Looking for support from someone else living with HIV but not ready for a group situation?
The Peer Perspectives program was designed with you in mind. Maybe you are newly diagnosed, maybe you have lived with HIV for 15 years, maybe you have just moved to the Twin Cities, maybe you are thinking about starting meds…
Whatever your situation, CAPS Peer Support volunteers can share their experiences with you to help you with your decisions or simply helping you feel less isolated and more supported.
Who are the Peer Support volunteers?
CAPS Peer Support volunteers are all individuals who have been living with HIV for at least 2 years and have been selected and trained by Hennepin County to provide support to other individuals living with HIV. They are able to share their experiences of living with HIV and their knowledge about local services. They are not licensed counselors or social workers. The first 2 meetings always take place with CAPS staff present to facilitate the discussion. CAPS staff and volunteers are required to abide by HIPAA practices to protect your confidentiality rights.
What do we talk about?
CAPS volunteers are open to talking about anything related to living with HIV which may help you navigate your way through whatever your situation is. Popular topics include (but are not limited to):
- sex & dating
- disclosure (family, workplace, sex partners)
- HIV docs, clinics & treatment
- labs, CD4 counts, viral loads
- insurance & community resources
How do I get involved?
To be matched up with a Peer volunteer please call 612-348-3307. We will match you up with a volunteer; if there are specific criteria you would like from your volunteer (i.e. to be on meds, in a relationship, gay, straight, etc.) we will do our best to match you up with someone who best fits your needs.
You may also request to have several meetings with several volunteers, you may choose to meet with the same volunteer several times, or you may only meet once. The choice is yours. Meetings can take place at a variety of locations where you and the Peer volunteer feels safe and comfortable; past meeting locations have included the Red Door Clinic and local coffee shops.
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