Karumah Inc. Supporting people living with HIV since 1989 Message us directly First name* Last name* Phone* Email* Write a message Submit

Meet The Team SERENA PROGRAM MANAGER ASHLEE CASE MANAGER

This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Case Management We deeply value the people we work with. Our approach is grounded in dignity, respect, and partnership — recognising you as the expert in your own life. Whether you need practical help, information, or simply someone to stand alongside you, our team is here to support you every step of the way. At Karumah Inc., our case management service is built around you. We understand that every person’s experience of living with HIV is unique, which is why we take the time to get to know you, your goals, and your priorities. Our two dedicated case managers — Serena and Ashlee — provide flexible, person-centred support. This includes an outreach service, where we can meet with you in your home or another location that feels safe and comfortable. Together, we develop an individual care plan focused on your needs, strengths, and aspirations. Through case management, we can: Offer emotional support and a non-judgemental space to talk. Link you with peer support groups and other community connections. Assist with medication adherence and navigating health appointments. Support your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Provide information and education about HIV, treatment, and living well. Refer you to specialist services such as housing, mental health, legal, or financial support. Advocate on your behalf to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are respected. If you or someone you know may benefit from our case management service REFERRAL FORM Or contact Ashlee on - P : 0411 060 863 E : ashlee.cm@karumah.org.au

Peer groups and social events in 2026 Karumah Inc. will introduce updated peer connection group structures from early 2026, alongside the planned launch of our Peer Support Program. Further information about group schedules, locations, and activities will be shared with service users ahead of commencement. All peer connection groups and peer support activities will be delivered in a safe, respectful, and confidential environment. Participation is voluntary, and service users are encouraged to engage in the programs that feel most appropriate and supportive for them. Peer Connection Groups in 2026 Peer Connection groups will continue to run bi-monthly throughout 2026, with a detailed schedule to be published in January 2026. To best meet the needs of our community, we will be offering tailored Peer Connection groups: Peer Connection for women and heterosexual men Peer Connection for gay and bisexual men Social events and activities open to all service users These groups have been designed to create supportive, respectful, and affirming spaces where participants can connect with others who share similar lived experiences. Karumah Inc. is an inclusive service. If you feel that you do not neatly fit into the groups described, you are welcome to attend the group where you feel most comfortable and supported. We also encourage you to reach out to us directly to discuss your needs and preferences. Your feedback helps us continue to improve and strengthen our service delivery and ensure our programs remain responsive to our community. Guests of members (partner, family, carer etc) are welcome to attend most of our groups and events. We ask that you please notify Karumah Inc. staff prior to attendance if you would like to bring a guest. Inclusivity and Ongoing Review Karumah Inc. is a small organisation, and our peer connection groups are designed to be sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our community. Service users are encouraged to attend the group that feels most comfortable and supportive for them. As participation grows and community needs evolve, we will continue to review and adapt group structures to ensure peer connection opportunities remain meaningful and accessible. Why We’re Making These Changes Over the past six months, Karumah Inc. sought feedback from service users about our peer connection groups, social activities, and overall service delivery. We carefully reviewed every response received and considered how we can best strengthen peer-to-peer connection and engagement moving forward. Feedback highlighted the importance of shared lived experience, comfort, and accessibility. Responses also highlighted differing preferences around practical considerations such as suitable price points for activities, a variety of locations, and flexibility around meeting times, including evenings and weekends. This feedback has directly informed how individual programs will be delivered in 2026. Launch of Karumah Inc. Peer Support Program – 2026 Karumah Inc. is also looking forward to launching our Peer Support Program in 2026. The Peer Support Program will provide structured, one-to-one and small group peer support, delivered by trained peer supporters with relevant lived experience. Peer support at Karumah Inc. will focus on connection, understanding, shared experience, and practical support, and will complement our existing services. We will soon be seeking expressions of interest from individuals who may be interested in becoming peer supporters. Eligibility, role requirements, training, supervision, and ongoing support will form part of the program and will be discussed directly with interested parties. If you are interested in learning more about the Peer Support Program—either as a participant or a potential peer supporter—please contact Karumah Inc. directly to discuss suitability, requirements, and next steps. Interested in joining us for peer connection or have an enquiry about upcoming social events? Please contact Serena - P: 0411 060 154 E: contact@karumah.org.au

Who We Are Karumah Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation, supporting people living with and affected by HIV in Newcastle and The Hunter region. We are committed to empowering people living with HIV through support, education, advocacy, and meaningful engagement. Karumah Inc. offers a welcoming space where every individual can feel safe, respected, and supported. Operating since the 80's, many things have changed over the years but our heart remains the same, w hether you’re seeking connection, information, or simply a listening ear, you’ll always find a community here. How We Came To Be In the 80's, before Karumah Inc. was formally established in 1989, supporting people living with HIV/AIDS was grassroots and deeply personal. Originally envisioned as a daycare centre for people with HIV — a safe, welcoming space where people living with HIV/AIDS could find support, dignity, and respite in the darkest times. Fear, stigma, and discrimination surrounded the virus but a small group of compassionate individuals offered care and comfort to those affected. The early efforts were run entirely on donations and staffed by dedicated volunteers until 1989 when Randy Cooper and Ray Cain secured funding from the NSW Ministry of Health to turn that vision into a sustainable service and Karumah Inc. was born.

