Social & Peer Connection

The importance of social and peer connection

Peer social support and connecting with other people living with HIV can help people to live well with HIV and improve quality of life.

Social support from peers living with HIV differs from support from others due to the sharing of the lived experience. Lived experience is knowledge and understanding of situations that can only be gained through first-hand, personal experience.

Many positive people may not know other people living openly with HIV. This means to find peers and support, people living with HIV usually have to reach out beyond their usual friendship and social networks.

It’s important to remember that you aren’t alone and there are supports available for you to access if you do not know anyone else who is living with HIV.

Here at QPP, we help you connect with other people living with HIV.

Firstly, we have our Peer Navigation program. Our peer navigators are trained in contemporary issues in HIV, and offer people living with HIV an opportunity to talk about issues such as coming to terms with a diagnosis, starting/switching treatment, or negotiating the impacts of stigma. If you would like to talk to a QPP Peer Navigator, please click here to learn more about this program.

Secondly, we have several social groups that run at different times throughout the year. These are informal gatherings, where people living with HIV can connect in a safe space. Head to our Social Groups page to read further.

What is Peer Navigation?

Our Peer Navigation program is designed to provide you with immediate peer support and aims to increase your understanding of HIV.

Join The Program

You don’t need a referral to join, when you’re ready, simply fill out the application form and we will get in contact.  Everything we discuss is confidential.

Social Groups

We have several social groups that run at different times throughout the year. It’s a great place to meet others living with HIV and share stories and make friends.

Staying Healthy

By keeping your mind and body as healthy as possible, it’s much better equipped to fight off viruses and other types of infections.

Our trained team is here to help you should you have any questions or need support. You can call for free from a Queensland land-line on 1800 636 241 or call (07) 3013 5555 (national). You can also email us or use the contact form or the chat function in the corner of our website.