Upcoming events
Adults Only Dinner
Places limited, so get in quick.
Informing HIV treatment choices
About Us
If you are a HIV+ heterosexual, you are not alone.
Straight Arrows may be able to help you.
We can assist with:
Treatment information - Medical and paramedical services - Legal services Housing - Isolation - Discrimination - Confidentiality - Social contact.
INDEX
1. A BRIEF HISTORY
We started out, in a very small way, in 1995 with a few men meeting once a month at a community health centre. Over the next year Straight Arrows was formed, and incorporated. Our initial target group was straight men, but over the next year or so it became apparent that in heterosexual groups, HIV is a disease that carries over, in social ramifications, to partners and children as well. Subsequently, we also saw that the many support needs, particularly of other positive parents were not being met by any of the existing services. Straight Arrows found itself filling these gaps and now encompasses HIV+ heterosexual men, women, children, and their families, as well as other positive parents.
During this time we were also on the move, initially obtaining some office space in a derelict maternity wing of the Alfred hospital, staffed, at first, a couple of days a week by volunteers. In early 1998 we obtained some initial funding from the Department of Human Services, having previously been reliant on the occasional BBQ. In October 2000, now with a couple of nearly full time employees, we moved to a small, but new(!) office in Fairfield House, again part of the Alfred hospital. We still maintain an organisational philosophy of HIV affecting both an individual and their family, including partners and children, and that the issues should be dealt with in that context, and in a friendly, positive environment.
Have a look at our Annual Report to see what we’ve been up to over the last year or so!
Straight Arrows maintains the Michael Heatherill Support Fund, which receives donations and directed grants for support activities. This fund is named for our founding president, who had also been active in the Heamophilia community and PLWHA, prior to his death in 1997.
We also auspice an antiretroviral fund called ARV Access, to assist global HIV+ activists with the cost of their treatments.
2. SERVICES & SUPPORT
Drop In
The office is open Mon-Fri, 9:30am - 4pm. We like nothing better than to see people, both old and new faces. Visitors are warmly welcomed to drop in for a chat and a coffee. There is an extensive library of current HIV/AIDS material: audio tapes, magazines and journals, etc. including access to internet, phone and fax.
One to One Contact
People often prefer one to one contact with another positive straight woman or man. This can happen without visiting the office, particularly for an initial contact with Straight Arrows. We are always happy to share a cuppa somewhere convenient away from the office, or simply to talk over the phone - anonymously if required. One of our HIV+ members is employed part time for outreach, including hospital and home visits.
Family Support
We recognise the importance of family, and the needs of children. Straight Arrows employs a part-time family support worker to assist partners and children in dealing with the issues surrounding HIV in a family. Many of our activities are family friendly, and children are welcome in our office.
Financial Assistance
Straight Arrows recognises that at times the expense of living with HIV can sometimes exceed available finances. We are therefore able to offer limited financial assistance to deal with these situations. We also recognise that this is often an immediate need and we can usually offer this assistance on the spot.
Links to other Services
Arrows can assist, facilitate, and/or advocate on your behalf for access to other services including legal, housing, financial and Centrelink.
3. OFFICE RESOURCES
Straight Arrows can provide members with access to Internet, Word processing computers, printers, fax and phone for re-skilling and self-help. We can also provide assistance with a resume, letter of application, etc.
4. A VOICE
Straight Arrows is a recognised member of the HIV/AIDS community. We are a member of the peak national body for people hiving with HIV/AIDS, NAPWA, and have links with other key organisations including a Board of Management membership of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Vic. Some members are also involved with other PLWHA groups. Arrows encourages members who have an interest to become active in these organisations, such as the PLWHA speakers bureau, where interested members can participate in talks to schools and community groups. This can provide members with some supplementary income as well as a recognised boost to self esteem.
5. ACTIVITIES
Straight Arrows recognises the need for social interaction in a friendly environment. We run a variety of activities including BBQs, camps and film nights for members, partners and families.
6. MEMBERSHIP
Straight Arrows is open to all people living with HIV who identify as heterosexual or who are a parent, regardless of means of infection, age, background or other affiliation. We believe our membership encompasses most methods of infection, however we do not ask anyone to disclose how they believe they were infected.
Members have diverse cultural backgrounds. Some members are married, others are in relationships. Some are single. Some are parents and we deal with children ranging from toddlers through primary and secondary school age to adults. We ask that everyone within Straight Arrows respects this diversity.
Mutual confidentiality, yours and ours, is a condition of membership. You can join Straight Arrows here.
GIFT
Gifts of $2.00 or more to Straight Arrows are tax deductable!
Straight Arrows Inc.
(Vic Associations Incorporation Atc Reg No A0034254C)