Camp Seaside Connecting families living with HIVEngaging with community

History Camp Seaside was an original program

of Australian AIDs Fund Inc. (AAFI) Seaside was run by the staff and

volunteers at Rosehaven, a respite and palliative care residence solely for women living with HIV, funded by the department of health and run by AAFI.

The camp was offered nationally to families living with HIV and had an extensive waiting list.

Camp Seaside at Straight Arrows

• In 2001 Straight Arrows was approached by AAFI and negotiated to run Camp Seaside

• Family Support Services planned, and implemented what was to become an annual camp run by Straight Arrows

• Camp is supported by Volunteers, philanthropic trusts, HIV community and individuals and business in the broader community

Rationale for Camp Seaside Heterosexual couples generally live in a world where

there is no other HIV than their own. Sometimes this world is so restricted that even family

members, friends and work colleagues know nothing about the couples HIV status.

The camp provides education, medical updates, psychological, social and peer support to reduce isolation.

Camp provides a recreational and therapeutic environment where families from around Australia can share valuable experiences with others in similar situations.

Issues such as stigma, discrimination, disclosure, marginalisation, isolation, the changing nature of HIV management and long term care are addressed within a safe and relaxed environment

“It helps with the whole experience of living with secrecy.” Parent from camp 2008

Camp Seaside Family diversity

Mum, dad and child/children

Mum and child/children Dad and child/children Dad, Dad and child/children Grandparents and

child/children Mum, mum and

child/children Families who have adopted

or foster child/children“I love camp, it means freedom from secrecy and support from peers.‘” Parent from camp 2010

Connecting families

Relaxation Information Education Social Fun Therapeutic

“The only time we get to talk about all the issues is coming here, it means a lot.” Parent from camp 2011

Connecting with community

• Volunteers• Staff• Interagency

collaboration• Local business at

camp location• Health care

professionals

“Now we have a greater chance of sharing and experiencing problems encountered by being an HIV + family.” Parent from camp 2011

Fun at Camp

FUN at camp Kids love camp Parents value the space to relax and talk

about issues relevant to them even if it is difficult or sad

Volunteers get to know everyone and come back year after year

Staff are exhausted but have an absolute ball seeing families in a different context

Venue staff and volunteers give great feedback

“rewarding when you have those private conversations: my perception has changed about how I view HIV.‘ HIV

negative partner / parent 2009

1/111 Coventry St,Southbank Victoria 3006

Tel:+61 3 9863 9414 Fax:+61 3 9863 9421

information@straightarrows.org.au

www.straightarrows.org.au