Awhina's admin assistant Don Barclay - busy on reception Wellingtonians got their first look at their newly-relocated Awhina Centre last week at a well-attended function with wine, nibbles and speeches. It's doubtful such an event could have been as successful in their old headquarters – this new centre just looks friendlier, somehow. The Awhina Centre's manager Camille Smith agrees. "We moved because we thought we should find somewhere that was more suited to us. We decided on this space because it had an appealing quality. It's freshly painted and designed just for us." While the new HQ is only a little bigger than the old one, the design of the space is better, so it looks a lot more substantial and welcoming to visit. "We have four private offices in use, which are sound-proofed for counselling purposes," Smith explains. "Then we've got our large reception space, a meeting room, and a big health promotion room." Awhina Centre manager Camille Smith Along with their usual counselling services for HIV-positive people, the centre provides free and confidential HIV testing, with full assistance and results within one hour. "We invite anyone who's interested to make an appointment," says Smith. The centre's opening hours are 9pm until 5pm, Monday to Friday. Wellington's Awhina Centre staff would also like to invite new volunteers to join them for their Friday afternoon social meets. "Volunteer Fridays go from 1pm until 5pm – anyone is welcome to come along and help out putting together condom packs, or making red ribbons. We usually have a good crowd each Friday, but are always looking for more volunteers," adds Smith. The contact phone number and email address for Awhina have not changed – their friendly staff await your queries and appointments on the details below. NZAF Wellington Awhina Centre Level One, 187 Willis Street Phone 04 381 6640 Email contact.awhina@nzaf.org.nz Matt Akersten - 18th March 2008