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	Tel: 0151 378 6787

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What is Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease affecting primarily the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The infection is often asymptomatic, but chronic infection can lead to scarring of the liver and ultimately to cirrhosis, which is generally apparent after many years.

Introduction to the C We Are Here Hepatitis C support group

This group has been set up by members of a community of people who have had their lives touched by hepatitis C. It is thought that peer to peer support (In partnership with ArkAngel peer mentoring program) will offer an underpinning support to the professional services offered by agencies in our local community (NHS, Housing groups, Arch initiatives, DAAT and the harm reduction team).

Aim and objectives of the support group

The C We Are Here hepatitis C support group has been devised to offer peer support to people who have been or are in the process of being diagnosed with hepatitis C. Support can also be accessed from family and friends of those who have been diagnosed with hepatitis.

Meeting dates and times Meeting are to be held on Monday of each week from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. There will also be a monthly presentation to offer information and educate participants on all aspects of Hepatises C and treatment. This will be held on the first Thursday of each month starting at 5.30pm to 7pm. Venue: The Irene Kennedy Center, 6 Sandford Street, Birkenhead, CH41 1BN (access via Sidney Street)
Types of support offered: Meet and Greet service Group discussion One to one support Advice on how to access treatment First step referral process to NHS testing and support with appointment Signposts to other type of support available to you. E.g. benefits etc. Once a month presentation covering all aspects of Hepatitis C	Other Aims and objectives: To provide a good standard of service with a sense of stability To provide support in current situations by enabling participants to develop coping skills, this will enable them to manage To help participants to reflect on their needs and goals referring to hepatices C To encourage personal responsibility To develop links with other agencies, this will enable participants to access specialist support
Eligibility/Criteria Whose prime problem is hepatitis C Who are 18 years or over Who need support to enable them to manage a diagnoses or fears of having contracted the virus? Who will be open to engagement from the group	Enquires and Application: C We Are Here support group receives self referrals and/or referrals channelled via agencies that work with individuals from minority and discriminated against groups. I.e. Clients of the Arch, CDT, Phoenix futures, Ark, Stonham housing, forum housing ect.
Referral process On receipt of a referral the group leaders will discuss the referral paperwork and details enclosed within When discussing the referral any risk identified regarding threat of violence, violence or disruptive behaviour should be discussed Information regarding health issues reference access to group should be discussed If the applicant does not fit the support group criteria then the applicant and the referring agency (If ipp) will be notified in writing stating the reasons why. (Within 5 working days of recipe of the Referral). A copy of the complaints procedure should also be enclosed re the rights of appeal. Any sign posting identified will also be included with the relevant contact details If the applicant does fit the group criteria then they will be invited in for an informal chat The interview will be completed with any outstanding questions from the referral asked During the interview the applicant will be informed of the type of service and support offered Within 5 working days of the completion of the interview then the applicant and the referring agency will be notified of the outcome of the interview If the process takes longer than the stated 5 working days then the applicant and the referring agency will be notified that an extension of time is required stating the reasons why and how long the extension of time is needed The successful applicant will be invited to the next available meeting, offering support in attendance if necessary Group Rules To help with the smooth running/facilitation of the group then the following rules must be adhered to. At the beginning of each meeting the rules will be discussed and an opportunity for all participants will be given to add any rules which will help with the process of creating a safe secure environment. Fire Drills Confidentiality No drugs/ alcohol No 'izms' No threats of violence No violence Allow each other time to talk and no talking over each other Mobiles silent Scheduled breaks First aid Open Floor
Complaints Our aim is to offer a professional service to all who access the group. For this to be possible we have a complaints procedure. Complaints forms will be available via the group facilitator at each meeting. Alternatively you can contact Dave on 0151 650 6853 to request a copy. All complaints are viewed as feedback for our service and welcome any constructive comments which may assist us to offer good practice in what we do.	Exclusions There are no blanket exclusions and each application will be taken on its own merit, but violence or threats of violence will not be tolerated. Downloads You can download PDF documents for the C We Are Here support group here: Hepetitis C Support Group Referral Form Hepatitis C Leaflet Hepatitis C Poster