AIDS Committee of Ottawa

banner1

Support Services

 

The Living Room

 

Complementary Therapies

Complementary Therapies

Complimentary therapies are offered every month in The Living Room for ACO clients, including:

  • Foot care with Sonia (www.soniafootcare.ca)
    • Each 30-minute appointment includes an assessment for identifying common foot problems, toenail cutting, skincare, foot massage and referrals to appropriate specialists when necessary.
  • Reiki with Lynnda
    • Reiki is a holistic, spiritual based method of healing used to reduce stress and increase relaxation. Each 45-minute session will be held at the ACO.
  • Haircuts with Tanya
    • Join us in The Living Room on the Second Wednesday of every month for a haircut with Tanya.20-minute appointments are available starting at 1pm-2:20pm, and can be booked with a support worker.

Please contact Kirk at (613) 238-5014 ext. 242 or e-mail kirk@aco-cso.ca to book an appointment.

Advocacy

Advocacy

We can provide assistance of an advocate to communicate on your behalf and/or to support you.

Practical Assistance

Drop into The Living Room for access to practical services such as:

  • Printing/ faxing / photocopying
  • Internet access
  • Telephone access
  • Bus tickets (subject to availability)
One-on-one Support

One-to-one Support

Our Support staff will do all that we can to assist you with any issues, questions, or support needs you have as a person living with HIV. Support staff can provide referrals to other medical professionals and available social supports in the surrounding area.

Support workers can assist you with (but are not limited to) the following

  • Intake assessments and orientation to the ACO
  • Counselling for newly diagnosed individuals and those closely affected by HIV
  • Access to treatment and medication
  • Referrals to a Doctor or medical professional
  • Wellness checks
  • Immigration Support
  • Housing support and referrals
  • OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) application/ submission
  • ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) application/submission
  • Mental health counselling

For more information about one-on-one support, or to book an intake appointment please contact one of our support staff.

Drop-in Sessions

Drop-in Sessions

Drop-in sessions provide the opportunity to meet one-on-one with other service providers and professionals. Services are offered in a non-judgmental and confidential environment once a month, every month. Current drop-in sessions include:

  • ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) case workers
  • Bruce House representatives for questions and information relating to affordable housing
Health Promotion

Health Promotion

Healthy living and access to programs that encourage mental and physical health are extremely important for those of us living with HIV. The ACO values providing our clients with accessible and cost-effective programs that encourage health in all forms.

Sexual Health

Sexual Health Clinic (by appointment)

  • Every Monday from 5:30-8:30pm
  • You do not need to be living with HIV to access the clinic – this clinic is accessible to all by appointment
  • Full-service PrEP & sexual health clinic
  • On-site lab tests, vaccines & STI treatment
  • Free HPV Vaccination For All PrEP Patients
  • Please call or text (416) 420-1250 to book an appointment
Physical Health

Food Bank

  • Every Friday from 1:00-5:00pm
  • ACO clients are welcome to come by to pick up food bank every week. Availability is subject to change, and is on a first come first served basis.

YMCA Subsidy Program in The Living Room

  • Participants in The Living Room are eligible for 50% off memberships at the YMCA. An agency access referral form will be required to receive the discount every month. The referring organization on the form is listed as “The Living Room” and not the AIDS Committee of Ottawa for discretion
  • For all new YMCA members, a government ID will be required to set up your first membership. You will be asked to complete the membership registration form and review and agree to the YMCA terms and conditions when you visit the YMCA for the first time

The Tool Shed

  • Monday to Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Come by The Living Room and speak to a support worker to pick up free harm reduction materials, such as:
    • Naloxone kits
    • Drug use equipment (Pipes, syringes, tinfoil, sharps containers, mouth pieces, cookers etc.)
    • HIV self testing kits
    • Condoms/Lube
    • On-site syringe disposal

 

 

Socials and Groups

Each social provides a warm meal provided by the ACO for you to enjoy. Socials may include topic discussion or educational presentations and workshops. If you’re looking to meet new friends, enjoy some delicious food and discuss relevant topics, join us!

For updated dates for each social, please refer to the monthly calendar. For more information regarding socials, please contact one of our support workers.

  • 50+ Group: Rametou at (613) 238-5014, ext. 255
  • ACB Group: Rametou at (613) 238-5014, ext. 255
  • Women’s Social: Nyota at (613) 238-5014, ext. 253
  • Gay Men’s Social: Joshua at (613) 238-5014, ext. 232
  • 2SPLGBTQ+BIPOC Social: Chris @ (613) 238-5014, ext. 223

* Note that both the Gay Men’s Social and the 2SPLGBTQ+ BIPOC social are open to attend regardless of HIV status. If you identify as a member of these communities, you are welcome!

ACB Group

ACB Group

  • The African-Caribbean and Black Canadian support group is for anyone living with, closely affected by, or family of those living with HIV/AIDS and are of African-Caribbean descent. Our group meets once a month from 12pm-4pm in a confidential and special space where they can come together to share and learn from each other
  • A special African and Caribbean meal is provided. We bring in knowledgeable guest speakers to discuss relevant topics to our community
  • On-site childcare is provided during the group discussion
  • For questions or information, please contact Rametou at (613) 238-5014, ext. 255