Living with HIV

Community support, peer connection and practical help.

Visit us in person at the Positive Living Centre, the heart of Victoria's HIV community for more than 30 years, or get support where it suits you, including at home, in hospital or at your clinic.

Positive Living Centre

51 Commercial Road, South Yarra, VIC 3141
Tue-Fri: 10AM-4PM

Cost

Free or low-cost depending on service
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Our Approach

Living with HIV today is very different to what it once was. With effective treatment, people can expect long, healthy lives. Alongside medical care, community, peer connection and practical support make all the difference, which is why our services focus on the whole person, not just HIV status.

For more than three decades, the Positive Living Centre (PLC) has been at the heart of Victoria's HIV community. Operated by Thorne Harbour Health, the PLC is a welcoming space created by and for people living with HIV; a place to connect, access support, learn new skills and maintain your health and wellbeing. Most of our programs are free, and all are delivered by experienced staff, peer workers and volunteers.

Our services and supports

Whether you're newly diagnosed, returning after time away, or you've been connected with us for years, our team takes the time to understand your needs and help you find the right services and supports.

Contact us by phone, email or in person to learn more.

Peer Support

Connect with people who understand the experience of living with HIV. The Positive Living Centre offers one-to-one peer support at the Centre, through outreach, and in major HIV clinics, alongside facilitated peer groups.

Our Mob+ program provides a culturally safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with HIV, offering peer support, advocacy, outreach and connection to culture and community.

Connect by emailing peersupport@thorneharbour.org.

Home Care

Practical support to help you remain independent, including volunteer assistance, medical transport, home support, nutrition programs, shopping and one-on-one guidance.

Housing

Housing Plus works with people living with HIV who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. For a crisis response, an Initial Assessment and Planning worker is at the PLC on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Call for an appointment. Housing Plus also provides case management, advocacy, and navigation of homelessness to work towards stable and secure housing.

Financial Assistance

The David Williams Fund provides emergency financial assistance, food vouchers, and study assistance (eligibility criteria apply). The Fund also provides financial literacy support, financial counselling, advocacy, and referrals to help clients build financial stability.

Get application forms below or contact us at dwf@thorneharbour.org.

Social & Creative Programs

Build friendships, explore new interests and stay connected through a diverse calendar of social and creative activities. Our programs foster connection, reduce social isolation and create opportunities to learn, participate and enjoy life alongside others living with HIV.


Explore the calendar below or contact the Positive Living Centre to learn what's coming up.

Practical Support

  • Laundry & shower facilities
  • Lube and condoms available
  • Needle & Syringe Program

Food & Nutrition

Enjoy freshly prepared weekly lunches and fortnightly community dinners, access our food pantry every fortnight, and take part in nutrition programs that support healthy eating, build food confidence and help strengthen community connections.

Check the calendar below to see upcoming meals, workshops and nutrition programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

A broad range of supports for people living with HIV: practical assistance, peer support, health and wellbeing services, social connection and links to our other specialist programs. Delivered at the Positive Living Centre, and through outreach.

Visit the Positive Living Centre, contact us directly, or ask your healthcare provider for a referral. We'll help you find the right services and support, whether that's in person, through outreach, or at your home, hospital or clinic.

A safe, inclusive, supportive environment where you can access services and participate at your own pace, whether that's at the Centre or through outreach.

Yes. HIV may be one part of your life, but other challenges can matter just as much to your wellbeing. We'll take the time to understand your needs and connect you with the right support.

Let us know if you need an interpreter or another form of communication support. We'll make sure you can access our services in a way that works for you.

The latest news from the PLC.

Feedback

We welcome your feedback about the Positive Living Centre. Your comments, compliments and suggestions help us improve our services.

Email us

Our Supporters

Supporting the HIV Services Program’s Positive Pathways project.

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