ACET Ireland

01/04/2026

We are heartbroken to pass on news of the death of Karen Thompson. Karen was the Secretary on our Board of Trustees though had a long association with ACET. Her late father-in-law, John, was our earliest Chairman and in 2017 Karen provided career-break cover for us as a part-time Administrator. On our Board Karen combined a profound wisdom and diligence through her training as a solicitor with a sincere and heartfelt concern for our staff, volunteers and the people we serve. She was always bringing kindness to her conversations, underpinned by a wholehearted sense of justice that was rooted in her generous Christian faith. Her love for others was no more apparent than when expressed for Peter and her boys, for whom we pray and with whom we grieve today. https://rip.ie/death-notice/karen-thompson-dublin-rathgar-626379

18/12/2025

We are delighted to welcome Julian Sunday to the ACET team: Julian is covering the adult care work for maternity leave. She is a nurse with more than eight years of clinical experience across hospital, community, and support work settings, as well as working with Marie Stopes International Nigeria as a clinical service provider, delivering family planning services to women of reproductive age in diverse and underserved communities.
Most recently, Julian completed a Masters in Nursing Science at Ulster University in Belfast. During her postgrad studies, she worked with Positive Futures Belfast as a relief support worker, contributing to person centred support for vulnerable adults.
She is looking forward to bringing a strong foundation in patient care, community health, and collaborative practice to the work of ACET.

01/12/2025

This we are thinking about hope. "Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense regardless of how it turns out." - Vaclev Havel. Our staff today are caring, supporting, informing, empowering, remembering and challenging. Photo from this year's Friends Remembering Friends event.

19/11/2025

ACET's Positive Youth Project provides a youth-friendly service to young people under the age of 25 growing up with HIV in Ireland. With the support of many, including The Hospital Saturday Fund, we are creating a space that offers support, compassion, education and peer connection. Shown here: Embraced Loop, the HIV memorial in the Phoenix Park.

11/11/2025

We are delighted to announce that Johanah Thandie Baloi has joined the ACET team as a peer support worker. Johanah has a longstanding passion for HIV care, advocacy, and community empowerment, particularly in supporting vulnerable and marginalised populations.
She graduated with Social Psychological Health Studies from University College Cork, where she developed a deep interest in holistic wellbeing and community-based health interventions. Driven by empathy and purpose, Johanah is committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can find support, connection, and hope on their health journeys.

24/10/2025

Introducing new research by the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice and ACET Ireland identifying almost fifty faith-based communities in the north-east inner-city of Dublin. Our aim was to analyse the role of faith-based communities in fostering the integration of migrants, refugees, and immigrants in the north-east inner-city, and how they bridge cultural, linguistic, and social gaps, facilitating smoother transitions into Irish society while enriching the local community.
https://www.jcfj.ie/research/faith-in-the-north-east-inner-city/

29/05/2025

Thank you to Benefact Trust for supporting our work!

Supporting Irish churches, charities and communities.

At Benefact Trust, we’re committed to supporting churches and Christian charities across Ireland. Our funding has helped Depaul Ireland. Ending Homelessness. train the next generation of charity professionals in the homelessness sector, developed a flexible and welcoming community space for Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, and empowered young people living with HIV to build confidence and take control of their future with ACET Ireland.

So, if you’re part of a church or Christian charity in Ireland looking for funding, visit: https://bit.ly/43QV1b5

04/04/2025

Great to be at the today. Such richness of wisdom, experience and insight in supporting young people growing up with HIV packed into one day. The Youth Committee (prepped wonderfully by Abi and Aishling) were inspiring, articulate and courageous. Thanks to the team for making it happen.

01/04/2025

Positive Youth Project is on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals from all walks of life! While it’s not a requirement, we encourage and support those with lived experience or who have been affected by HIV to apply. Your unique perspective could inspire and empower young people while also shaping the future of our project.
Volunteers will be expected to participate in peer meet-up events throughout the year.
For more information or an application form, please contact Aishling on 083 372 4025 or email [email protected].