Why Join
You have been recently told you are HIV+. You may be feeling isolated and alone; not sure of what the future may bring for you. Perhaps you are worried about your relationships with friends or family, your employment or you are confused about all the medical talk about “T-Cells” and “Viral Load”? There can be so many issues one has to deal with.
Through becoming a member, and with the non-judgemental warm emotional and practical support of our Membership Team, in our experience many members have found the tools to continue leading happy and productive lives, where by HIV becomes part of our lives but not all of our lives.
Theme spaces
GAY
A welcome alternative to the many gay commercial clubs, The “First Tuesday Club” is completely facilitated by our Gay members.
From 6.30pm till 10pm on the first Tuesday of each month the club has become, for many HIV+ Gay, Bisexual, Lesbian or Transgender members their HIV+ safe and social highlight of the month.
Join us on the first Tuesday of each month for candle lit dinner at 7pm surrounded by the sounds of the latest chart hits and share in the fun, laughter and friendship of fellow gay members.
LADIES
The “Ladies Club” is completely facilitated by our Female members, runs each first and third Wednesday of the month from 6.30pm to 10pm.
Come along, be pampered and experience the friendship and support of other women over candle lit dinner. Relax afterwards in our large and comfortable Coffee Dock while our experienced child care staff supervises the children. Why not try a facial or a complimentary therapy also!
Minority Ethnic Club
In recent years we have grown into a vibrant Inter-Cultural centre thanks to the involvement of our growing Minority Ethnic membership. With 18% of our overall membership of Minority Ethnic origin you will be assured of complete confidentiality and safety and a warm assurance that you are not alone when you join us. Many other members will be here to support you as you are getting used to a new life in Ireland. The membership team will always be on hand to support you no matter what issues you are dealing with. Be it getting to terms with how to access hospitals or clinics, or how to assess legal advice or how to negotiate living in a new Irish culture, you are assured our full support.
Outreach Programme
We are acutely aware that many HIV+ people may not be ready to visit Open heart house or because of their geographical location, it is not physically possible to call in to the centre. If you are feeling isolated or alone we have a range of outreach options which may suit you. Confidentiality will be assured and expected at all times
- On-line support via e –mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
- Telephone support : + 353 1 830 5000
- Text/mobile phone support: +353 87 239 7856
Outreach Officer
Our outreach Officer, Alan provides a daily outreach service in the Dublin area to hospitals, prisons, street outreach and home visits. If you require a visit feel free to contact Alan directly on + 353 1 830 5000 or 087 239 7856
Positive Response (Peer Befriending)
Are you newly diagnosed with HIV and would like to talk to someone in a similar situation? Our Positive Response Team is here to help you.
Prison & Community Befriending
Open heart house has a team of committed volunteers who have become a “Friend” to many HIV+ people both in prison and in the community. The Open heart House befriender offers a listening ear in a non judgmental and non directive manner and will, where possible give practical support. If you are feeling isolated and alone, or know someone who is, feel free to contact a member of the Membership team on + 353 1 830 5000.
