear experienced GPs, specialists and patients discuss tips and resources to comfortably talk sex, STIs and blood-borne viruses.

With increased syphilis cases diagnosed among the NSW general population, the new ASHM interactive syphilis decision making tool quickly guides you through the testing and treatment process, and includes specific advice for treating pregnant women and people.

Remember, the NSW Sexual Health Info Link is available to provide support, advice and referral to you and your patients.

NSW STI Programs Unit
NSW Ministry of Health
www.stipu.nsw.gov.au | nswh-stipu@health.nsw.gov.au

The post New GP education to boost confidence in STI and HIV care appeared first on pozhet.]]> Training Opportunities for HIV and Sexual Health Workforce https://pozhet.org.au/training-opportunities-for-hiv-and-sexual-health-workforce/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=training-opportunities-for-hiv-and-sexual-health-workforce Thu, 11 May 2023 00:44:09 +0000 https://pozhet.org.au/?p=16120 STIs And BBVs: Nursing And Midwifery Module Date: On demand Course Aims: This course aims to provide primary health care nurses and midwives with information on: · National epidemiology and strategies and translating this to practice · Priority populations for STI and BBV screening and testing · STIs – specifically chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and hepatitis […]

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STIs And BBVs: Nursing And Midwifery Module
Date: On demand
Course Aims:
This course aims to provide primary health care nurses and midwives with information on:

· National epidemiology and strategies and translating this to practice
· Priority populations for STI and BBV screening and testing
· STIs – specifically chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and hepatitis A
· BBVs – specifically HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and
· Contact Tracing
Mode: Online
CPD Hours: 2 Hours
Further Information: https://ashm.org.au/training_cat/sexually-transmissible-infections-and-blood-borne-viruses-nursing-module/

Clinical Foundations Of HIV
Date:On demand
Course Aims:
List of topics:
HIV in Australia and the global context
Natural History of HIV
Transmission and Prevention of HIV
Overview of Testing and treatment for HIV
Stigma and Discrimination: People living with HIV (PWHIV)
Mode: Online
CPD Hours: This course takes approximately 1 hour to complete.
Further Information: https://ashm.org.au/training_cat/clinical-foundations-of-hiv/

International HIV Coinfection + Viral Hepatitis Elimination Conference 2023 Brisbane
Date: Friday 21st July – Saturday 22nd July, 2023
Course Aims:
The theme of the conference is Innovation informing implementation.
Mode: In Person
CPD Hours: 2 day conference CPD depends on attendance
Further Information: https://ihcvhec.com.au/

Sexual And Reproductive Health In Primary Care – Express Interest
Date: December 20, 2023
Course Aims:
This free two-part online course aims to provide practitioners with an overview of sexual and reproductive health care in general practice, covering sexual health, sexual history taking, STI screening, contraception and unintended pregnancy. This training also discusses how STI screening can be integrated into contraception, and unintended pregnancy consultations.
Mode: Online
CPD Hours: RACGP CPD Program. 40 points
ACRRM for 6 Educational Activity PDP hours.

Further Information: https://ashm.org.au/training_cat/srh-in-primary-care-eoi/

The post Training Opportunities for HIV and Sexual Health Workforce appeared first on pozhet.]]> Free HIV Medication for NON Medicare eligible people living with HIV in NSW https://pozhet.org.au/free-hiv-medication-for-non-medicare-eligible-people/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=free-hiv-medication-for-non-medicare-eligible-people Wed, 10 May 2023 23:39:42 +0000 https://pozhet.org.au/?p=16098 NSW Health announced on the 18th of April that people living with HIV who are not eligible for Medicare will be able to access FREE HIV Treatment (ART) through Public Hospital Pharmacies. This access is now available and has completely replaced current compassionate access agreements directly with pharmaceutical companies from the 28th of April 2023. […]

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NSW Health announced on the 18th of April that people living with HIV who are not eligible for Medicare will be able to access FREE HIV Treatment (ART) through Public Hospital Pharmacies.

