We Help Ourselves (WHOS) believe that the reduction of harm from HIV and infectious diseases is best achieved through an integrated and comprehensive program, which incorporates education, information and consumer involvement.

The WHOS harm reduction services cut across all of the WHOS treatment facilities, programs and activities. Each facility has an allocated officer responsible for the harm reduction and infection control areas. An outreach project officer is responsible for ensuring clients have a smooth and safe transition back into society. A project/development officer is responsible for developing strategies to assist other A&OD services to integrate HIV health promotion. All of these services are co-ordinated and assisted by WHOS Harm Reduction staff.

Services include educational groups covering topics such as overdose, relapse prevention, education and prevention focusing on infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis A, B and C, as well as other sexually transmissible diseases. Education is the key component of this service supported and complemented by the provision disposable bins, and referrals to other services. Strategies have also been implemented for those who do not wish to pursue a drug free outcome and wish to be referred on.

WHOS works in partnership with sexual health clinics and other medical/health services. All HIV and other infectious diseases testing are undertaken off-site, either by the house general practitioner or the allocated local sexual health clinic. While clients are referred for specialist treatment, counselling and support is also offered on-site.

During transition (re-entry stage) clients can choose to reside in one of the WHOS aftercare houses where they can be supported to re-enter the wider community. Clients are expected to participate in the running of the house, attend groups and seek to retrain, if necessary. At this point, clients can be referred to training facilities, housing and specialist counselling services. These can include, relationships and financial counselling, as well as educational institutions for admission into various courses.

Further information about the We Help Ourselves Harm Reduction Services is available by contacting the Coordinator, Harm Reduction Services on rdhiv@whos.com.au or by telephone on +61 (0)2 9318 2980.

Funded by the AIDS/Infectious Diseases Unit, NSW Health Department