People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) report feelings of self-doubt, self-consciousness, and negative interpersonal interactions, and feelings of hopelessness and despair related to their illness. Understanding about the social support available and received by PLWHA is important as it impacts their psychological wellbeing. In-depth interviews were carried out with PLWHA receiving treatment and support from a Charity organisation at Fitchewereda. Fitcheis in Oromiaregion, Ethiopia. Participant recruitment was terminated when saturation of themes was obtained in qualitative interviews, totalling 12 participants. Acceptance of HIV status was difficult. A majority chose to seclude themselves and not face discrimination and a similar number were thinking others are discriminating them because of their HIV status. So self-stigma was also affecting psychological wellbeing more than experience of stigma. Being a member of the charity organisation and getting support from that organisation as well as interacting with others receiving treatment there were of assistance in their feelings of belongingness, coping among others. Members received assistance to learn new skills to earn a living and this boosted their self-confidence. Support from the charity organisation was an enabling factor. Participants valued this support, though they had felt that family support could have been better.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Psychological well-being and Perceived social support