These are some of the services we can offer you. If there are other things you need help with, please ask us. We give straight answers and have lots of contacts for things we can't do ourselves. Just ask!

Also, check-out www.livepositive.ca / www.viepositive.ca. This new site is a fun, interactive, and bi-lingual website developed by and for HIV-positive youth. The site offers youth-friendly HIV/AIDS education, treatment, and support information. The message board is a great place to connect with other poz youth, ask questions, talk about meds, or just chat!

 

Peer Counselling

You can meet privately, one-on-one, with another young person who is HIV+. You may want to hear their story, find out how they are dealing with their situation, get advice for difficult problems, or simply talk.

Peer Support Groups

PYO originally started by offering HIV-positive young people the opportunity to meet others who were going through many of the same experiences. We continue to run these groups and participants choose what they want to discuss. They soon discover that they are not the only ones facing major issues such as: dealing with friends, family, school, depression, isolation, suicidal feelings, discrimination, sex, relationships and others. Groups are made up of people from different backgrounds, sexes, cultures and sexual orientations. Together, participants problem-solve, strategize and become empowered.

Social Activities

Looking for something to do? PYO has regular social activities during the weekly Drop ins (every Thursday from 3-8pm at 399 Church St. 4th floor) and special opportunities available. Call ahead to find out what's happening. Then drop by, meet new friends and check us out.

PYO Wellness Weekend: This is a free weekend retreat for positive youth to learn, discuss, relax and have fun in the country. We provide transportation, accomodation, and meals. Call us at: 416.340.8484 ext. 281 for more information.

Information about HIV

One of the most important things we can do for you is to make sure that your knowledge about HIV is accurate and that all your questions are answered. We have most of the answers, but if we are unsure about something, we know others who can help. We can ask them, or we can arrange for you to contact them directly. Information is power and we want you to be empowered.

Career Planning

Experienced Employment Consultants at the AIDS Committee of Toronto can discuss HIV-related concerns with you, help you to identify and address any barriers to employment, and support you in setting realistic employment planning, education and career goals. Further, there are Resume Clinic staff who are experienced career specialists who will help you create a resume and cover letter, will provide computer training and interview coaching.

Resource Centre

We have an information resource centre in our office with lots of books, pamphlets, videos and magazines. You can drop by and browse, phone or e-mail us to find find out if we have a particular item. We can also direct you to other information centres or try and get the item for you.

Referral Services

We are not experts on everything. Like you, we are dealing with issues that sometimes require us to find a specialist for an appropriate solution. If we think that you should be dealing with someone with a particular expertise, like law for example, we will tell you. We can set you up with that person or just give you the information.

Advocating For You

There may be times when you find yourself losing the battle with some part of the 'system'. We can go to bat for you and help you cut through the red tape. We'll work closely with you to ensure you're getting respect and taken seriously.

Interested in getting your voice heard on a larger scale? We want to help you develop your public speaking skills, media savvy and facilitation skills. Contact us to find out more.

Computer Lab/Internet Access

Would you like to surf the Web, use a computer for a personal project, or learn some new technology at your own pace? We have a small computer lab for that purpose and it's there for you. We have PCs with a range of software. Drop by, or call us for more information.