Gay and bi men with HIV who have little contact with others infected by the debilitating virus are being encouraged to take part in an eight-week peer support group being held in Auckland. Starting August 27, the private and confidential group sessions are aimed at "men who are isolated with their HIV status and would benefit from connecting with others," according to Hilary Gerrard of the Burnett Centre. The last such group run by the Centre, which is part of the NZ AIDS Foundation, had between twelve and sixteen men attending at each session, according to Gerrard, "and was very successful with a handful of the participants wanting to continue with peer support after the group finished." She said feedback from that first group indicated that it was the first time that the men "had connected with other HIV+ men in such a meaningful way and reduced the isolation they felt in living with HIV." "This new group will be structured to encourage self and peer support," Gerrard says. "We will require an eight week commitment from everyone and a no sex, no alcohol and no drug policy will be expected from each individual throughout this period of time. By the time the group ends we hope to see the group taking responsibility for supporting each other on a long-term basis, as peer relationships prove to be very beneficial to individuals." Gerrard says the difference between the Burnett Centre's proposed groups, which will be facilitated by two professional therapists, and long-running peer support groups run under the wing of support and advocacy organisation Body Positive is that "we will enable them to self/peer support and enable individuals to self-regulate through our group process." The 4.30 - 6.00pm sessions will run from August 27 to October 15 and be held at the Burnett Centre premises in College Hill, central Auckland. Information or registration are available by ringing 09 309 5560, or via email to Gerrard ( hilary.gerrard@nzaf.org.nz ) or her colleague Steven Colligan (steven.colligan@nzaf.org.nz ).
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 10th August 2014 - 12:14pm