PROGRAMS and SERVICES SOCIAL EVENTS, ACTIVITIES and our POSITIVE+ LIVING PROGRAM Each month, VIPWAS coordinates different social activities for the membership ranging from lunch or dinner outings, museum visits, theatre outings, educational tours, and walks aswell as ongoing Positive+ Living programs in our offices such as The Circle.   Peer Support Peer support is offered one-to-one at the office during the week. Peer supporters are not crisis counsellors or mental health workers, however we are here to help you work through issues and find your own solutions. If you think you are in need of more intense counselling than we can provide, we will help you find the resources to meet your needs. Click here to learn more about our Peer Support program. The Circle A support group for people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS or HepC. The Circle is a space for clients to come and meet others; it is a space where clients have the opportunity to share their challenges and triumphs; or just sit and listen ... “what’s said in the Circle, stays in the Circle”. The Circle has recently passed its 2nd year and is going strong. Those who wish to come to this circle group, please feel free to contact the VIPWAS office at support@vpwas.org, or drop-in on Thursday afternoons at 1:30pm. The circle is facilitated by Nicole Jackson from the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. Every Thursday afternoon 1:30pm Positive+ Living Program The Positive+ Living Program is a health promotion program generously funded through M.A.C Cosmetics' M.A.C AIDS FUND/VIVA GLAM (learn more). This program offers a variety of activities and events to increase social interaction for people living with HIV/AIDS and HepC and improving their health and well-being. Community Referrals We realize that we can’t do everything. If you are looking for a particular service in the community we will refer you to the best place to meet your interests and needs. Treatment Information Vancouver Island Persons with AIDS Society offers a treatment information library and access to computers (when possible) to provide the most up to date information we can. Treatments can be complicated. Finding out what your medications are doing for you and learning how to live with the regimens and the side-effects can be equally complicated. We will help you to find what you need and assist you in your search. The library is also available to health care providers and students seeking to learn more about HIV medications. Computer Cafe Our Computer Cafe offers computer access for members to research HIV information, check e-mail, work on documents or do internet searches. Contact the office for more information or drop in during office hours, there is always someone available to assist. Movie Library Vancouver Island Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Society has DVD movies that members are welcome to borrow. There are many titles to choose from and family friendly films are available. Drop into the office and check it out. The Phoenix Our monthly newsletter called the Phoenix, outlines upcoming events and issues of interest to people living with HIV/AIDS and HepC. You can access the newsletter online (click here), or email support@vpwas.org to receive the newsletter electronically. Social Events & Activities Through the year different activities and social events are offered for our members and their loved ones. Information about upcoming events and activities is always available at the office. Drop in and check out what’s new. Members Lounge The members lounge is a comfortable quiet space for members to meet and talk, get information, share information and build connections with others. Have a coffee and a treat and just relax. Volunteer Support programs and services at VIPWAS can provide you with wonderful opportunities for you to enhance skills, build friendships, and actively participate in your community. Our support programs and services also allows you an opportunity to work with diverse populations who will benefit greatly from your unique contribution of energy, compassion, and talent. At VIPWAS we fully embrace the concepts of GIPA (Greater involvement of People Living with HIV and AIDS) and MIPA (Meaningful Involvement of People Living with HIV). For more information on our volunteer programs please see our volunteer page or contact the office support@vpwas.org.