Conference Abstract

"The Power Of A Peer Led Support Group"
(Young People With HIV Supporting Young People With HIV)

Bay Area Young Positives
Casey Adams and Gilbert Pickett
518 Waller Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
415.487.1616
BAYPOZ@aol.com

Goal: To provide practical and hands-on information to HIV positive youth on how to start a peer led support group, as well as explore the dynamics and issues within a support group.

Objective One: The participants will learn the "mechanics" of how to set up a support group so they can go back to their communities and provide support to other HIV positive youth.

Objective Two: The participants will gain an understanding of why peer led support groups are effective and learn about the common themes that arise in a support group.

Description: As an agency run by and for young people living with HIV, BAY Positives understands the dynamics and issues that occur with HIV positive youth in and out of support groups. Our workshop will consist of a facilitated group discussion around the power of a peer led support group, how the group works, the importance of outside support, and how to provide a safe space for young people living with HIV to discuss their feelings. This will serve as a catalyst for young people living with HIV to share and provide information and resources. It will also serve as an effective tool to help young people gain knowledge, become more empowered and develop comprehensive strategies for strong collaboration building.

Target Audience: This workshop is tailored to HIV positive youth who are interested in taking an activist role in helping other HIV positive youth by providing peer led emotional support. Though, anybody who is interested in peer led support models is encouraged to attend.

Summary: The objective of this workshop is to teach young people living with HIV practical tools to start their own support groups. Not only will the workshop focus on how to set up the structure, emphasis will be placed on the dynamics and effectiveness of a peer led support group. The facilitators will share personal experiences in developing and facilitating support groups. In that, participants will come away being able to identify at least five steps in creating a successful, ongoing process for developing their own peer led model of support.

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