Peer Program
ACCKWA defines ‘Peer’ as an individual living with HIV. ACCKWA also recognizes ‘Peer’ as an individual living with Hep C and/or those involved in ACCKWA Programs;
African & Caribbean Community Development: a person living with HIV who is African, Caribbean or Black (ACB).
Youth Sexual Health: youth who identify as LGBTQ+, racialized, in conflict with the law or incarcerated, experiencing homelessness, with past or current substance use and/or addictions, pregnant and/or parenting, living with STIs, living in poverty, outside the traditional school system, and with developmental delays and disabilities.
Gay Men’s Sexual Health: those who self-identify as members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and/or Queer community.
Harm Reduction: anyone with past or present lived experience using substances.
Women’s Community Development: anyone identifying as a woman who is either living with HIV or facing systemic risk factors for HIV.
Our programming works to reduce HIV, Hep C, and drug use related stigma and discrimination and influence behaviour change among groups at risk for HIV infection.
Grounded in the GIPA Principle and The Ontario Accord, these programs provide:
- Leadership development and empowerment activities for Peers
- Training and skills development to speak at educational engagements as part of the Speakers Bureau program
- Support and development through the Turning to One Another Working Group
For more information about Peer programs, contact The Manager of Volunteers & Peer Engagement or The Peer Educator
Acronyms commonly used in the Peer Engagement Program:
PHA or Peer (a person living with HIV/AIDS)
TTOA WG (Turning To One Another Working Group)
S2T (Survive To Thrive)
GIPA (Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS)
ABRPO (The AIDS Bereavement & Resiliency Program of Ontario)
Fundraising With Peers
Some ways that Peers have created to raise funds for their programs are
through crafting and photography!
Amazing collages created by Peers led by Art For AIDS 12″ x 12″ prints $30 each