Grampian Buddy Group
	Who Are We? The Buddy Group was set up in 1990 to provide support and friendship to those living with HIV within the Grampian area. We work on a one to one basis with our clients, according to their individual needs. The Buddy group works in conjunction with the Department of GU Medicine at Woolmanhill who ultimately decide when a client needs a buddy and who that person will be. We can visit prisons or other institutions if required. We are not judgemental and never discriminate! How Does It All Work? The group meets monthly for a support meeting. It is absolutely essential that attendance is regular. Even if a member is not buddying attendance is still very important to the group as a support for those who are buddying. It can be very stressful at times, but we do laugh a lot too. We have an excellent support network within the group and confidentiality is of paramount importance. Everything is kept within the group and information about our clients is only brought to the group with the client's permission. Our buddies and clients have to be totally confident that nothing will be disclosed outside the group. When buddying, the individual buddy makes his/her own arrangements with their client. Every relationship is different and it must work for both client and buddy. On average we meet up with our clients once a week or once a fortnight depending on what is practical for both parties, with perhaps telephone contact in between. It is very important to be reliable and committed. If a problem arises it is to be emphasised that we are all there to help each other and therefore we never hesitate to talk to another member of the Buddy Group or someone at the G.U.M. Clinic.