Friends and Supporters of Pozhet

14/09/2026

Ever wondered if gay people are the only ones who get HIV?
Watch the latest video, get insight into people living with HIV and how they navigate their personal experience through laughter and understanding.

HIV is still often associated with stigma, particularly due to misconceptions about how it’s transmitted. Using humour to address these misconceptions can break down barriers and create space for open conversations.
Please visit Pozhet and view the complete series.
https://pozhet.org.au/hivstigmacampaign

13/09/2026

Tips for Supporting Your Sexual Wellbeing.
Sexual wellbeing is an important part of overall health. The World Health Organisation describes it as physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing in relation to s*xuality. It is about feeling safe, respected, and able to make choices that are right for you.

Looking after your general health can also support your s*xual wellbeing. Here are some simple ways to help support your body, mind, and relationships.

Take care of your overall health. Eating a balanced diet and staying active can improve energy, mood, and circulation. Regular movement and healthy food choices can also support confidence and reduce stress, which can positively affect s*xual wellbeing.
Look after your mental wellbeing. Stress can affect how you feel physically and emotionally. Finding ways to manage stress, such as exercise, mindfulness, or relaxation, can help support a more positive experience of intimacy and connection.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol and drugs. Smoking and substance use can impact s*xual health and function over time. Reducing or avoiding these can help improve overall wellbeing and support better s*xual health outcomes.
Communicate and connect. Good communication with partners is important for healthy and respectful relationships. Talking openly about needs, boundaries, and comfort can help build trust and improve shared experiences.
Take care of your body. Some simple physical practices, like pelvic floor exercises (also called Kegel exercises), may help support bladder control and s*xual function for both men and women. Using condoms and personal lubricants can also help reduce discomfort and lower the risk of infections.
Seek support when needed. If you have concerns about your s*xual wellbeing, speaking with a doctor or health worker can help. Many s*xual health concerns are common and can be supported with treatment, advice, or simple changes.
Looking after your s*xual wellbeing is part of looking after your whole self.
Everyone deserves respectful, safe, and positive experiences.

Read more here: poz.com/slideshow/tips-for-improving-your-s*xual-health
https://pozhet.org.au/tips-for-supporting-your-s*xual-wellbeing/
Friends and Supporters of Pozhet

13/09/2026

Ever wondered how s*x and relationships work when you are HIV positive?
Watch the video, get insight into people living with HIV and how they navigate their personal experience through laughter and understanding.
Humour can normalize the experience of living with HIV, making it feel less isolating. When people share a laugh about something that others may see as taboo or serious, it reinforces the idea that living with HIV doesn’t mean living in shame or silence.
For people living with HIV, finding a community of others who understand their journey can be essential.
Please visit Pozhet and view the complete series. https://pozhet.org.au/hivstigmacampaign

12/09/2026

HIV AT 45
It has been 45 years since the first medical report of AIDS was published in 1981.
Since then, the response to HIV has changed in remarkable ways.

In the early years, treatment options were very limited. The first HIV medicine became available in 1987, but it was not until the mid-1990s that combination treatments were developed. These treatments made it possible to control HIV and stop it from progressing to AIDS for many people.
Today, HIV treatment is simple, highly effective, and often comes as a single daily tablet. For many people, HIV can be managed as a long-term health condition. Long-acting treatments, such as injections given every few months, are also now available or in development, offering more choice for people living with HIV.
Prevention has also improved. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is very effective at preventing HIV when taken correctly. Newer options, including long-acting injections, are helping make prevention easier for more people.
Despite this progress, researchers are still working towards two major goals: a vaccine to prevent HIV and a cure that would remove the virus completely from the body. These remain complex challenges because HIV can hide in the body even when treatment is working well.
Some very early research is exploring new approaches, including immune-based treatments, but these are still in development and not yet available.
Experts say continued research is important to keep improving treatment, prevention, and access around the world.
At the same time, current treatments already mean people living with HIV can stay healthy, live long lives, and prevent HIV from being passed on.

The story of HIV is one of major progress and ongoing hope for the future.
Read More: poz.com/article/hiv-45-evolution-hiv-prevention-treatment-cure
https://pozhet.org.au/hiv-at-45/
pozhet.org.au/living-with-hiv/treatment/

11/09/2026

STIs are common and often don’t have symptoms.

STI testing is quick, easy and a normal part of taking care of your health.

Find your closest testing location: https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/sti-testing-locator/

Get tested. Protect yourself and others.

10/09/2026

When you’re sick and unsure where to go, use Symptom Checker online for free, trusted health advice, anytime, anywhere.
Enter your symptoms into Symptom Checker to be connected to the care you need. This may include connecting you to a doctor online or helping you to find a nearby GP, pharmacist or urgent care service.
Check your symptoms: healthdirect.gov.au
Friends and Supporters of Pozhet

08/09/2026

It’s Women’s Health Week (7- 11 September).

It’s Women’s Health Week (7- 11 September).

This year's theme, 'Do It Anyway,' is all about putting your health first, even when life gets busy.

Take a small step for your wellbeing this week:
✅ Book a health check – use the Her Health Check tool to find which health checks you may need checks.jeanhailes.org.au/
✅ Take time to slow down, rest and move your body
✅ Connect with friends and loved ones
✅ Find women’s health information in your languages on the Jean Hailes for Women’s Health website. www.jeanhailes.org.au/.

Take one step today for your healthy future!

06/09/2026

Every Body deserves access to s*xual health information and care.

This September, as we celebrate World Sexual Health Day and SEXtember, remember that syphilis can affect anyone, often without symptoms. Regular testing helps protect your health and the health of your loved ones.

If you're worried about syphilis during pregnancy, you're not alone. Contact the NSW Sexual Health Info Link on 1800 451 624 for confidential information and support.

05/09/2026

Free PrEP if you don't have Medicare
Free PrEP is available in NSW for eligible people who do not have Medicare. You may be eligible if you live in NSW, are at risk of HIV, and are assessed by a clinician as suitable for PrEP. Find out more: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/endinghiv/Pages/medicare-ineligible-prepaccess.aspx

04/09/2026

September is , and we're taking the opportunity to remind men and their families that support is available.

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia. While every experience is different, knowing your risk and feeling comfortable talking about your prostate health can help you make more informed decisions.

Family, friends, health professionals and support groups can all play an important role throughout diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

This month, we're encouraging people to learn more about prostate cancer, start conversations and support the men in their lives
https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/prostate-cancer

Friends and Supporters of Pozhet
pozhet.org.au