Dublin AIDS Alliance (DAA) is a voluntary organisation working to improve conditions for people living with HIV and AIDS, their families and caregivers, while actively promoting HIV and sexual health awareness in the general population.
Our vision is to contribute to a reduction in the prevalence of HIV in Ireland.
Organisational Objectives
· To support those living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.
· To confront the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS.
· To increase public awareness through the promotion of HIV and sexual health education.
· To influence policy through partnership and active campaigning.
Two prevention and education programmes are funded by the NICDTF:
1. HIV, Sexual Health & Drug Awareness Training Programme
This is a multi-disciplinary ‘train the trainers’ course which aims to provide youth and community leaders/workers with the skills necessary to engage young people in their care in sexual health and drug awareness education and to deliver this training to at-risk client groups in their care, to enable these groups to make informed choices in relation to sexual health and drug use. This is an eight-day training programme (1 day per week for 8 weeks). Topics covered include HIV, STIs, Hepatitis, Drugs Awareness, Policies & Best Practice for working with Young People, Cultural Issues and Sexuality. The course is FETAC Level 5 accredited.
2. HIV and Health Project – Safer Sex Negotiation Skills Training Programme
This training initiative primarily aims, through capacity building measures, to raise awareness of HIV and sexual health among vulnerable and at-risk groups located in the NICDTF area, to enable safer sex negotiation within these groups and modify and/or facilitate behaviour change, reducing primary and secondary HIV and STI transmission. A five-part programme is available for delivery to at-risk clients of organisation.
There is also a ‘train the trainers’ programme which is FETAC Level 5 accredited. The primary aim of the programme is to train youth and community leaders/workers, develop and enhance their skills, and provide them with relevant information and resources to deliver sexual health and negotiation skills training to the client group in their care. This is a seven-day training programme (1 day per week for 7 weeks). Topics covered include Sexual Health, HIV, STIs, Condom Use, Changing Sexual Behaviour Patterns, Making Sexual Decisions, Negotiating Safer Sex, and Safer Sex Alternatives.
One-day Sexual Health Workshop
A one-day workshop on sexual health is also available at DAA for youth and community workers who are unable to commit to the training for trainers programmes. The aim of the workshop is to provide participants with basic up-to-date and relevant information on sexual health, including HIV, STIs and Hepatitis. This workshop will be beneficial to people working in the voluntary, youth and community sector who may deal with sexual health issues in the workplace, or who have a general interest in the area of sexual health.
In addition to our Prevention Education & Training Services, the Community Support department provides a range of services for those living with HIV and/or Hepatitis . These services include Advocacy, Mediation and Lobbying, Counselling, Practical Support and Legal Advice. Community Support also engage with new communities through street outreach, and currently operates a Volunteer Project which aims to disseminate HIV and sexual health information in a culturally appropriate manner, through non-Irish national volunteers. HIV and sexual health information booklets are available at DAA in 6 languages - English, Polish, French, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), and Russian – The Don’t Panic Guide to Sexual Health.
Events take place annually for Irish AIDS Day on 15th June and World AIDS Day on 1st December. Details are posted on the website as they become available.
Contact Details
Address: 53 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1
Opening Hours: 09:30 to 17:30 Monday to Thursday, 09:30 to 17:00 Fridays.
Telephone: 01-8733799
Fax: 01-8733174
