About ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre.

ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre is a community based organisation committed to the prevention of Hepatitis and the support of people affected by Hepatitis. The council provides support, information, referral and workforce development services to the people of the Canberra region.

The Centre is located at 36 David St, Turner 2612 in the ACT.


Services

The ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre's professional facilitators conduct workshops on a variety of Hepatitis related topics designed to build the capacity of the community sector and the general workforce. Workshops are available addressing a variety of Hepatitis issues including Hepatitis A, B and C awareness, pre and post test counselling, transmission, epidemiology, understanding stigma and discrimination and overview of treatments. We also provide effective client support.

The ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre provides information and referral services for people affected by Hepatitis, encouraging and supporting clients to develop knowledge and understanding to make informed choices about their condition and treatment.

 

Support services include;

  • Health maintenance programs
  • Treatment information
  • Face to face and telephone information sessions - 1300 301 383
  • Face to face and telephone counselling services - 1300 301 383

 

A diverse range of resources and publications are available for clients and practitioners to increase their knowledge and understanding about Hepatitis. Publications include factsheets, brochures and booklets. Click here to order resources.


Services to business and public sector

The ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre delivers timely and pertinent Hepatitis awareness workshops designed to suit each particular business' need. A small consultancy fee is charged to assist the Council in its prevention activities.

Membership

Membership to the organization is FREE.


Being a member of the ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre offers several benefits, some of these are outlined below:

  • Quarterly newsletters;
  • Copies of new resources
  • Invitations to seminars
  • Invitation to the end of year Christmas function
  • Voting rights at the AGM
  • Ability to apply to become a Board of Management Member
  • Quarterly copies of Hepatitis Review and Transmission magazines produced by Hepatitis NSW

 

By becoming a member of the ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre you help us to ensure that the Canberra community becomes more aware of Hepatitis issues and to help us represent people with Hepatitis, their family, friends, workers, and those who are at risk of contracting Hepatitis to governing bodies.

 

To download the Membership form click here. Fill it in and fax it to us on (02) 6230 6266

 

To see Membership Newsletters click here.

Sponsorship & Donations

Sponsorships and donations are welcome. Businesses and individuals can sponsor specific projects and resources - an ideal opportunity to raise the profile of your business and make a contribution to the community. Special prevention projects for young people are an urgent need.


Your tax deductible donation can be sent to ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre, PO Box 6259, O’Connor ACT 2602


Organisational History

Public blood screening for the Hepatitis C virus was established in 1990 - a year after the formal identification of a strain of hepatitis detected in the community for over 20 years. Unfortunately the ramifications of this virus will be felt by the community for many years to come and will only increase, as individuals become aware through identification.

Approximately 15 years ago, newly diagnosed members of the ACT hepatitis C community gained their hepatitis information by accessing the newly established NSW Hepatitis C Council telephone help line as there were no information networks available.

In the early days of Hepatitis C not much was known about the virus - by individuals or professionals - cause, transmission, effects on individuals or the effects long term on those carrying the virus and no treatment was available. There was little knowledge or understanding about the personal effects but individuals suffered greatly from fear and discrimination through lack of knowledge and education. There are many physical effects on individuals including living standard and in many cases this was responsible for loss of self-esteem, income, friends and life-style. With the increase in numbers of people carrying the hepatitis C virus, health professionals are becoming better educated and more aware of the side effects and problems associated with the virus. It is only through continued research and education by the health profession regarding hepatitis C that these anomalies may be addressed.

Nationally, Australia is developing a sound national hepatitis C network with Councils established in all states and the ACT. The federally funded Hepatitis Australia (Formerly the Australian Hepatitis Council) is an active peak body providing information, resources and support to its Councils and to lobby for continued national funding.

Locally, the ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre, an incorporated body, has the support of and funding from the ACT government who purchase the Council's services in education and community support.

Hepatitis C is the second highest rating notifiable disease in the ACT after Chlamydia. There are an estimated 3,500-5,000 individuals living with or affected by the hepatitis C virus in the Canberra region.

 

In recent years the ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre has evolved to further meet the needs of the community and now provides services to anyone affected by ANY Hepatitis. Training, information and resources are available in a range of languages on Hepatitis A,B and C.

Family, friends and workers as well as those with Hepatitis are encouraged to utilize our services.

Organisational Structure

The Council is governed by a Board of interested people from the local community and employs five part-time staff members:

  • Executive Officer
  • Administration Officer
  • Communications Officer
  • Health Promotion Co-ordinator
  • Health Promotion Officer

ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre's Vision is:

A community where people affected by Hepatitis:
  • Have respected and meaningful involvement at the local, regional and national political levels, where decisions that affect their lives are being made;
  • Have full access to relevant information, care, treatment and support;
  • Enjoy full rights, in keeping with the Ottawa Charter, the ACT and National Human Rights legislation, irrespective of culture, age, religion, sexuality, social or economic status/class and race.

ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre's Values are:

  • Mutual Respect, Honesty, Integrity and Confidentiality: The ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre is committed to providing services based on mutual respect, honesty and integrity of its members, as well as on the assurance of confidentiality.
  • Commitment to quality information and advocacy: Ensuring that people living with Hepatitis have a voice and meaningful participation in relevant decisions and policy-making bodies on issues important to our lives.
  • Accountability and evidence based best practice: ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre and its policies should aim to be based on current research and the needs of members regardless of culture, age, religion, sexuality, social or economic status/class and race. ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre must be accountable to our members for our actions, use of funds, and for fulfilling any of our legal obligations.
  • Self-determination: ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre values the transformative power of people living self-determined lives. Such action is essential to attain of all of our human rights. We value peer support and mentoring as ways to enable people affected by Hepatitis to be self-determined in their lives.
  • Leadership and teamwork: The ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre works proactively to ensure that information and local services are timely and relevant and will endeavour to maintain a creative and flexible environment for staff and members.

ACT Hepatitis Resource Centre's Purpose is:

Provide the Canberra regional community with up-to-date, consistent information on Hepatitis in a professional, non-judgemental manner. To work collaboratively with other organisations and individuals to prevent the transmission of Hepatitis and support people affected by Hepatitis.


Key Goals

  • Provide up-to-date information and education to individuals, organisations, health workers and the broader community regarding Hepatitis and related concerns.

  • Provide non-judgemental and confidential support for people with Hepatitis, their families and friends, and assist in strengthening the quality of relevant heath care.

  • Minimise discrimination against, and improve the quality of life for those affected by Hepatitis.

  • Assist in reducing the rates of Hepatitis transmission in the ACT region.

  • Increase the ability and opportunities for people with Hepatitis to take active management of their illness.

  • Develop and implement strategies to increase resources for Hepatitis education, information and advocacy.