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• Tree of Hope | Living With HIV

Tree of Hope | Living With HIV

Through our Tree of Hope program, we offer spiritual, practical and emotional support to people living with HIV.The Tree of Hope program is built on the foundations of inclusiveness, trust and respect. A welcoming space for people of all beliefs, Tree of Hope hosts our monthly luncheon on the first Wednesday of each month at a private venue in Waterloo.Tree of Hope is available to anyone living with HIV, their family members, support network or friends. To access the program or to find out more call our Client Care Team on 13 18 19 or contact us online.

Who can access Tree of Hope?

• Anyone living with HIV
• A family member of someone living with HIV
• A friend or support person of someone living with HIV

What takes place at Tree of Hope?

• Individual support
• People connecting socially over a meal
• Friendships and connections develop
• Sharing in a caring community
• People often say "I can be myself"

What does Tree of Hope provide?

• Pastoral, emotional and spiritual support
• Hospitality in a confidential environment
• Inclusiveness, trust and integrity
• Outreach to participants in need or in care
• Retreats, workshops and social gatherings
• Information and referrals to other services.

To access Tree of Hope or to find out more call our Client Care Team on 13 18 19 or contact us online.

For more information on our monthly lunches, contact Vicky Pranoto on 02 9509 1280 or vicky.pranoto@catholiccare.org

Katie-Rose's story: How I found Tree of Hope

Many years ago I was fortunate enough to spot a small notice in our local Northern beaches Parish bulletin that mentioned a Support Group for family members or others who found themselves close to a loved one with HIV.

My beloved son was in that situation and as I knew no other parents with an adult child in a similar position I summoned the courage to attend a small gathering with the Tree of Hope program.

How blessed was I to gradually get to know and love many folk of all ages and life situations associated with this group. Since then, through regular social reflective and spiritual get togethers, we have become strong and caring for each other.

We have open arms and warm hearts, if you find yourself in this situation, why don't you come and join us?

Katie-Rose
Mother of someone living with HIV

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HIV/AIDS in Australia

• 28,870 people in Australia were living with HIV in 2022.
• It is estimated that 2,020 people in Australia are unaware they were positive.
• HIV notifications have declined by 38% in Australia since 2019.
• COVID-19 disruptions – including less HIV testing – have contributed to the dramatic drop in HIV notifications in 2020.
• Most HIV transmission today occurs when one partner has HIV but does not know it. We must urgently restore testing rates to pre-pandemic levels.

^{Source: Health Equity Matters}

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To access Tree of Hope or to find out more call our Client Care Team on 13 18 19 or contact us online.

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