Older PLHIV – Queensland

This is a support group for long-term survivors that meets on a regular basis, with around 8 to 12 participants. It provides participants with the opportunity to share experiences, and to support and learn from each other, while also ensuring that all have access to the latest information on growing older with HIV.

Contact Garth at 0499 799 875 or find out more by emailing at info@qpp.org.au

Peer navigators are trained in contemporary issues in HIV, and offer people living with HIV an opportunity to talk about issues such as coming to terms with a diagnosis, starting/switching treatment, or negotiating the impacts of stigma. Services can be accessed:

• Call us on 1800 636 241 or 07 3013 5555
• Complete a referral form online for yourself
• Email us if you have a question
• or ask your doctor to refer you to the QPP Peer Navigation Program

RAPID is QPP’s free walk-in clinic for sexual health testing. We’re run by members of your community, not doctors or nurses. We provide fast, reliable testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea. You’ll get your results in 20 minutes (HIV and syphilis) or by the next day (chlamydia and gonorrhoea).

All services are free and everyone is welcomed, including LGBTIQ+ people, sex workers, people who use drugs, travellers, new residents to Australia, and all other members of the community. Users don’t need Medicare or health insurance.

The focus of the LIFE+ program is to support early initiation of treatment, encourage adherence to treatment, and support PLHIV to remain in care. It provides peer navigation, case management, emergency funding and legal support and referrals, especially in situations of stigma and discrimination.
The LIFE+ program aims to reduce the time from diagnosis to treatment initiation thereby preventing HIV disease progression and reducing the possibility of onward transmission. We work with PLHIV to support treatment initiation, adherence and retention in care and help build the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively self-manage HIV.
The LIFE+ program improves HIV health literacy, address individual presentations of stigma and discrimination improve the overall quality of life for PLHIV.

Case managers and peer navigators have vast areas to cover. A lot happens on the phone, by text, email, zoom, but aim to have a face-to-face meeting with each client at least quarterly. QPP has regional workshops that teach digital literacy.

Of interest to older PLHIV living in the Gold Coast, this Program is being set up to work with vulnerable older people to help them navigate the system.

CVS is an Australian Government funded free program that can help people eligible for age care services to connect to a volunteer support network in their community. The program provides companionship and friendship between older Australians and volunteers.

ADA Australia is an independent not for profit organisation that offers a wide range of advocacy and education services, as well as targeted projects and resources. In p articular, it offers information and individual advocacy support to people who have issues related to Commonwealth funded aged care services, including:

• Commonwealth Continuity of Support (CoS) Program
• Commonwealth Funded Dementia Services
• Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
• Home Care Packages (HCP)
• Residential Aged Care Homes
• Various Flexible Care Services

The Aged Care Navigators Trial is delivered as part of a consortium led by COTA Australia and funded by the Australian Government. The Aged Care Navigation Service provides information on the aged care system, practical support to access aged care services in the home or in residential aged care, and group information sessions about aged care.

In the Greater Brisbane region, its Community Legal Service, ADA Law, provides Elder Abuse Advocacy. ADA Law provides information, individual advocacy and supported referral for people living in residential care who are at risk of elder abuse.

Address: Brisbane – Head Office
121 Copperfield Street
Geebung QLD 4034

Tel: (07) 3637 6000
Fax: (07) 3637 6001
Email: info@adaaustralia.com.au
TOLL FREE: 1800 818 338