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Open Heart House (OHH) was established in 1997 and modeled on the Boston Living Center. OHH is a member-led organization with
a mission to empower and enhance the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS. It is the only voluntary agency of its kind
in Ireland.
Currently there are in excess of 250 members of OHH, with a network of support involving up to 300 people nationwide.
It is therefore the largest peer support network of HIV positive people in Ireland
Membership
The criteria for Membership are simply that one is HIV + , with a willingness to maintain an alcohol, drug-free and confidential
environment. The concept of membership has in our experience facilitated a sense of ownership and belonging which in turn
promotes an awareness of community and active membership participation in the growth and development of OHH.
Membership has increased significantly since we first opened our doors to twelve members in 1997. Currently, there are
in excess of two hundred and fifty people living with HIV / AIDS in Ireland accessing this project. Our nationwide network
of support is however reaching up to 300 people including those who access OHH directly, and those befriended in the prisons,
hospitals and elsewhere.
For further information, contact James or Paul on 01 830 5000 or at info@openhearthouse.ie
Some more info................
Meals Programme
The Meals Programme remains central to the development of Open Heart House, as it is the principal facilitator of peer
support within the project. Throughout the year 2002, the programme expanded to include vegetarian options, juicing and culturally
specific menus to accommodate the many different nationalities now accessing OHH.
Membership involvement in the preparation and delivery of meals has been a principal focus of the programme in the last
year and we are happy to report that Monday and Thursday dinner, Wednesday and Thursday lunch times are managed to a large
extent by members themselves. Membership involvement has fostered a sense of ownership to the extent that more and more people
have become engaged in the ritual of meal times.
While focusing on the nutritional needs of positive people, the Meals Programme also facilitates an environment that is
welcoming, and relaxed and above all shared. But words alone cannot capture the essence of meals at OHH - the closest one
can get is to describe the community of people acknowledging a special and mutual experience.
Therapies Programme
Principal to our holistic approach is a strong emphasis on living positively with HIV / AIDS. A weakened immune system
leaves the body more prone to infection from viruses and bacteria. People in general and particularly those living with the
added stress of HIV / AIDS find that their immune system is weakened by stress, poor diet, low self esteem, lack of exercise,
alcohol, drugs and of course, environmental factors.
A holistic approach to the treatment of HIV aims to boost the immune system, overall health and well being and anecdotal
evidence would suggest, can sometimes influence the direction of the disease. At the very least, improved quality of life
is assured.
herapies available:
Holistic Massage
Reflexology
Aromatherapy
Stress Management
Acupuncture
Indian Head Massage
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Shiatsu & Spiritual Healing,
Reiki
Focus Nights
The Focus Nights are designed to respond to the particular needs of specific groups within the general membership.
The non-E.U. National Night (Spectra United) provides a formal and informal support facility. It is co-ordinated by the
Membership Officer who serves a culturally specific meal and facilities discussion around issues that are of particular concern
to this group of people.
The Gay Space (First Tuesday Club) commenced in October 2000. The feedback from this group is extremely positive, plans
for the development of this space are ongoing. Food is shared in a relaxed and informal setting and the Membership Co-ordinator
facilitates informal peer support
ther Services
Have a work-out in the exercise room!
Turn up the music & start pumping iron - a great way to de-stress & keep trim.
Find your way through the minefield of benefits and entitlements.
Information, Welfare & Active Clinic is available by appointment on the last Thursday of every month.
Monday Night Playgroup
Check availability.
PozEd Seminars
Information nights, held twice monthly and delivered by expert speakers on varying topics from sexual health to purchasing
a property.
Hair Stylist and Beauty Therapy
(by appointment only)
Advocacy and Referral Service
(by appointment only)
Positive Response Befriending
positive-to-positive befriending service for newly diagnosed people
Befriending Service
Volunteers will provide support and/or perform a number of light household chores once a week
Roof Garden
relax on the roof garden and enjoy the view.
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