These are all aimed at: ‘creating an atmosphere where peer support is possible, educating and enabling participants to improve their own lives.’
In Mukdahan:
Siam-Care has helped the local people set up and run an information centre in the northeast to provide vital support for those affected in this region, especially in the out of farming season when there are few jobs available. The centre acts as a base where there are opportunities for the women to earn income through sewing and craft projects.
Focus Group: As workers visit families, they seek to identify particular issues which will then be discussed and taught about at a focus group. The group meets once a month and those families for whom the issue is relevant are invited accordingly. There are usually about 30 families who attend, childcare being provided by volunteers. The issues that are discussed range from health care, such as Tuberculosis, skincare and hygiene, to social issues, e.g. jobs, money and responsibilities.
Annual Family Camp: This is three days away for all the families Siam-Care looks after and offers care and support to throughout the year. It provides an extended time for education, discussions and for them to get to know each other. It enables greater peer support and there is also an educational element in the provision of updated information on relevant issues, such as treatments for Aids related illnesses or the fakes that have appeared on the market. Small group sessions are also run and have become particularly important to the families. These are specifically aimed at a particular group, such as men, widows or relatives. In these there is open discussion about their situations so they can provide support for each other, there is also input from Siam-Care staff in encouraging discussions about behaviour and responsibilities. Children join one of the Power Kids Camps.
Power Kids Camps: These provide a chance for the children to deal with the many difficulties they face, both emotional and practical. The children do extra classes in English, art and sport and most importantly, they have fun! Many of the children have known each other for a long time and this creates peer support, even as their personal situations may have changed. The children also take part in group work aimed at their age group, including classes discussing responsibilities and life skills.