Decreasing Social Isolation

Marginalized populations, including people living with HIV and sex workers, experience higher levels of social isolation. The stigma and discrimination related to HIV and sex work can make it “very easy to become isolated from friends, family and community” (Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange [CATIE]), 2009 p 71). Isolation can lead to depression, increased addiction issues, low self-esteem, and overall feelings of negativity.

In July 2011, AIDS Calgary introduced a new position, an Education/Support Worker. A part of this position’s role is to create workshops, groups, and social events for clients. As the person who was lucky enough to get hired for this position, I have focused a lot of my time on developing more social inclusion activities for clients; understanding the positive impact that these events can have.

In September I got the chance to accompany clients on the second annual zoo trip. This gave me a firsthand glimpse into the positive outcomes of a social outing. Friendships were developed, jokes were told, and the general mood of every participant increased; mine included. Since then AIDS Calgary, with the help of my new position, have worked hard to develop more opportunities for social outings, both for our HIV supports program, as well as the Shift program.

One upcoming event is our Glenbow Museum trip. On November 16th the HIV supports clients will get the opportunity to visit the Glenbow Museum for free. This will allow clients to explore the featured exhibit ‘Watch Me Move: The Animation Sho’, which explores the progress of the animated world, from Snow White all the way to the Lord of the Rings. The trip will give clients a chance to engage with others, build social supports, and just enjoy the beauty and creativity of the animated world. The same trip will be offered for our Shift clients on November 30th.

I am personally very excited to attend the trip to the Glenbow Museum. I also look forward to developing many more social events for our clients. Until then…I hope to see you all at the Museum!

This blog was orginally posted on AIDS Calgary's the A Word Blog on November 3, 2011 at http://aidscalgary.blogspot.com/2011/11/decreasing-social-isolation.htmlThis article was created by ACAA's Education & Support Worker. To learn more about the programs and services Shift offers visit or contact info@shiftcalgary.org www.shiftcalgary.org