"I'm responsible for PALS Development and Outreach Work. This voluntary sector organisation is otherwise staffed by trained volunteers and we welcome applications from committed individuals to assist us in the various aspects of our work within the community.

PALS provides a range of support services to people living with HIV / AIDS - (PLWHA) in Powys, such as: Befriending - One to one, personal, emotional, social and practical support; advocacy, advice and information regarding new developments, medical treatments, side-effects and alternative therapies, as well as benefits and legal rights; access to emergency / hardship grants and respite care funds and transport to hospital clinics, other appointments and to peer support activities.)

The PALS Positive Peer Support Group - Positive Powys, has offered residential weekends and other social opportunities which bring together PLWHA. This enables them to share information, personal experiences and coping strategies, whilst encouraging the development of self-help / support networks.

A small group of service users meet in a supportive (but informal) and therapeutic environment, where they can relax, try out some complementary therapies - (Acupuncture, Reflexology, Reiki and Indian Head Massage) and openly discuss issues around their health, treatments and side-effects.

Healthy, home-made meals are provided, plus an overnight stay in a hotel and a social evening is organised and paid for via ring-fenced funding. PALS volunteers are on hand to make sure the event runs smoothly, and to discuss any issues that service users may have.

The provision of these peer support events is clearly valued and constitutes an important aspect of our service delivery since PLWHA in Powys are mostly very isolated.

PALS also offers HIV / Sexual Health information and advice to the general public via our leaflet resources, quarterly newsletter, phone line, website and sexual health promotion work.

There has been a new outreach focus to extend our work in the community in order to increase awareness of HIV and the transmission (and treatment) of other Sexually Transmitted Infections - (STI's), with the aim of reducing the incidence of risky behaviour amongst the general population / young people, as well as improving access to sexual health information and encouraging uptake of GUM Screening Services.

PALS can provide pre (and post) test counselling for those considering such screening.

Tackling stigma and discrimination is central to our mission and values and PALS aims to work closely with the police, schools, colleges and youth organisations to combat homophobia and promote supportive environments within which, young people can safely `come out' or disclose issues regarding their sexuality.

PALS is considering ways to engage with young LGBT - (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Trans), in order to provide information, advice and support, plus opportunities for social interaction and activities. This will involve more work in Coleg Powys and schools, plus identifying the need for a local internet discussion site. Equally, a focus of our work is with MSM - men who have sex with men, who continue to be a high risk group vulnerable to HIV infection.

World AIDS Day - (WAD) is marked on the 1st December each year with events taking place throughout the world. This years' UK theme for WAD is `Understanding Through Communication' and will be endorsed with the statement: `HIV - Let's Get Talking'. This theme aims to highlight the importance of using open communication in order to break down the silence around HIV, and to get people talking about HIV - (so as, to increase personal understanding and the knowledge of those around them).

The UK theme relates to the UNAIDS theme: Unite Against AIDS - Leadership. As such, it inspires us to take the lead in challenging the stigma, discrimination, ignorance and fear that still exists around HIV.

The number of 16 to 24 year olds being treated for HIV has almost trebled between 1996 and 2005. Cumulatively, to the end of June 2007, there have been 88,627 diagnoses of HIV in the UK.

It is estimated that 1 in 3 people living with HIV in the UK do not know that they are infected! - Clearly, a more proactive approach to testing is required since the earlier someone is diagnosed, the more successful their treatment is likely to be and the less likely they are to pass the virus on to somebody else.

PALS is grateful to have received funding from the Big Lottery Fund and the Elton John AIDS Foundation (June 2006 - July 2008) which has enabled us to undertake more sexual health awareness and outreach work, as well as ongoing development and support work. Further funding was received from a (PAVO administered) Small Health Grant and the Peter Moores Foundation, to support the Positive Peer Support events, over the last year.

Whilst this year has afforded PALS financial stability to enable service provision, sustainability and development is an issue. PALS is in the process of strategically reviewing its service provision and the longer-term prospects for / needs of HIV and Sexual Health Information and Support Services in Powys - particularly in view of the new WAG National Sexual Health Standards - (publication pending). As such we are considering a merger with a national organisation.

If you would like to receive a copy of the PALS Newsletter, become a volunteer, obtain advice and information, or if you are HIV positive and wanting some support, then please contact us through our website listed to the right of this page."

Article by Gill Bradbury