Club Phoenix is a new initiative from Body Positive helping all HIV positive people to rise above issues associated with living with HIV or AIDS. The first gathering, a BYO launch party, will be held at Body Positive on 27 October.

Upon diagnosis of being HIV positive, people often find it hard to find real purpose or meaning in their lives. It can often be lonely and isolating. Club Phoenix aims to provide a weekly forum for current members and indeed all people living with HIV or AIDS to get together regardless of sexual orientation.

“We believe that this will provide positive people with greater avenues to develop and maintain strong support systems through networking,” says Craig Webster, Body Positive’s social worker. “An opportunity will exist for positive people to socialise with others with the occasional BYO special events, bbqs and wine and cheese evenings still to be ear marked will be introduced throughout the year.

“Both newly diagnosed and those living longer with HIV are invited to provide camaraderie and peer support in a relaxed, casual and confidential environment. Come and share your thoughts, experiences and sense of humour or just come in for a social chat.”

?Body Positive house will be open from 7 to 10pm every Wednesday throughout the year (so you are more than welcome to attend anytime during these hours and will include the holiday period. Hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages are provided.) A gold coin koha/donation is encouraged (but not expected) however members can bring along snack or finger food to share if they wish.

For more info and to sign up for a text or email reminder visit www.bodypositive.org.nz, phone 0800 448 5463 or visit Body Positive at 1/2 Poynton Terrace, Newton, Auckland. Or you can register your interested with Positive Women at www.positivewomen.org.nz) or INA (email ).