Reducing barriers to health information in the age of the e-environment, by Michael Marr

Reducing barriers to health information in the age of the e-environment Michael Marr Advocacy and Information Project Worker 28/07/09 www.waverleycare.org

Changing times?

The changes in which our service operates has been dramatic since the introduction of effective treatment for HIV in the mid 1990s.

Treatments options?

Populations affected?

Internet and new technology!!!!

28/07/09 www.waverleycare.org

Aims of organisation

Our key objectives are:

To promote the welfare of people with HIV and similar conditions and those affected by them.

To provide care and assistance.

To advance education and understanding of these conditions and their prevention.

HIV stigma and discrimination

HIV-related stigma arises mostly from fear and ignorance about the disease and/or hostility and existing prejudices about the groups most affected by it.

HIV-related discrimination is the unfair treatment of people on the basis of their actual or suspected HIV status.

HIV related discrimination is unique and is linked and reinforces other forms of discrimination such as racism and homophobia.

Adaptation?

New ways of delivering information but people living with HIV are disproportionally affected by stigma and discrimination which can impact on people’s ability to access information.

Real life!!!!!

Social exclusion

Literacy

Language

Physical and mental capabilities

Disclosure/Confidentiality

Accessibility of services

Changing demands of service users

Legal framework

Information overload

FuturePlus

FuturePlus was established with the aim to enable people with HIV to plan a future for themselves and find the means to achieve and maintain it.

FP Skills - Information and advice on employment issues and other skill based opportunities.

FP Health - Supporting people to make choices and gain skills to live as well as possible.

Skill building

One to one

Mentoring

Art therapy

Counselling skills

Life coaching

Health activities

Men’s, Women’s and Young People’s activities

Practical activities

Assertiveness/self esteem training

IT skills

Building partnerships

Adult education

Employment services

Emotional and practical support

Advice agencies

Health and information providers

BME agencies

Disability agencies

UK/Scottish HIV and BBV agencies

New technology

Accessing information outside the office

Secure and confidential networks

Social networking/mentoring

Specialised dating sites

HIV focused websites

UKCAB/HIV i-base/NAM

Scottish Netreach Network

Connected Scotland

Health Videos 28/07/09 www.waverleycare.org

New initiatives for young people

CHIVA has received three years funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation to develop a ‘one-stop shop’ website relating to children, young people and HIV.

The aim is to provide HIV positive young people a secure site containing information, on-line support and signposting to other relevant sites for themselves and their peers.

The future