Support – to hold up, to
encourage, cheer on, be there for, champion, assist,
and strengthen. All this and so much more is provided
by the countless volunteer support groups throughout
the country.
Through meeting people with the
same condition, discussing issues, sharing experiences,
exploring fears and emotional issues, skills for
coping with and managing the shared condition are
gradually developed.
The range of support provided varies
from group to group, depending on needs, numbers
and available resources. Some groups hold monthly
or even weekly support meetings, share educational
resources and management tips, and hold regular
social functions.Some groups
are encompassed totally online utilising forums
or message boards like those provided by Yahoo and
MSN.
Some groups produce newsletters,
pamphlets, flyers and actively promote the groups
in order to continually reach out to new people
in need, yet others continue to sustain themselves
by word of mouth alone.
Doctors can test, diagnose, provide
information and prescribe medications, and even
refer a patient for counselling if required; however
learning to accept and manage a condition like Herpes
often requires more support than can be provided
by the medical profession. Having the opportunity
to share your feelings and experiences with someone
who has been through the same process can be immeasurably
beneficial to someone newly diagnosed and struggling
to come to terms with the virus, the associated
stigma and the impact it can have on relationships.
This site provides a directory of
support groups (Links);
downloadable resources (Downloads);
the latest news on support groups and related issues
(News); statistics showing
the growth rate of Australia's largest online Herpes
support group (Groups Stats);
and an opportunity for you to contribute personally
in promoting the Australian national support groups
(Tips).
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Newsflash!
International Herpes Week
26 July - 4 August 2007
Download the Fact Sheet, Flyer and Poster
here,
or visit the
IHA website
NEW Herpes Awareness
Website
Join with others interested in promoting awareness and offering support to others living with herpes
Herpes Awareness
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The
Support Group Guidebook is now available!