The HelpNow HUB Foundation continues its mission to support Ukrainian refugees in Poland by providing essential medical and social assistance. With a focus on helping individuals integrate into Poland’s healthcare and social services, HelpNow HUB has become a lifeline for those in need.
Key Services Provided:
1. Comprehensive Information and Counselling: HelpNow HUB offers a range of counselling services aimed at improving access to critical therapies, including:
- ART, OST, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis Treatment: Providing guidance and referrals to treatments in clients’ local areas.
- Motivational Counselling: Encouraging treatment adherence and promoting overall health.
- COVID-19 Vaccination: Offering information and advice on how clients can access vaccinations.
- International Treatment Advice: Assisting clients with information on receiving medical treatment in other countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and more.
2. Psychosocial Support for High-Risk Groups: HelpNow HUB offers specialised counselling for vulnerable populations, including:
- Discrimination and Rights Violations: Helping individuals understand and address issues related to discrimination.
- Prophylaxis and Testing Counselling: Providing advice on pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis and testing.
- Mental Health Support: Offering peer-to-peer counselling and support for mental health concerns.
- Social Integration: Assisting with social adaptation in a new country, including guidance on disclosing health status to family members.
3. Peer Support Groups: HelpNow HUB organises peer support groups in Poland, which play a vital role in helping individuals accept their HIV status, improve self-esteem, and adapt to life in a new country. These groups reduce the personal time needed for adjusting to a positive HIV status and provide an opportunity to engage with specialists and workshops on topics related to social adaptation.
Milestones and Achievements:
Since October 2023, HelpNow HUB’s consultants have conducted 4,257 consultations. This includes:
- 1,585 consultations for ARV
- 206 consultations for OAT
- 369 consultations for TB and Hepatitis treatment
- 2,016 consultations on social issues
- 62 in-person case management sessions
- 19 consultations on miscellaneous topics
Community Mobilisation and International Cooperation:
HelpNow HUB has actively engaged in community mobilisation and international projects, such as:
- Photo Exhibition: In March 2022, the Foundation organised a photo exhibition titled “Unbreakable Ukrainian Women” for the Day of Defence of Women’s Rights.
- International Cooperation: The Foundation collaborated with AFEW International on the project “Ukrainian Refugees with HIV in Poland” to train and educate 20 peer counselors from the refugee community.
- Mini-Initiatives: Project participants developed initiatives such as the informational film Victory Every Day! and the community project Positive Lunch to promote equal services for migrants living with HIV.
HelpNow HUB continues to strengthen relations and provide support to people living with HIV (PLHIV) and key populations (KPs) in Poland and across the Baltic region. Through their work, they are helping to create a stronger, more supportive network for refugees across Europe.
For more information on the Foundation’s activities or to request support, please Poland page.
