Services still available over Christmas

A range of HIV-related and general counselling services will maintain limited operating hours over the Christmas and New Year period, but if in dire need there are always emergency services available, Positive Life spokesman Rob Lake said.

Most services will have something operating over the period, except on public holidays and most services, if you call them, will have an after hours arrangement, Lake reminded people.

In terms of whether people need to see a GP, they might need to be a bit prepared, but there will be emergency services and pharmacies available.

And if people are really concerned about something, all the traditional emergency services will be open. If they feel they are really sick, they can get tests. But in terms of people who may be having a difficult time and need some counselling, they can call the ACON emergency line or the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service.

Positive Life has compiled a comprehensive list of services throughout the Sydney area with their holiday hours of operation.

This year we have been a bit more rigorous about putting together a list of the various services and pharmacies -” their opening hours and days so people can have all the information in one place, Lake said.

The list provides contact details for all the major HIV-related services, counselling services and general emergency numbers.

People are also reminded to contact RPA emergency on 9515 611 if they need post-exposure prophylaxis. Mental health assistance will be available through the Camperdown and Redfern mental health teams, who can be reached on 9556 9100. Or call the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service on 1800 144 527.

info: A comprehensive list of all available services is at http://positivelife.org.au/event/837 and in the latest issue of Talkabout.