Activities for people living with HIV
Page last reviewed 11.11.2025
Hivpoint’s courses and meetings for HIV-positive people are open and confidential
In 2025, Hivpoint plans to organise open meetings and one free weekend course for families with children where one or more family members are living with HIV. The aim of the course and events is to support the well-being and functional capacity of the participants and to find resources for living with HIV.
The course provides both professional support and peer support. Open meetings will take place in Helsinki and may last for half a day or a full day.
The course will be held in Southern Finland and will last for 23 days.
Activities for PLWH 2025
Open Meeting for Families with children – How HIV affects parenting and everyday family life? December 1st at 16.00-19.00
How does living with HIV impact family life?
How can parents talk about HIV with their children in an age-appropriate way?
Where can families find support when facing difficult topics?
This meeting is for families in which one or more family members are living with HIV. Together with an expert, we will discuss the questions above in a warm and supportive atmosphere.
All discussions are confidential. Every family taking part is somehow affected by HIV, so you will be among people who understand.
Children are warmly welcome to join. A childcare worker will be present. When registering, please let us know how many children will attend so we can plan snacks and childcare accordingly.
Snacks and drinks will be provided. Please also let us know about any dietary restrictions.
Please register by November 26 by emailing batulo.essak@hivpoint.fi
You can also call or send a WhatsApp message to 040 778 9861.
The meeting will take place in Helsinki – you’ll receive the address upon registration.
What activities take place during classes and meetings?
Courses and meetings have professionally directed group work for adults. Children have their own program during the adult program. Courses and events may include expert lectures, group discussions, and recreational activities. The courses also provide an opportunity for one-on-one discussions with a Hivpoint employee. At open events, it is possible to arrange a separate one-on-one meeting with a Hivpoint employee at a later date.
Themes discussed in meetings and courses may include:
- HIV medication
- Communicating HIV infection
- Disclosing your HIV status
- The Impact of HIV on Couples
- HIV’s impact on parenting
Participants may also make their own requests for the course and meetings programs.
Both during the course and the meetings, a separate program is planned for children while the adults have their program, with childcare provided on Hivpoint’s behalf.
Please note that there is always a separate application period for the course and events and pre-registration is always required.
” During the course I got peer support and it made me realize that I’m not alone with my situation. I was able to share my thoughts for the first time in my life. Listening to the experiences from various people gave me tips to organize my everyday life.”
Course participant
Who are the course and meeting instructors?
The instructors are Hivpoint experts who are trained health and social care professionals. There may also be visiting/guest experts on the course.
”I got so much new information about HIV-treatment and a lot of help and advice from the workers. I felt safe and they were kind and caring.”
Course participant
Costs of meetings and courses
Meetings and courses are free of charge for participants, with the exception of travel expenses. If travel expenses prevent you from participating, please contact Batulo Essak, batulo.essak(at)hivpoint.fi.
Please note that applying for the course and the application accepted for the course is binding.
In the event of cancellation or non-entry of a course without a valid reason, we will charge a fee.
Who can apply for the course and open events?
The course is aimed at families with children whose family includes a person living with HIV. We prioritise new participants who have recently joined our activities, are getting to know our services and need support in living with HIV. We particularly consider a participant’s life situation which may indicate their need for support. Priority is given to participants who have been newly diagnosed with HIV and the participant is adjusting to the new everyday life with HIV. Also, a recently changed life situation (for example, a new partner and relationship or family planning) can raise new types of HIV issues and temporarily increase the need for support.
The open events are aimed at all HIV-positive people, however, family members are also welcome.
Positiiviset Ry’s/HivFinland Courses
Positiiviset Ry/HivFinland organises courses for those living with HIV. In the courses, you can meet other HIV-positive people and their loved ones, exchange experiences of living with HIV, and enjoy relaxing together. In addition to informal socialising, the courses also include other activities.