Activities for people living with HIV
Page last reviewed 21.3.2026
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.
Courses and Events for People Living with HIV 2026
The central theme of this year’s courses and group meetings is mental health and emotional wellbeing. Talking about mental health is not always easy, even though it concerns us all. Mental wellbeing can be strengthened, and often this is possible through small changes in everyday life. In the meetings, we focus on our strengths and explore ways to strengthen our own mental health while also supporting the mental wellbeing of others. <3
Wellbeing Day – 25th April at 12 – 16
The theme of the day is mental health and wellbeing. The programme includes shared discussions about living with HIV, as well as support for maintaining mental health and breaking internalized stigma down. Discussions will be facilitated by a professional in a safe atmosphere, all together and in a smaller groups.
Mental health belongs to all of us. It can be strengthened, often through small changes in everyday life. At the event, we will focus on our strengths and discuss how we can positively influence our own and each other’s minds.
Topics include:
- What does mental health mean to you?
- The hand of mental health
- Emotional skills and small everyday changes
- Where can I find support?
There will be a separate, fun programme for children, with a nanny.
When? Saturday, April 25, 12:00–16:00
Please register via the form by 20 April.
Remember to also register the children who will be participating in the day.
Registration is binding.
Innovation Day for People Living with HIV
– 28th February at 10 – 15
The aim of the Innovation Day is to jointly develop ideas and practical approaches for maintaining mental wellbeing and dismantling internalised HIV stigma. The outcomes of the Innovation Day will be used in other meetings and courses taking place in 2026.
Themes of the Innovation Day include:
- What does mental health mean to you?
- The Mental Health Hand
- Emotional skills and small changes in everyday life
- Where can I find support?
These topics will be explored under the guidance of an expert in a safe and supportive environment. Together, we will develop ideas and tools to strengthen mental wellbeing and reduce internalised HIV stigma.
All discussions are confidential and conducted in a warm and respectful atmosphere. All participants in the Innovation Day are people living with HIV.
Food and refreshments will be provided. Please let us know of any special dietary requirements when registering.
Please register for the Innovation Day by 23 February.
For further information, please contact us by email: batulo.essak@hivpoint.fi
or by phone or WhatsApp: +358 40 778 9861
The meeting place in Helsinki will be confirmed upon registration.
Later this year 2026
Wellbeing Day, April 25
Course, August 28-30
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.