This access is now available and has completely replaced current compassionate access agreements directly with pharmaceutical companies from the 28th of April 2023. Funding for this has come from the Federal Government through a commitment of $12.5 million per year to all states and territories in Australia until 2026. NSW Health anticipates this funding agreement will continue beyond 2026.

To find out more about eligibility, prescribing, dispensing, and reimbursement, the guideline is publicly available online here.
(HIV treatment for people in NSW who are not eligible for Medicare)

Upcoming webinar- How to prescribe non Medicare eligible clients using the new system

ASHM is hosting a lunchtime webinar for healthcare workers to learn about the new scheme in NSW. Information will be presented by NSW Health, an s100 prescriber, and a pharmacist.

Date: Thursday 25 May 2023

Time: 12:00pm AEST

Register here to attend the webinar or receive the recording

HIV s100 prescribers will receive 1 ASHM HIV CPD for attending the whole session

The post Free HIV Medication for NON Medicare eligible people living with HIV in NSW appeared first on pozhet.]]> The Western Suburbs Haven https://pozhet.org.au/the-western-suburbs-haven/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-western-suburbs-haven Tue, 03 May 2022 09:02:47 +0000 https://pozhet.org.au/?p=15470 Pozhet asked Manager Colleen Neville about the last two years. We kept pretty busy at The Haven remaining in contact with our regular clients. The Haven remained open all along because we provided food assistance with The Pantry. This allowed us to have people coming by appointment whether for food or other assistance that we […]

The post The Western Suburbs Haven appeared first on pozhet.]]> Pozhet asked Manager Colleen Neville about the last two years.

We kept pretty busy at The Haven remaining in contact with our regular clients. The Haven remained open all along because we provided food assistance with The Pantry. This allowed us to have people coming by appointment whether for food or other assistance that we couldn’t provide remotely. We were also busy with delivering grocery hampers for people in isolation, or those without work. We lost a few volunteers along the way for various reasons so Sharon and I had plenty to keep up with.

We followed rules and advice from Health throughout and as soon as we were allowed we re-opened again on Mondays to Fridays for drop-in, whether that be for shopping, internet access, lunch or just some company and a chat.

We get our fresh Pantry stock in every Wednesday, so the best time for clients to shop is Wednesdays after lunch and on Thursdays and Fridays.

We still provide pick up and drop off from Blacktown Station and can also drop people home with shopping if they live locally and arrange it with us prior to visiting. Transport for medical appointments is available also.

A light lunch is on offer each day if we have people in the Centre but our main lunch day is Friday and this has a charge of $4; the meal could be anything from a home-cooked meal, a catered lunch, a bbq or fish and chips from the local shops. We play it by ear, mostly depending on what volunteers we have and how many people we think we’d be expecting. People don’t have to let us know if they are coming, but if there are a few people wanting to come together, it’s preferable that we know what numbers to expect. If you can, get in touch by calling The Haven on 02 9672 3600.

All visitors are very welcome with no rules or restrictions for visitors. We’d love to see many more faces come through other than just our regular clients. The only rules here are for all staff and volunteers to be vaccinated as per NSW Health requirements.

The post The Western Suburbs Haven appeared first on pozhet.]]> Supporting the wellbeing of health professionals and service providers https://pozhet.org.au/supporting-the-wellbeing-of-health-professionals-and-service-providers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=supporting-the-wellbeing-of-health-professionals-and-service-providers Tue, 03 May 2022 08:52:11 +0000 https://pozhet.org.au/?p=15466 More than 70% of health workers reported psychological distress, with high rates of depression, anxiety and insomnia. [1] The unpredictability and testing nature of the pandemic has impacted their health and wellbeing, particularly for those looking after others as part of their job. In a demanding and testing working environment, nurturing your own health and […]

The post Supporting the wellbeing of health professionals and service providers appeared first on pozhet.]]> More than 70% of health workers reported psychological distress, with high rates of depression, anxiety and insomnia. [1]

The unpredictability and testing nature of the pandemic has impacted their health and wellbeing, particularly for those looking after others as part of their job. In a demanding and testing working environment, nurturing your own health and wellbeing is essential.

