Support Group
Monthly Support groups are a great way for young people to build trust and share feelings with peers who understand and/or may have a similar shared experience. For this to happen, young people need safe places to talk, support each other, and share their experiences.
This further enables providers, programs and services to be more responsive, acceptable, sustainable and relevant, encouraging AYPLHIV to seek and remain engaged in care. Studies show that support groups can improve AYPLHIV linkage, adherence, viral suppression, retention and psycho social wellbeing. Support group models also provide young peer supporters with opportunities for leadership development, capacity building and youth-led advocacy, helping to combat the negative effects of self-stigma and peer pressure.
Sharing Strength Together
Dream village support groups are also avenues where the skills needed to be impacted in line with the needs of the young people are identified as well as identifying the talents of the young people that could be nurtured to improve their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are youth support groups important for HIV positive adolescents?
Support groups are avenues where the skills needed to be impacted in line with the needs of the young people are identified as well as identifying the talents of the young people that could be nurtured to improve their lives. They are also open and confidential spaces for sharing around treatment adherence, viral suppression, and mental well-being.
How often does Dream Village organize support group meetings?
Support groups happen monthly
Do support groups also focus on mental health and well-being?
Yes, support groups as well look at mental health among other topics.
Can participants learn leadership skills in these groups?
Yes, they can.