Continued Programs and Services at ACT

In need of confidential, friendly support to help improve your wellness and mental health? The Buddy Program matches people from LGBTQ2+ community, regardless of HIV status, with a trained volunteer that can provide confidential friendly support. You and your Buddy can connect over the phone, email, or video.

For more information or to register for a buddy email Katrina at kkrizmancic@actoronto.org or call 416-340-8484 ext. 283.

Are you interested in free and informative ways to learn about current trends affecting people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS?

Community Health Forums will be held from November to March as Virtual Live Events, featuring expert presenters on health issues relevant to people living with HIV and to those at risk for HIV.

To find out when the next event will be held, email Michael at communityhealthforums@actoronto.org or call 416-340-8484 ext. 350.

ACT continues to provide free condom and lube packs through pharmacies and PrEP Clinics located in the Church-Wellesley neighbourhood.

• Meds Experts Clinic and Pharmacy, 461 Church St
• The PrEP Clinic, 401-344 Bloor St West
• The Village Pharmacy, 473 Church St., and second location at 535 Yonge St
• Maple Leaf Medical Pharmacy, 14 College St.

For more information regarding condoms, including where you can further access free prophylactics and lube, please email Michael at mburtch@actoronto.org or call 416-340-8484 ext. 350.

ACT provides free harm reduction supplies for curbside pick every Thursday and a regular online PnP Drop-In group for gay, bi, and queer guys. To coordinate a curbside pickup of harm reduction supplies (meth pipes, syringes, GHB kits, Booty Bumping Kits, snorting kits, and more) or inquire more about the PnP Drop-In, please contact Gavin at gbejaimal@actoronto.org or 416-340-8484 ext. 454.

ACT provides free, confidential counselling for people living with or concerned about their risk for HIV. Counsellors work with service users on various issues, including HIV concerns, sexual health, mental health and substance use. Session will be offered virtually via Zoom or over the phone. Same-day counselling is also available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (subject to availability).

To access counselling support, call 416-340-2437 and leave a message, or email ask@actoronto.org to schedule an intake.

To access same-day-counselling, please email counselling@actoronto.org before noon on that day for an appointment.

Employment ACTion provides employment support for people accessing ODSP income supports, regardless of HIV status. This program offers career exploration, referrals for skills upgrading, competitive resumes and interview coaching, along with job search, placement and retention follow-up services.

For a confidential appointment, email solutions@employmentaction.org, or visit www.employmentaction.org

A bi-weekly group for gay, bi, and queer men living with HIV who are 40 years of age or older. A variety of topics are discussed, including social support, and aging with HIV.

For more information on Gay Men’s Coffee, or to register, please contact Katrina Krizmancic at kkrizmancic@actoronto.org  or call 416-340-8484 ext. 283.

Did you know that ACT offers a range of group-based programs for cis and trans gay, bi and queer guys? We offer the following groups:

• Psychoeducational Groups for Gay, Bi Queer Guys, regardless of HIV status, on wellness, validation, body image and substance use (including a group specifically on crystal meth).
• Totally outRIGHT: A free sexual health leadership program for young, gay, bi and queer guys between the ages of 18 to 29. Totally outRIGHT provides a safe, inclusive, and diverse space for them to make friends and be a part of a community while exploring a variety of topics in a non-judgemental way.

For more information on Totally outRIGHT, please contact Rui at rpires@actoronto.org or call 416-340-8484 ext. 228.    

For more information about ACT’s group-based programs, please visit www.actoronto.org/programs-services/groups

ACT continues to develop workshops and online resources about HIV prevention, sexual health and harm reduction for gay, bi, and queer guys, as well as women and young people living with and at risk for HIV. We also do online outreach in social and sexual networking apps frequented by gay, bi, and queer guys.

For more information on ACT’s Outreach and Community Education programs, please visit www.actoronto.org/programs-services/outreach-and-community-education. You can also check out our COVID-19 Resources page for more information.

Do you want to connect with other young people who are living with HIV? PYO provides opportunities to meet and learn with your peers. Weekly online drop-in, peer support, workshops, social activities through online platforms like Netflix Parties, discussion group, and referrals for young people (29 or younger) living with HIV.

For more information or to register for PYO, please contact Rob at pyo@actoronto.org or call 416-340-8484 ext. 265.

Did you know that ACT was founded by a group of volunteers and that they are an essential part of the work we do? ACT has a wide range of volunteer opportunities to offer you the chance to work with us in many different and rewarding ways.

For more information, contact Melanie at mcastillo@actoronto.org or call 416-340-8484 ext. 238.

Are you a woman living with HIV and looking for a safe space to connect with other HIV-positive women? ACT’s Women’s Programming is for cis and trans women living with HIV, and offers a closed Facebook group, as well as videos throughout the week for peer-led social connection, and support.

For more information or to register, contact Savannah at snast@actoronto.org or call 416-340-8484 ext. 219.