the power of support groups
Counselling and support groups are invaluable in building a sense of community to help people come to terms with the disease whether they have just been diagnosed, have been living with HIV for some time or are coping with a family member who is HIV positive.
Two members of a group run by City Harvest Church understand firsthand what a lifeline they can be …
"I was lonely, worried and stressed out, thinking I was alone in my suffering. I could not talk about HIV and AIDS. Now that I am part of a support group, my life has improved because I am surrounded by many friends who can advise me and share in my problems. I feel empowered spiritually and socially. My stress has disappeared."
"I would worry so much and this would make me more ill. Now I am living happily. I have also realised that it is possible to live longer just like other people living with the virus. The most important thing that has happened to me is that I have gained happiness."
Here are some of the ways that group members at City Harvest Church are helping each other …
In practical ways
Group members:
- provide small amounts of money from their own limited funds to cover emergency costs, e.g. for a taxi to rush someone to hospital
- take care of the children when people become ill and have to go into hospital
- share valuable life-saving information and donated foodstuffs
Micro-enterprise initiatives are also facilitated through the groups, helping members earn money to cover daily living expenses.
In spiritual ways
Group members:
- pray for one another and for their neighbours, especially in Fuata Nyayo, a violent crime-ridden slum
- share with one another about the Bible and the Christian faith, helping each other to grow
- experience key turning points together: a husband of one group member became a Christian when he joined the support group. He has been instrumental in encouraging other men in similar situations to find out their status and receive help
Helping their communities
Support groups are also finding ways to reach out to the wider community. One of the groups runs a resource centre in their slum. It is a place where local people can come for information, help and advice regarding HIV and AIDS.
See video clip about the work
Watch a video clip to see the area where City Harvest is working and hear from Pastor Edward Simiyu and others about the impact they are having on people affected by HIV/AIDS. Download and watch clip (QuickTime 6.5MB).
