Spotlight on volunteers for AIDS 2014

VOLUNTEERS will be integral to AIDS 2014 in Melbourne, the world’s largest HIV and AIDS conference and Australia’s largest-ever medical conference.

Held over a week in July, the conference is expected to see around 14,000 delegates from nearly 200 countries descend on Melbourne.

Part of the events will highlight the vital role volunteers play in Australia’s HIV and AIDS organisations.

A call out for volunteers to be involved at the conference revealed organisers need the around 1000 volunteers to ensure the enormous event runs smoothly.

Volunteers will be involved in all aspects of the conference, from greeting delegates to coordinating activities in the conference program and acting as guides during the event. Volunteers will also have access to all conference sessions while not on duty.

Meanwhile in Sydney, the Ankali Project is also recruiting volunteers to be trained to provide emotional and social support to people living with HIV and AIDS.

Running since 1985, the program matches volunteers with a client for a period of around six months, spending around five hours per week depending on the persons needs or availability.

For more information about the Ankali Project visit www.thealbioncentre.org.au/ankali/the-ankali-project/ and visit www.aids2014.org/ to learn more about AIDS 2014.