go
to Links page for other sources of help, info & support
Who
are PALS?
PALS
- Powys AIDS Line Service - is a charity based in Llandrindod Wells,
Powys. We are one of the oldest independent HIV/Aids charities,
started
in 1988.
PALS is run and managed by its members, who are all volunteers.
We offer a range of support, information and training services.
Interested
in volunteering? We're always interested in hearing from potential
volunteers... contact us for
more information.
Living with HIV
yourself? CLICK HERE for
info on how
PALS can help... including
details of our Peer Support Group which enables people living with HIV
to link up
with other Positive people in Powys.
What
we believe
People shouldn't have to travel long distances to access
the services they
need - whether they are living with HIV, worried about a sexual health issue
or just seeking information. We are committed to ensuring that services are
available locally to people living in rural mid-Wales where possible, and to
assisting people to access services outside of Powys where necessary.
People
living with HIV do not need the additional burden of enduring prejudice
and stigma in their communities. By providing accurate information to the
public, we aim to combat the ignorance that leads to prejudice.
The
current epidemic of sexually transmitted infections among young people
needs to be addressed, with accessible information, open discussion, and better
availability of free and cheap condoms.
We want to see community clinics which would offer testing and treatment for
STIs as part of a general health and well-being strategy for young people.
What
we do
Support for people living with HIV
We
offer a user-led and volunteer-based befriending and support service
to people living with HIV and their families and carers, including regular
peer support events.
If you are living with HIV yourself, or know someone who is, you can find out
more information about this aspect of our work on our 'living
with HIV' page.
Information
and counselling
We offer pre- and post-HIV test counselling to anyone having an HIV test.
We
provide
information and training on HIV/AIDS and other sexual health
issues and hold a wide range of information about the latest treatments
and support available. We no longer operate a helpline... but we do welcome
phone enquiries and information requests - you can also contact us in
complete confidence
via
e-mail
(If you want to speak to a helpline, please follow 'Links'
for phone numbers)
Training
Using accredited trainers, we offer training on HIV, Sexual
Health and related
issues to groups of worker and volunteers in health, education, youth work and
social care, to community groups and to young people via youth groups,
schools and colleges... just
contact us for details.
Networking
We
take part in local and regional networks on HIV and Sexual Health issues,
and liaise with agencies and campaigns across Wales and the UK.
Funding
PALS
is supported by grants from the Big Lottery Fund and the Elton John
Aids Foundation.
Listening
to youth
askPALS
is a web-based service of information especially for young people
in Powys. To go to the dedicated askPALS
webpage, click here
If any young people's groups or services would like to have links or info
on
the askPALS page, please contact us.
contact us: info@powysaidsline.org.uk pals po box 24 llandrindod wells tel 0845 223 5209