18/06/2013 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Black Pride announce headline sponsor

Posted on 18/06/201318/06/2013 by Besi

For the fourth year running, Stonewall, the LGB equality charity will be the main sponsor for UK Black Pride, the biggest festival in Europe for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of African, Asian, Caribbean and Middle Eastern heritage.

Black Pride takes place this year alongside London Community Pride on June 29

Stonewall research shows that gay people from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds experience higher levels of discrimination from public service providers than other gay people, while many also experience poorer health. Stonewall’s continuing support for UK Black Pride underlines the charity’s commitment to celebrating and supporting gay people from all backgrounds.

Stonewall Deputy Chief Executive Ruth Hunt, said:

“We’re proud to continue our support of UK Black Pride as its main sponsor. Over the years, our cooperation has shown that we can effectively engage with and ensure that the needs of BME LGB people penetrate the mainstream of public policy debates. Britain is justifiably seen as a global beacon for equality, which is why events like UK Black Pride – which celebrate diversity and showcase role models for young people – continue to be so important.”

UK Black Pride Director Pav Akhtar, said:

“The technical and financial support that Stonewall has continued to provide UK Black Pride helps us to deliver a fantastic, free event for the entire community. Crucially, however, Stonewall’s help also makes sure the perspectives of BME LGB groups, which are not always reflected in mainstream pride events, get a strong showing and that we can give greater confidence and year-round support to BME LGB people in the UK and further afield.”

UK Black Pride welcomes people of all ethnicities to celebrate the UK’s BME gay community.

To book a place at UK Black Pride, CLICK HERE:

Kemptown MP seeks meeting with the Chancellor

Posted on 18/06/2013 by Besi

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven has contacted the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne MP, seeking a meeting with him regarding funding for the Royal Sussex County Hospital, which is located in his constituency.

Simon said:

“I was delighted when the £420 million funding for redeveloping the Royal Sussex Hospital was announced as this will ensure we have the best possible healthcare facilities for patients. However I am becoming increasingly concerned at the delay in this funding being released.”

Funding was due to be signed off in April 2012 but concerns surrounding the local NHS Trust’s finances have resulted in delays.

Simon added:

“I have contacted the Chancellor requesting a meeting to discuss this important issue so that we can have a hospital fit for the 21st Century. I will continue to press this issue and to work hard for local people as a strong voice for our area.”

Stonewall silent auction

Posted on 18/06/2013 by Besi

Bid for answerphone greeting message from Stephen Fry

An answerphone greeting message from Stephen Fry, a box for 13 at Michael Bublé’s London show and a banquet for 10 at Babylon are just some of the lots on offer in Stonewall’s Summer Party silent auction.

The silent auction is open online to bids from everyone and is in aid of Stonewall’s Education for All campaign which tackles homophobic bullying and celebrates difference in Britain’s schools. Other lots up for grabs are a limited edition print from Thomas Wolski, a plaster cast and acrylic piece by Nancy Fouts and a bespoke garden re-design by Dean Grant. The line-up of lots is completed by an exploding jelly experience at your own event courtesy of Bompas & Parr.

The auction closes online at midday on Friday (June 21), ahead of the sold-out party that evening which takes place at the Kensington Roof Gardens, where the auction winners will be announced.

The event is supported by Société Générale, g3, Out in the City and Out News. The party is hosted by TV chef Allegra McEvedy.

Stonewall Director of Fundraising Catherine Bosworth said:

‘There’s something for everyone in the silent auction. Every penny we raise will help us make a real difference to thousands of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people around Britain.”

For more information on the lots and to bid, CLICK HERE:

Martlets receive £5,000 donation

Posted on 18/06/201318/06/2013 by Besi

The Martlets Hospice located in Hove has received a £5,000 donation from the Making A Difference Locally (MADL) charity, which assists independent retailers that are members of the retail group Nisa, raise money for their local communities.

The hospice is one of 52 hospices to benefit from a donation that will be used to support the vital work hospices across the UK and Ireland do to help people with life-limiting illnesses.

Making A Difference Locally works with suppliers to enable participating retailers to raise money in store through the sale of selected products, with up to 5p being allocated every time a product is purchased. 95% of the funds raised through Making A Difference Locally are guaranteed to be donated to charities across the UK and Ireland. The remaining 5% covers administration costs.

Since it was established in 2008, £2.75 million has been donated to local, regional and national charities through MADL.

The Martlets Hospice in Hove cares for adults aged 18 and over who live in and around Brighton and Hove and are affected by terminal and life-limiting illnesses. Since the Martlets Hospice opened in 1997, they have helped more than 24,000 people. And it’s not only the patients themselves who they care for; long-term support is also on offer for families and carers to help them overcome difficult times.

All Martlets services are provided free of charge, however they receive less than one third of their funding from the NHS and must raise over £8,000 a day to care patients and their families.

John Heagney, MADL board member, said:

“The Making A Difference Locally charity has donated significant amounts to charities and good causes across the UK and Ireland and we are delighted to make these donations to help such a large number of hospices which play a truly vital role in their local communities.”

Robert Griffiths, Director of Fundraising at the Martlets Hospice, said:

“On behalf of the Martlets Hospice I’d like to thank MADL for such a generous donation, £5,000 will go to our Hospice at Home service; this service enables patients to choose to be cared for in their own homes. £5,000 will allow them to provide care for ten patients at home for four days; patients’ families will also be offered vital help and advice. All our services are provided free of charge and as we have to raise over £3 million a year to continue to provide these services, community support like this is essential”