Real connection doesn't come from sharing our victories, it comes from sharing vulnerability. CONTACT US P: 0411 060 154 E: contact@karumah.org.au FEEDBACK AND ENQUIRIES SUBMIT Thanks for submitting!

COMPLAINTS Karumah Inc. is committed to providing high-quality services and values feedback to improve our operations. We encourage clients, members, and stakeholders to voice concerns or complaints, which we handle with fairness, transparency, and respect. What Is a Complaint? A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction made to or about Karumah Inc., related to our services, staff, or the handling of a previous complaint, where a response or resolution is explicitly or implicitly expected or legally required. Guiding Principles Respectful Treatment: We treat all complainants with courtesy and respect. Information and Accessibility: We make it easy to lodge a complaint and provide assistance as needed. Communication: We keep complainants informed about the progress and outcome of their complaint. Taking Ownership: We take responsibility for resolving complaints promptly. Timeliness: We aim to resolve complaints as quickly as possible. Transparency: We provide clear information about our complaint handling process and decisions. How to Make a Complaint Website: Fill out the Feedback and Enquiries form on our Contact page. Email: contact@karumah.org.au Phone: 0411 060 154 In-person: If you would like to speak to someone in person, please contact us on one of the above methods to arrange an in-person meeting. Complaint Handling Process Acknowledgment: We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 5 business days. Assessment: We assess the complaint to determine its nature and the appropriate course of action. Investigation: If necessary, we conduct a thorough investigation, ensuring impartiality and fairness. Resolution: We aim to resolve complaints promptly and will communicate the outcome to you, including any actions taken. Review: If you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you may request a review of the decision. External Review: If you remain unsatisfied, you can contact the ACNC for complaints regarding governance and compliance. Continuous Improvement: We regularly analyse complaint data to identify trends and areas for improvement. This helps us enhance our services and prevent future issues. Managing Unreasonable Conduct While we are committed to addressing all complaints, we also recognise the need to manage unreasonable conduct by complainants. We follow the NSW Ombudsman's guidelines to ensure staff safety and the integrity of our complaint handling process. For more detailed information, please refer to the NSW Ombudsman's Effective Complaint Management Guidelines. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

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PRIVACY Karumah Inc. is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to our website. The following explains how we collect, use, and manage personal information provided through our website only. This does not cover information collected through our membership, referral, or program participation forms. 1. Collection of Information via the Website When you use our website, we may collect: Personal information you choose to provide (e.g. your name, email address, or phone number when submitting an enquiry). Non-identifying information such as IP addresses, browser type, operating system, and pages viewed (collected through analytics tools). We only collect personal information voluntarily provided by you via forms or email links on the website. 2. Use of Information We use information collected through our website to: Respond to enquiries and requests submitted online. Provide information about our programs, services, and events (where you have opted in). Improve the functionality, security, and performance of our website. We will not use information collected through the website for direct marketing without your consent. 3. Disclosure of Information We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information collected via the website. Information may only be disclosed: With your consent; or Where required or authorised by law. 4. Storage and Security Karumah Inc. takes reasonable steps to protect information collected through our website from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, or disclosure. However, please note that the internet is not a completely secure environment. Emails and online forms submitted via this website are not encrypted and are sent at the user’s own risk. 5. Cookies and Analytics Our website may use cookies and third-party analytics tools to collect non-identifiable information about how visitors use the site. This helps us monitor website performance and improve user experience. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies, though some features of the website may not function properly. 6. External Websites Our website may contain links to external websites. Karumah Inc. is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party sites. 7. Access and Correction You may request access to, or correction of, personal information collected via our website by contacting us (see Section 8). 8. Contact Us For questions about this Website Privacy Statement, or to request access to your information, please contact: M: 0411 060 154 E: contact@karumah.org.au

Peer Connection Living with HIV can sometimes feel isolating, but you are not alone. Our peer connection groups offer a safe, welcoming space to share experiences and just be yourself. Peer connection is about real conversations, the ups and downs, and the support that comes from knowing someone else has walked a similar path. Peer connection programs play an important role in helping people navigate the clinical, emotional and social aspects of living with HIV. Peer support programs are successful because they - Offer belonging and connection. Peer support programs help people living with HIV make connections. These are often different to existing social networks. Give opportunities to hear lived experience. Peer programs build on clinical input. They provide insights into how others manage aspects of living with HIV such as disclosure, sex and relationships. Link people to appropriate support. Peer programs fill an important gap in HIV care. The help make sure people are linked to support that meets their social and cultural needs. O ur Women's Peer Connection and Men's Peer Connection groups meet quarterly. Upcoming meetings can be found under the WHAT'S ON tab and are listed on the Karumah Inc. Facebook page. I get by with a little help from my friends - The Beatles

This referral form can be completed by an individual seeking support (self-referral) or by someone referring another person such as a health worker, support person or family member. Information provided will remain private and confidential in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Privacy Act 1988 (cth). DETAILS OF PERSON BEING REFERRED First name* Last name* PLHIV* Date of birth* Day Month Year Phone* Email* Preferred contact method PERSON COMPLETING THIS FORM (If different to above) First name Last name Phone Email Connection to person being referred Organisation (if applicable) Did the person being referred consent to this referral being submitted? Submit