This paper is a summary of a dissertation presented to Kimmage Development Studies Centre, Dublin in partial fulil ment of the requirements of the MA degree in Development Studie s. It explores the correlation between HIV, the psychosocial needs of an individual and their sense of wellbeing. One organisational re sponse to the psychosocial needs of people living with HIV- the ‘ self-help model’ of service provision- is investigated through a case s tudy approach and its effect on wellbeing is considered. The primary research was conducted in Ireland in 20 09 with 8 individuals, all of whom are HIV-positive and membe rs of the case study organisation Open Heart House in Dublin. The inding s clearly showed that HIV has profound psychosocial implications for the individual from the moment of diagnosis. The concept of HIV as a so cially constructed entity and the inherent stigma was very evident fro m the research and appears to be a driving force behind the detrimenta l impact of HIV on a person’s psychosocial wellbeing. The research als o showed that the self-help model of service provision presents a n effective, holistic response to address the needs of a person living wi th HIV, the result of which is a perceived improvement in wellbeing.