The Crescent Support Group is a registered charity that provides support and care both by and for people living with HIV, their partners, families and friends, in and around Hertfordshire. We provide many services, more details of which can be seen by clicking the links below:
| Alternative Therapies | Support |
| Emotional Support & Counselling | Barnet Group |
| Training | Condom Distribution |
We provide a range of complementary therapies which can offer many therapeutic benefits for people living with HIV.
Stress is one of the many factors that can impact on the immune system and a relaxing therapy on a weekly basis can provide the time and space to combat this.
Our therapist John has been working with people living with HIV for 11 years and has a wealth of experience in this field. Click on the links below to see more detail from our complementary therapists:
Oriental Aromatherapy
This unique treatment utilises essential oils therapeutically according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Through an understanding of diagnostic techniques, such as tongue and pulse diagnosis, the most appropriate oils are chosen for the individual. A wide range of ailments - as well as minor conditions where no clearly definable 'disease' exists - can be treated.<< back to Therapies list
<< back to top of pageAuricular Acupuncture
This is a holistic therapy based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Taoist theory and has been practiced in China for thousands of years. Fine needles are inserted in various points, thus enabling us to work with the mind, body and spirit. The benefits of acupuncture often include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better sleep patterns and appetite as well as an enhanced sense of well being.<< back to Therapies list
<< back to top of pageOriental Head Massage
This deeply relaxing treatment is one of the newest and most popular treatments to be introduced to the West. By applying pressure on numerous points on the face and scalp, along with deep relaxing stretching of the neck and shoulders, we can unblock energy and help it flow smoothly. It has enormous therapeutic benefits for the client and has amazing effects on stress related conditions such as headaches, fatigue, tension and insomnia.
Counselling offers emotional support and can enable you to find your own solutions or a new way of looking at your solutions.
The counsellor can help guide you to find those resources within, supporting you and enabling you to understand, identify and resolve those issues.
We can provide training of a standard or specifically tailored format for schools, colleges, universities, private organizations, the public and voluntary sectors.
Our aim is to educate in relation to what the virus is, how it works, how it is transmitted and how it can be managed.
Alongside these clinical factors we will also look at the social implications of living with HIV in the 21st century. This exercise will challenge attitudes of ignorance and prejudice towards people living with HIV.
For educational institutions and voluntary agencies we charge £30 per hour for this service and to all other parties £60 per hour. Our basic course takes 1 hour and the complete course lasts for 3/4 hours.
Financial
The Crescent can refer you for application to Crusaid's Hardship fund created to meet the needs for financial support for all people living with HIV. The Crescent also has it's own hardship fund which entitles members to support.Immigration
The Crescent can help yo with immigration and asylum difficulties. We can support you in finding a solicitor and getting the right advice.General
We offer guidance and support with housing, benefit claims and, where appropriate, referrals to social services
Are you a gay man living with HIV in Barnet? Would you like to meet others who are too?
The Barnet Gay Men’s Support Group meets once a month. We provide a friendly, safe, informal and confidential atmosphere in which to share experiences and information concerning HIV and surrounding issues.
For more information, please call David on 07726 932 932, or visit our website at: www.barnetgaypoz.org
Free condoms and lube are available by visiting The Crescent. If you require our postal service, please do not hesitate to call us on 01727 842532 or alternatively you may email us at info@thecrescent.org.uk.