HIV/Aids support group launched for Sadag

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) announced the launch of a mental health support group for people living with HIV/Aids.

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This new online support group will be hosted by Louise and is set to meet on the first and third Wednesday of every month, from 19:00 to 20:00, using WhatsApp.

Sadag’s Jane Mashava explained the support groups offer a safe space of trust and confidentiality to explore life’s ups and downs.

Louise attended her first support group while working in the HIV/Aids field. She shared how her personal experience of joining a support group prompted her to start her own.

“The benefits of being part of a support group of this nature when I was first diagnosed were so helpful. When I first joined, I believed that I had been handed a death sentence.

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“It was only when I started attending a support group and heard other people’s stories, and received the correct information about my condition, that I began to have hope.

“It was here that I was empowered to live with my condition and continue to live my life,” she said.

“The support group helps those who are newly diagnosed. It is a platform where people aren’t isolated.

“They belong, their voices can be heard and they know they will receive unconditional support,” she said.

For enquiries, contact Louise at 076 701 0005 or visit www.sadag.org