To access or inquire about any of our Support Programs, please contact our Support Servces Coordinator. Their contact information can be found in the Staff Directory on the Contact Us page.
Terry Martin Memorial Space
The Terry Martin Memorial space, is open every day from 10am to 4pm. People livig with HIV can come and relax, read, use the internet or phone, play cards or just be.
Supportive Counseling
We provides one-on-one, short term, supportive counseling for those experiencing challenges in their lives, including, but not limited to, new diagnosis, disclosure, illness, grief and loss, difficulty managing life situations and relationships. We can help you access long term counseling as well. Friends, family, loved ones, and caregivers of those living with HIV can also access supportive sessions at ACNS. They can be in person, over the phone or by email.
Advocacy
We advocates with and on behalf of PHAs to assist with better access to healthcare and community resources.Some of our past advocacy for PHAs has been: social assistance, special diet funding, Canada Pension Plan, medication coverage, home care, basic needs and housing. We can also refer people to organizations that may specialize in a specific area of advocacy, such as legal matters or homelessness.
Referrals & Systems Navigation
We provide referrals to PHAs to access a number of community supports, such as legal aid to assist with the completion of a living will, power of attorney or other legal matters, psychological and mental health services, addictions services, specialized food bank and housing organizations to name a few. We can also help you to figure out how to get the healthcare you need, the steps you need to take and what you can expect. Give us a call if you need some help, we may know where you can find what you are looking for.
Treatment Information
We approach HIV treatment from a holistic, harm reduction perspective and keeps an up-to-date information library on HIV,including available medications, adherence strategies, alternative treatments, inflammation, diet and nutrition, medication interactions and mental health. We can provide you with one-on-one treatment information sessions, access to the Internet and printed resources, and treatment information workshops. Please contact us to find out about upcoming workshops being offered.We would also love to hear your ideas for topics to offer as future information sessions.
Poz Gay Men’s Group
This is a monthly social support group for men who identify as gay, bisexual or trans-identified and are living with HIV. It is an opportunity to come together to have discussions, support each other and share experiences. This is a peer-lead group guided by group-identified boundaries with support of our Support Services Coordinator. Snacks are provided. To join this group please contact the Support Services Coordinator.
Poz Women’s Events
Each year we plan a positive women’s event (possibly more than one, depending on interest) where there is a social gathering, discussion and snacks.These events are planned in consultation with poz women who have attended past events with us. We welcome feedback and ideas.
Complementary & Alternative Therapy Programs
Many people use complementary (sometimes known as alternative) health treatments to go along with the medical care they get from their health care provider. These therapies are called "complementary" therapies because usually they are used alongside the more standard medical care provided, such as doctor visits and anti-HIV drugs. Most often, people living with HIV use complementary therapies to ease side effects of HIV drugs, boost their immune systems, or improve their overall health. These therapies can improve their quality of life, as they adjust to living with a chronic health condition. We currently have two registered practitioners who volunteer their time, offering massage and osteopathy to people living with HIV.
Positive Dispatch
Our quarterly newsletter for people living with HIV in NS covers relevant topics such as updates about what is new in HIV, as well as what is happening at ACNS. We welcome ideas from you for future newsletter content and even submissions. Send them along to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can make your submission anonymous if you would like.
Making Ends Meet
We offer hygiene products free-of-charge to those living with HIV who are in need because of low income. All the products are new but availability depends on donations. This program can be accessed on a monthly basis at our office. We welcome any information from clients about the products we could offer and request from donors in the future. Some of the typical products we offer are: toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, lotion, shavers, shaving cream, deodorant, etc.
Workshops and Retreats
We offer a variety of workshops on a range of topics throughout the year, in partnership with local and national organizations. One of our newest initiatives is a PHA retreat, to be held periodically. We would love to hear more from you about the topics that are of interest for workshop sessions and future retreats.
HIV/AIDS Community Vigil Ceremony
Each year, we lead a group of community partners together to offer a HIV/AIDS Vigil Ceremony on the evening of December 1, World AIDS Day, in memory of those we lost and in celebration of the lives of those here today. The ceremony involves a reading of the names of those lost since 1983 to today, lighting of the candle, music and sharing.
