Some of Herts Aid’s services….
Information and
support
Herts Aid offers information and support to anyone with questions about
HIV and AIDS, or anything relating to sexual health. Our HIV information
pack - “My Life With HIV”, will provide you with all the
information you need, whether you are newly diagnosed or have been
living with HIV for some time, and contains a DVD called “HIV, my story”
that explains what it is like to live with HIV from a patient
perspective. We can also help with referrals to other agencies for
assistance with benefits, immigration and housing. Herts Aid also has an
up to date collection of information booklets and publications on Sexual
Health and HIV
Outreach Services
Our outreach service is available if you are unable to visit our
premises in Ware, or if you prefer to be supported in your own home.
We also offer a satellite service in GUM clinics in Hertford and
Stevenage.
Education and
Prevention
Herts Aid offers Sexual Health Training to schools and other
organisations, which can be specifically tailored to be age appropriate.
We also have two Theatre in Education Productions – “It Wont Happen
To Me” and “Love, Lies & Lullabies”, which are aimed at year nine
students and above and focus on issues such as aspirations, safer sex,
STI prevention, teenage pregnancy and the affects of drugs and alcohol
on decision making and unsafe sex.
Itext
Our text messaging service enables young people to seek confidential
information and advice by texting their questions to 07813 684 294. They
will receive information back by text. Texts are charged at their
standard network rate
Complimentary
Therapies
At
Herts Aid we offer a range of complimentary therapies, free of charge,
to our service users. Research shows that complimentary therapies can
have a positive impact on the immune
system and they also help with stress management and the side effects of
HIV treatment.
Volunteering
Our trained volunteers provide a range of support activity to compliment
our work, including working with people on a one to one basis, providing
transport, catering for lunches and events, fundraising, administrative
support and education/promotion events.
Support Groups and Social Activities
We
offer monthly support groups aimed at meeting the needs of anyone living
with HIV and AIDS. These include a mixed support group plus separate
men’s & women’s groups.
Lunch is provided and guest speakers are specially chosen to address a
range of issues relevant to people living with HIV. Service users can
access up to date information and peer support in a comfortable, safe
environment. We also arrange regular social activities which allow you
to socialise with other service users in a relaxed, friendly
atmosphere. Transport is subject to availability.
We
also hold quarterly service user forum groups, which are led by service
users and facilitated by an external facilitator who is a trained
counsellor. Service users have the opportunity to give feedback on how
they experience both our services, and any other clinical or social care
service in Hertfordshire.
Counselling
Our counselling service is an opportunity for you to explore living your
life in a more positive way. Sessions with a qualified counsellor can be
booked through Herts Aid. All our counsellors are bound by the BACP code
of ethics.
Hardship Fund & Children’s Fund
Herts Aid can offer small grants for those who are suffering financial
crisis as a result of HIV infection and can make referrals to other
agencies for hardship grants. We also have a separate fund specifically
for children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. All grant applications
are subject to meeting both fund and financial criteria.
Clinical Services
Herts Aid is able to offer Chlamydia screening through postal kits and
onsite testing kits for anyone aged 15-24 years. It is a simple urine
test and results are texted to the individual personally within 7 days.
Herts Aid also provides free condoms and lubricant.