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Local charities benefit from the voices of Actually

BHGMC

Following successful performances and fundraising throughout 2012 by both Actually Gay Men’s Chorus and Actually Gay Women’s Chorus, £1141.64 has been presented to local charities and organisations.

This month Actually CIC presented  Sussex Air Ambulance with £323.16, Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard with £498.16 and Brighton Women’s Centre with £320.32.
The money was raised from a Moulin Rouge inspired production, The Show Must Go On and a very patriotic Pride event, Our Crowning Glory performed by Actually Gay Men’s Chorus whilst Actually Gay Women’s Chorus sang in their debut performance Showtime and both Choruses joined forces in December for Twas The Night Before Christmas.

For further information about the Actually Gay Men’s Chorus VIEW:  

For further information about the Actually Gay Women’s Chorus, VIEW:

Local NHS Foundation Trust tops Stonewall’s health list

Stonewall

Stonewall. the LGB equality charity today publishes the results of its inaugural Healthcare Equality Index, showcasing the most gay-friendly healthcare organisations in England.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust heads the list with Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust in second place followed by London Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

The Healthcare Equality Index is a new tool for health providers to benchmark and track their progress on equality for their lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) patients and communities. Sussex Partnership NHS Trust leads the Top 10, following their success at being the top performing NHS employer in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers 2012.

Thirty two healthcare organisations entered the Index, providing services to over 15 million patients across all regions of England. Organisations were assessed against criteria including policy and practice, engagement and communication, health promotion and staff training.

James Taylor, Stonewall’s Senior Health Officer, said:

“Every healthcare organisation that secured a place in the Top 10 has performed well. Our ground-breaking research consistently demonstrates that many lesbian, gay and bisexual people still face poor health outcomes and experiences when they use the NHS. Every organisation that entered this Index is helping to tackle health inequalities and deliver a 21st century health service accessible to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.”
 

Lisa Rodrigues CBE, Chief Executive at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, added:

“We’re utterly delighted to be awarded the number one position in the first Stonewall Healthcare Equality Index. We see the award not as a sign that our work is done. But rather, we have made a strong start. It’s our honour and duty to provide the best possible treatment and care to the 100,000 people a year we serve.”

The Healthcare Equality Index 2013 can be downloaded HERE:

UK Black Pride and London LGBT+ Community Pride announce partnership

Black Pride

UK Black Pride – Europe’s largest community-led, not-for-profit support group for African, Asian and Caribbean lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people – and London LGBT+ Community Pride are joining forces for Pride in London on Saturday, June 29 2013.

The partnership will see London LGBT+ Community Pride givepractical support to UK Black Pride for Pride in London 2013. It also marks a ‘coming home’ for award-winning UK Black Pride which has not participated in recent London Pride activities because of concerns about the structural exclusion of the capital’s diverse LGBT communities.

During its time away, UK Black Pride has successfully built its own distinctive identity as a grassroots-led movement of race, faith and LGBT groups and trade union community allies. It has shown that putting people and politics at the heart of celebrating pride is the most effective way to pursue the fight for equality, inclusion and steadfast opposition to all forms of bigotry in every section of society.

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, UK Black Pride’s founder and Executive Director, said:

“We’re excited to bring UK Black Pride home to the heart of the LGBT community as part of Pride in London. We’re determined to reach new sections of the community, without losing our identity as a national group that works for the capital’s Black LGBT people. We’ll bring our own brand of entertainment and education to promote love without borders and ensure this year’s London Pride is one the entire community can feel part of. UK Black Pride’s summer of love line up will include exciting activities and entertainment so make sure you come out to support the community’s Pride in London in 2013.”

Michael Salter, Chair of London LGBT+ Community Pride, said:

“As the new organisers of Pride in London we are delighted that UK Black Pride will be part of Pride in London in 2013. There could be no better demonstration of our commitment to ensuring that Pride in this great, diverse city is inclusive and welcoming of the entire LGBT+ community.” 

For more information about Black Pride VIEW:  

Leap into Spring and enjoy an active Easter this weekend

WEB.600Enjoy an active Easter with one of the many sporting activities organised by the Council across the city this April.

The council’s Active for Life team is offering a range of events, from organised sports courses to Easter eggs hunts, during the school holidays. Activities for all ages to enjoy are available from 2 to 12 April.

Sport training on offer includes:

• Netball,

• Cricket,

• Skateboarding and

• Running courses.

Spaces are offered on a first come, first served basis. Many sessions are free although fees apply for some training options.

Families and young children can have an egg-citing time with Easter games, egg hunts and craft days.

The final event of the holiday programme is a Marafun day on Friday April 12, celebrating and anticipating the annual Brighton Marathon taking place on April 14.

Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chair of Brighton & Hove’s economic development & culture committee, said:

“The Active for Life team has put together a great mix of activities for all ages and abilities. There is also plenty to do whatever the weather! The Easter programme is always popular so it’s a good idea to sign up as soon as possible.”

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