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, to assist HIV+ activists
with the cost of their treatments.
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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 internet.
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 coffee 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 outreach 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. We also run a treatments information and lifestyle
project: Positive Edge in conjunction with Positive Women
Vic.
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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.
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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.
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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.
We often have a massage therapist available at the office.
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MEMBERSHIP
Straight Arrows is open to all HIV+ people 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.
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GIFT
Gifts of $2.00 or more to Straight Arrows are tax deductable!
Straight Arrows Inc.
(Vic Associations Incorporation Atc Reg No A0034254C) |
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