CARA

240 Lancaster Road
London
W11 4AH

Tel: 020 7243 6147
Web: www.caralife.com
Best time to telephone: normal office hours

"CARA" has meanings related to friendship in several languages. CARA seeks to build a support network based on friendship for people living with or affected by HIV. This peer support network is complemented by a range of professionally based services. While many services are open to anyone living with or affected by HIV some are offered speciffically to gay men, women or African communities. A range of European and African languages are spoken by staff and volunteers.

Through peer support and profressional services CARA seeks to improve health and well being and combat stigma and isolation. CARA recognises the key role that spirituality and/or faith plays in many people's lives. All staff and volunteers are trained to be sensitive to spiritual needs and specialist pastoral care can be provided. CARA's pastoral care celebrates spiritual and cultural diversity and is gay affirming.

Key services:

• Social and support groups
• Nutritious meals
• Complementary therapies
• Befriending
• Pastoral care
• Practical help (crisis fund applications etc)
• Advocacy
• Personal development
• Living well/self-management
• HIV awareness training for churches and community groups
• Training for professionals and volunteers on spirituality and spiritual needs
• Counselling
• Volunteering opportunities