12 news stories found

December issue of Happiness is Vital is now available to download.

We apologise for the incorrect photograph and heading on page 5.

http://www.aidswest.ie/newsletter.php

Positive thinking: Living with the Aids virus

By Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor

Julian Hows is one of the lucky ones. When he was diagnosed with HIV in 1990, the disease was a death sentence. Now infection with the virus that causes Aids has become a way of life for almost 100,000 people in Britain. Improvements in drug treatment over the past decade have dramatically extended life expectancy for patients with HIV by an average of 16 years, according to research published today.

Read full article here:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/positive-thinking-living-with-the-aids-virus-2369233.html

Coping with Adversity,great turn out for Irish AIDS Day conference in the Ardiluan Hotel

The Ardilaun Hotel was the venue for this ambitious conference run by AIDS West to mark Irish AIDS Day. It was an inspirational event, a time for the attendees to reflect on the challenges the life holds and help them respond to same in a positive manner. We were blessed with truly remarkable speakers. As Gaybo used to say "there was something for everyone in the audience”.

Evelyn Stephens our founder introduced Michael D. Higgins whose opening address set the tone for the meeting. Michael a great public servant and campaigner for the marginalised over a life time in politics was at his eloquent best , he reflected from some of his own experiences working with those most in need.

Joan Freeman the Director and Founder of Pieta House, talked about her own life, becoming involved with suicide prevention, about the need for challenging the stigma associated with suicide and self-harm. She outlined the hope and support that Pieta House gives to its clients and families every day.

John Lonergan, author and former Governor of Mountjoy Prison, spoke of working with prisoners as an education in the reality of life and what it’s like to "draw the short straw”. Stigma comes in all forms and what greater stigma is there for a person trying to get back into society after having server a prison sentence. John argued the case that to see a person who has hit rock bottom , and maybe through the help/support of a friend, partner ,family member or often a prison officer , survive and come back and flourish in society is really nothing short of a miracle.

Ophelia Haanyama Orum our keynote speaker Ophelia is truly a remarkable woman she spoke about how she has coped with adversity in her own life as a woman, migrant, mother, wife and about living with HIV. Her approach to life and its challenges were inspiring to the very appreciative audience.

Kate Mulkerrins acting chairperson at AIDS West in summation said how delighted we were to be able to bring these inspiring and renowned speakers to the people of Galway. Keith reminded us all of need at times to reflect on our lives .she hoped the conference would give hope and encouragement to all participants , and particularly those who were had to live with the stigma of the HIV Infection.

AIDS West launches a social media campaign this week to promote awareness of positive sexual health. The campaign will include articles, video clips and information on clinics and helplines for std testing clinics.

Social media has become one a vital referring source for everything from entertainment to travel. An important source for up-to-the-minute news, reviews and information, Facebook and Twitter have taken over for many as an online resource.

With 1.75 million facebook users in Ireland, it’s very important for any organisation to have a presence in social media. Essentially, 50% of the entire population over the age of 15 are on Facebook. According to Ipsos-MRBI figures, 90% of those aged 15-24 use the social media site. Two thirds of these use Facebook on a daily basis. One in five 55-64 year olds have a Facebook account.

The Ipsos-MRBI figures also show that 7% of the Irish population use Twitter. The research shows 30% of twitter users check their accounts daily, up from 18% six months ago. With 99% of Irish media personalities and organizations on Twitter, it can also be a great non-invasive way to reach many people instantly.

This month sees AIDS West launch a social media campaign on both social networking sites. Users can find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for short, informative and inspirational messages, news and videos relating to positive sexual health awareness.

We welcome feedback and suggestions for posts. For more information find our official page on facebook and follow us on Twitter @aidswest.

IMAGE CAPTION:

Pictured at the launch of the AIDS West Social Media Campaign this week in The House Hotel were Jon Richards of Galway Bay FM, John Flannery, Neil Wilson, Lorraine O’Connell, Tracey Ferguson & Jo Mohan of AIDS West.

FOR PR & MEDIA ENQUIRIES CONTACT:

Tracey Ferguson, Tracey Ferguson PR

T: (086) 158-4342 / E: tracey.ferguson@gmail.com

Aids West parenting Seminar in the Ardilaun gets a great response , over 120 parents all over the city attended

Great turnout for PARENTING SEMINAR

AIDS West held a very successful public seminar on Monday, 21^st of March at The Ardilaun Hotel. Over 120 parents attended the evening which was entitled, ‘I’m A Parent…Get Me Out Of Here’. The Seminar which was free and open to all parents, dealt with difficult issues affecting parents including drugs, alcohol, sexuality and relationships.

The focus of the seminar is to bring parents up to speed on all the facts and provide the tools to talk about these sensitive topics. Many parents feel that they don’t have the necessary skills to tackle these issues with their young teenagers. In this fast changing cyber world, it is more important than ever for parents to be fully informed on these issues. The feedback on the seminar from parents was overwhelmingly positive and appreciative.

The AIDS West education team put on a great performance, Siobhan informed parents that when it comes to sexual health "Ignorance is that not same as Innocence” and stressed the importance of talking to one’s children from an early age as vital.

Lorriane informed the audience on some of the negative aspects , such as Sexual Transmissions Infections, the most common being Chlamydia where the most recent statistic show almost 20 individuals a day are being infected and 300 % increase over the past 10 years in infection rates.

Neil’s shocking revelation that 80% of young teenagers (13- 16yrs) have taken alcohol and +33% have experimented with illegal drugs. The link with use of alcohol/drugs and risky sexual behaviour is evident from the many recent surveys done with young people

Over the past twelve months the AIDS West Team has run a number of similar seminars in conjunction with Schools/Parent committees throughout Galway, Mayo and Roscommon in the past 12 months. This is vital work and the Group welcome working with any parent groups who would be interested in availing of this seminar, to contact our office. One parent noted on the evaluation form regarding the seminar that it was "best two hours I spend for some time” a testament to our work.