Whatever your gender, sexuality, or cultural background, being diagnosed with HIV can be a big deal. You may experience a range of emotions and have a lot of questions after your diagnosis. SAMESH can help with peer support, counselling, workshops and information to help you live well with HIV.
Next Steps
Next Steps is a booklet for people who have been recently diagnosed as HIV positive, produced by the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO). The booklet covers a range of topics including information on HIV and what it does, adapting at different stages after diagnosis, monitoring how HIV is progressing, and treatments, including when to consider starting treatment.
It also covers other areas such as disclosure, sex, having children, rights and obligations, and where to seek support.
Next Steps is in an easy to read format and includes real-life stories shared by people living with HIV about their experiences after their diagnosis.
Not all issues faced by people who are recently diagnosed will necessarily be covered in a consultation with a doctor. This booklet provides a solid source of information on many of these issues, and is a great complement to the service provided by their doctor.
As well as providing information for people recently diagnosed with HIV, the booklet can also be used by anyone with HIV wanting to revisit information relating to their diagnosis
One on One Peer Support
Peer support can play an important role in dealing with a recent HIV diagnosis. By connecting with another person living with HIV you can discuss your thoughts, feeling and questions you may have with someone who has been through a similar experience.
Peer support focuses on the shared experiences of people living with HIV and supporting each other though discussion and mutual understanding. Please note: this is not a formal counselling service. To find out more or speak with a peer you can send your details to our peer support officer via the form.
Telephone Support Services
Beyond blue infoline:
Provides callers with access to information and referral to relevant services for depression and anxiety related matters.
PH:1300 224 636
DirectLine:
Provides 24-hour, 7-day counselling, information and referral on alcohol and drug-related matters.
PH:1800 888 236
HIV & Sexual Health Connect Line:
The HIV and Sexual Health Connect Line is staffed by professional community and health promotion workers who have an understanding of the medical and social implications of HIV and other sexually transmissible infections. 10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday.
PH: 1800 038 125
Life Goes On:
Emergency counselling for people affected by life threatening illness. 6am – 11pm, 7 days a week.
PH: 1300 364 673
QLife:
QLife is Australia’s first nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex (LGBTI).
PH: 1800 184 527 or www.qlife.org.au
Mensline:
A 24-hour confidential telephone support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship problems, especially around family breakdown or separation.
Ph: 1300 789 978 or www.mensline.org.au
Lifeline:
Suicide prevention, crisis support & mental health services. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
PH: 13 11 14
Contact SAMESH for Support