The basics to looking after your health are familiar although easily overlooked: eating regularly and having a nutritional diet; staying hydrated; maintaining good sleeping habits; staying active; spending time with family and friends. With a stressful and exhausting workload, it is difficult to tick each box every day.

Try adding some of these simple and easy techniques to your to-do list each day:

  • Reconnecting with family and friends once you’ve had time to reboot your energy
  • Do something for yourself every day
  • When working in a stressful environment, set small action-focused tasks
  • Reflect on 3 things that went well throughout your day
  • Practice a guided meditation
  • Debrief with colleagues about your experiences

If you require additional support, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Black Dog Institute has a library of evidence-based tools and advice for Australian healthcare workers:

[1] Lai J, Ma S, Wang Y, et al. Factors associated with mental health outcomes among health care workers exposed to coronavirus disease 2019. JAMA Netw Open 2020;3(3):e203976. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.3976

The post Supporting the wellbeing of health professionals and service providers appeared first on pozhet.]]> HIV Futures 10 – Final Chance! https://pozhet.org.au/hiv-futures-10-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hiv-futures-10-3 Tue, 03 May 2022 08:47:50 +0000 https://pozhet.org.au/?p=15464 HIV Futures 10 is a survey about the quality of life of people living with HIV in Australia. This is a survey about the health, treatments, work, finances, sex, and relationships of people living with HIV; it is the most influential and important study of people living with HIV in Australia. The study provides information […]

The post HIV Futures 10 – Final Chance! appeared first on pozhet.]]> HIV Futures 10 is a survey about the quality of life of people living with HIV in Australia.

This is a survey about the health, treatments, work, finances, sex, and relationships of people living with HIV; it is the most influential and important study of people living with HIV in Australia.

The study provides information to support advocacy, service provision, and policy to improve the lives of people living with HIV in Australia. To make sure that this survey represents all people living with HIV, it is particularly important that heterosexual people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds complete the survey.

Please complete this survey if you are a person living with HIV in Australia and aged over 18 years.

HIV Futures 10 survey is open until May 2022.

To complete, please visit: www.hivfutures.org.au

The post HIV Futures 10 – Final Chance! appeared first on pozhet.]]> The HARP Unit recommences HIV and Hep C testing in community settings https://pozhet.org.au/community-outreach-events-recommence/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=community-outreach-events-recommence Tue, 03 May 2022 08:44:14 +0000 https://pozhet.org.au/?p=15462 The recommencement of HIV and Hep C testing kicked off with a double community outreach event held on 17 March at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre and Common Ground (social housing run by Mission Australia). These events coincided with the ‘Hep Cured Mobile Mural’, a hepatitis C virus (HCV) health promotion campaign run by Hepatitis NSW which […]

The post The HARP Unit recommences HIV and Hep C testing in community settings appeared first on pozhet.]]> The recommencement of HIV and Hep C testing kicked off with a double community outreach event held on 17 March at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre and Common Ground (social housing run by Mission Australia). These events coincided with the ‘Hep Cured Mobile Mural’, a hepatitis C virus (HCV) health promotion campaign run by Hepatitis NSW which aims to increase awareness of HCV testing and treatment among people who inject drugs.

In collaboration with the RPA Gastroenterology and Liver Service, opportunistic HCV and HIV testing was offered to clients and 27 Dried Blood Spot (DBS) tests were performed. DBS is a free, confidential and accurate finger prick test for HIV and Hepatitis C. This research program is led by the NSW Ministry of Health, St Vincent’s Hospital Network and Sexual Health InfoLink

For more information: DBS test website

The DBS eligibility criteria for Hepatitis C has been expanded recently to include people who have been homeless or attended drug and alcohol, mental health, or community corrections services. These changes relate specifically to phase 2 sites only (settings) not to people testing from home.

In addition to the clinical services provided, clients had the chance to engage with a peer who had first-hand experience of living with HCV and completing treatment and health promotion officers who could provide up-to-date resources about HCV/HIV prevention, screening and treatments. A $20 gift card was offered to clients who got tested.

In 2022, the outreach model will be expanded to other settings in Sydney Local Health District including homelessness services, pharmacies, social housing, and needle syringe program settings.

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