ACON’s Community Support Network is now marking four decades of sustaining the quality of life and independence of people living with HIV in New South Wales through home-based care.
Beginning in spring 1984, the Community Support Network provides free practical assistance to help people living with HIV live as independently as possible in their own homes. Trained volunteers offer a range of life-sustaining services including meal preparation, basic cleaning, laundry, gardening, transport to and from medical appointments, and grocery shopping.
In the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, many community health and support services were too afraid to work with HIV positive clients. One group of gay men banded together to care for their sick friend – and they quickly learned the best way to bathe, feed, lift, turn, encourage and be there for their mate as his health worsened. After his death they shared the knowledge they had gained with others in similar primary care situations. Soon they were training volunteers and developing a roster to meet the increasing need they saw around them. The group went on to name this service the Community Support Network.
Throughout the four decades, the program was made available to people who have a diagnosis of physical or cognitive impairment as a result of, or in the presence of, HIV infection resulting in impaired capacity for independent living. Today, there are branches across the state, including in the Hunter, Illawarra and Blue Mountains/Western Sydney.
“The volunteers with ACON’s Community Support Network make a huge difference for the people they work with, sustaining their independence at home and doing many regular household tasks for those in need,” says ACON CEO Michael Woodhouse.
“While they do many essential tasks, the volunteer carers are so much more than ‘home helps’ – they break down the barriers of social isolation and emotional deprivation that many people living with HIV/AIDS experience.
“Hundreds of volunteers over the four decades have made a profound impact on countless lives, and that impact continues today with demand still high for the Community Support Network’s services.
“Over many years, the volunteers’ kindness, compassion, and support have not only provided essential services but have also fostered a sense of unity and hope during the darkest times. We are incredibly fortunate to have such devoted people working for the betterment of people who need support. Thank you all for your life-changing contributions.”
If you are interested in volunteering or would like to refer someone to ACON’s Community Support Network, please complete the Online Intake Form here or email hbcare@acon.org.au.
ACON’s Community Support Network is funded by the NSW Ministry of Health.
Media Enquiries:
David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications
E: dalexander@acon.org.au T: (02) 9206 2044
M: 0428 477 042