SPUNK!
SPUNK! is a support group for gay/bi/queer men who want to make changes regarding their drug use, whether those changes are harm reduction or abstinence.
ACT offers a wide range of group-based programs. Some of these are support groups, some of these are more educational in nature. We offer groups specifically for people living with HIV, for those concerned about their risk of HIV, as well as groups that focus on mental health or substance use.
We offer group-based mental health and substance use group-based counselling programs for diverse groups of cis and trans gay, bi, and queer men. These groups are for guys who are HIV-negative, HIV-positive or who do not know their HIV status. Groups are offered throughout the year on a range of topics including loneliness, body image, self-esteem, sexuality, crystal meth and more.
For more information about upcoming groups, call Vincent at 416-340-8484 ext. 229 or email vfrancoeur@actoronto.org. Or visit our calendar.
We offer two weekly free, nutritious and delicious hot meals in a confidential and supportive environment each Thursday and Friday. Advance registration is required for both. Thursday’s “Good Company Lunch” is for people with HIV who face specific health challenges. Friday’s “Meet and Eat” is open to all people living with HIV. Call 416-340-8484 ext. 219 for more information or to register.
Peer support for young people age 29 and under living with HIV. Drop-in is held from 4 to 6 p.m., and discussion groups from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday. Monthly activities!
For more information call 416-340-8484 ext. 265 or email pyo@actoronto.org
SPUNK! is a support group for cis & trans gay/bi/queer men who want to make positive changes regarding their drug use, whether those changes are harm reduction or abstinence. The group runs for 6 weeks, twice per year. We explore substance use from a non-judgmental point of view, and how it impacts sex and sexuality. We provide tools for personal development and provide extensive, tailor-made referrals to services once the group is over.
SPUNK! is a closed group. This means folks need to register to join, and that it isn’t a drop-in group where different people come and go. A closed group creates a place that allows intimate discussion. SPUNK! is facilitated (led) by two professionals working with cis & trans gay/bi/queer men’s sexual health.
SPUNK! uses Motivational Interviewing (MI), as well as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) as well as Mindfulness techniques.
If you are interested, the first step is to call 416-340-8484 ext. 454 or email spunk@actoronto.org
A range of short-term, theme specific support groups as well as ongoing groups are offered to meet the needs of those living with HIV. We have groups for long-term survivors of HIV, and groups for people who have recently been diagnosed as HIV-positive. We offer groups just for gay men, as well as groups open to anyone regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Groups are offered throughout the year. For more information about upcoming support groups, call 416-340-8484 ext. 283.
Want to learn how to be a leader while meeting other young guys who are passionate about community and their sexual health?
Totally outRIGHT is a free sexual health leadership program for young gay, bi, pansexual and queer men, ages 18-29 who want to be community leaders, including racialized guys, guys from diverse ethnic communities, trans guys, and guys living with HIV.
Registration takes 20 to 30 minutes online. We will acknowledge receipt of your registration and review the information as soon as possible. We will then schedule an interview to meet you as part of the registration process.
Held twice monthly, this social support event for HIV-positive women (cis and trans) provides an opportunity to connect with others and learn from one another’s experiences. Call 416-340-8484 ext. 219 for more information. Child minding subsidies and public transit fare can be provided upon request.
Held three times each month, and open to all women living with HIV, including trans women, WomenZone offers women the opportunity to learn about ways to better manage their health. Topics include the importance of nutrition, for example. Each session is a dynamic experience crafted to improve overall health and well-being. For more information, or to register, contact 416-340-8484 ext. 219.
We offer a variety of workshop series that combine presentations about HIV-related health, social, and financial issues with facilitated group discussion. We have a workshop series just for gay men who recently have found out they have HIV, as well as workshop series open to all people living with HIV and AIDS, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. For more information about topics and dates, call 416-340-8484 ext. 283.