Support Services

ACNL provides nonjudgmental, compassionate, and confidential services for people living with, affected by, or at risk for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and related STBBIs. Our goal is to engage, empower, and build the capacity of clients in navigating public, private and non-profit sector programs and services so they can live a better quality of life.
 

HIV/hepatitis C
We can help you through all the stages of your HIV and/or hepatitis C diagnoses.
 

Getting Tested for HIV/hepatitis C
Pre- and post-test counselling is available by drop in, phone or scheduled appointments. Are you unsure of where to go, what to do, or even what to expect from the testing process? We can help guide you through the process of testing.
 

Newly Diagnosed
If you are newly diagnosed with HIV and/or hepatitis C and aren’t sure what to do, we can answer your questions around basic treatment information, what your rights are, who needs to know your status or even how to talk to your friends and family about your diagnoses. We can also provide referrals to community, medical and social supports.
 

Long-Term Survivor
The needs of a person who has been living with HIV for many years are very different from those who have been recently diagnosed. We are here to assist you with a variety of issues you might be facing, including: counselling, strategies to re-enter the workforce, financial, or referrals to other appropriate agencies.
 

Affected by HIV/AIDS
We are also a resource for the friends and family of people living with HIV/AIDS and/or hepatitis C. We can answer any questions you might have about transmission or prevention. We can also provide additional information as well as any support you may need.
 

Case Management
Case management is available to people living with HIV or hepatitis C who have complex or multiple needs. Ongoing individualized support is offered to provide advocacy and assistance navigating health and social services system. After completing a needs assessment, the case manager will work together with you to set short and long-term goals.
 

Counselling
Maintaining good health also means learning to cope with stress, loss and grief effectively. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you have been diagnosed with or are living with HIV.

ACNL provides one-on-one short term, supportive counselling for those experiencing crisis in their lives, including but not limited to: new diagnosis, disclosure, illness, grief and loss, and difficulty managing life situations. We provide free, confidential, anonymous counselling to anyone who is living with HIV or affected by HIV/AIDS, STIs and hepatitis C. Services include: couples counselling, grief/bereavement counselling, counselling for friends, family, loved ones and caregivers of those living with HIV and referrals to long-term counseling, psychologists and social workers.
 
Counselling is available in person or over the phone.
 

Referrals
ACNL provides referrals to people living with HIV/AIDS and/or hepatitis C for a variety of supports, including addictions treatment, clothing, food, shelters, housing, employment, and more.