Social isolation and poverty have arisen as two defining issues for many HIV positive people.

In response to this issue, and the identified needs of clients of the Community Support program, a social drop-in group was established in the northern and southern regions of Melbourne, to provide clients with an opportunity to meet locally over a meal on a casual basis.

Clients retain control of the group and, with a small budget provided by the fundraising efforts of Community Support volunteers, the group is able to cater its lunches, and hold the groups each fortnight in the off-pension week.

The north drop-in has now been in operation for 2 years. On average, 20 people attend, and participants’ report improved confidence, new friendships, and something to look forward to each fortnight.

The success of the north drop-in group led to the establishment of a new group in the southern region and we expect groups to be established in the eastern, western, and Barwon regions of Melbourne in the future.

If you would like more information about the groups, please call the Positive Living Centre on (03) 9863 0444 (or free-call 1800 622 795 for country callers) and ask to speak with a Client Support Officer, or to e-mail, please click here.