COVID-19 is changing the way we interact with you
Living Positive Victoria puts the safety and wellbeing of our members, clients, volunteers and staff first.
Acting on the advice of the Department of Heath and Human Services (DHHS), and in cooperation with our sector partners, we are temporarily suspending the majority of our programs and services, effective immediately. We will resume these programs and services pending advice from DHHS and further communications with our sector partners.
Programs and Services updates as of 25 March 2020:
- Phoenix Workshops for gay, bi, cis-gender, trans-men, and all women have resumed face to face events.
- Public Speakers Bureau bookings can be made for speakers via video conferencing platforms, and training programs are taking part in a limited format.
- Gen Next monthly meetings are temporarily suspended.
- Taking Charge programs have resumed face to face events.
- Planet Positive seasonal socials are going ahead with COVID-19 safety precautions in place.
- Peer Navigation is continuing by connecting via phone and video calls, supplemented by email and text messages.
- Dinner and Chat events are going ahead with COVID-19 safety precautions in place..
- Family Days, Retreats and events for heterosexuals and women are temporarily suspended.
- Volunteer recruitment is continuing on a one-on-one basis.
Coventry House is currently open by appointment but our staff are available by email as normal. We will all continue to do our best to support the positive community during this trying time. Please feel free to contact your program coordinator with any questions or concerns. General enquiries may be directed to info@livingpositivevictoria.org.au
Looking after yourself and others
Everyone should think about and put in place the best practices for themselves to minimise exposure to COVID-19. Try to avoid anyone who is coughing or sneezing and touching your face. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and/or hand sanitiser. While everyone is at risk of catching COVID-19, it can be especially dangerous for people over 60 and people with pre-existing conditions. These conditions include heart, lung, and kidney disease as well as neurological conditions, diabetes and impaired immune systems. It is important to note that being undetectable does not necessarily mean that your immune system is not impaired. If you are concerned, please check with your HIV specialist. If you are currently on treatment for HIV, it is recommended that you ensure that you have enough medication for 6 months. You can call your HIV specialist if you need more medication and they can arrange for a script to be sent to the pharmacy for you to collect.
While the government is encouraging people to physically distance themselves and/or self isolate, it is important for everyone to feel connected with their friends, family, and loved ones in other ways. Remember to check in on those you care about; all it takes is a phone call.
LPV would like to remind everyone to be respectful and considerate to others; especially those who may be having a particularly difficult time. The elderly in our community may choose to self isolate to protect themselves and we should respect this choice, but that does not mean that we abandon them. Please check in on anyone who you think might be at risk of social isolation. Offer to make contactless deliveries if you are able to. Remember that we are all in this together and we need to look after each other.
Latest news and updates about COVID-19
The COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly, and you can find the latest updated advice on as issued by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 website.
Our local sector partners, Positive Women Victoria and Thorne Harbour Health, may also be a valuable source of information and support at this time.
If you are experiencing anxiety, stress or uncertainty, Beyond Blue can be a valuable source of information and advice.