26/12/2013 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Winter clothing specialists donate thermals to Brighton YMCA residents

Posted on 26/12/201309/01/2014 by Besi

The Leicester based company Universal Textiles donates 300 pieces of thermal clothing from their FLOSO thermal range to Brighton YMCA to help their residents stay warm this winter.

The donation forms part of 1,500 pieces given to YMCA services across the country.

This winter is forecast to be one of the most severe to hit Britain for years and will be a particularly tough one for people at risk of homelessness as well as those living on a low income.

Forecasters expect above-average snowfall, bitter arctic gales and plunging temperatures until February, which combined with the rising fuel costs, will put increasing pressure on those already struggling to stay warm.

Mr Karia from Universal-Textiles said: “Something as simple as putting on a layer of thermal clothing can make a huge difference to coping with the cold.”

Suzi Browne, spokesperson for YMCA, said: “Christmas and the winter months can be particularly difficult for those who are sleeping rough or in low income homes and unable to afford the rising costs of heating. While no one should be in a position where they feel they have no choice but to sleep on the streets or choose between heating or eating, this is sadly the daily reality for a growing number of people. We are very grateful to Universal Textiles for their kind donation, which will be distributed via YMCA services and drop in centres to those who need it most.”

Brighton YMCA has been housing and supporting local men and women with support needs since 1870.

Thermal underwear works by trapping a thin layer of air between the skin and the thermal fabric. The body, which has a core temperature of 37^oC, then warms this layer of air, and due to air’s natural insulation qualities, this in turn keeps the body warm.

For more information about Brighton YMCA, CLICK HERE:

Council Leader calls on government to ‘wake up’ on welfare costs

Posted on 26/12/2013 by Sarah Green

The Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council has written to Iain Duncan Smith, calling on him to cover councils’ costs in administering government benefits in order to protect other services.

Councils administer housing benefit in their local area on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. In his letter, Councillor Jason Kitcat points out that government cuts to this scheme mean that the financial support from government to Brighton & Hove only covers half of what it costs to administer housing benefit.

Councillor Kitcat, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council said: “We have to spend nearly £3m picking up the costs for administering the government’s housing benefit programme. That’s millions of pounds local taxpayers’ money that should be spent on local services.

“Not only are they cutting housing benefit for the poorest in our city, but they’re also cutting corners on running the whole scheme.

“The government needs to wake up to the real costs of their policies.”

Rise in syphilis cases among men having sex with men in the Norwich area

Posted on 26/12/2013 by Besi

Remember to use a condom this Christmas and New Year.

Health professionals in Norfolk are urging people to practice safer sex following a 43% increase in the number of diagnosed syphilis cases this year. The majority (80%) of these were among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Although the number of cases is low, the increase is significant. Syphilis is an unpleasant infection which can go unnoticed for weeks and if untreated can lead to serious complications. Some people experience sores or ulcers at the site of the infection. This can then develop into nasty rashes and people can experience flu-like symptoms.

Men who have sex with men are advised to have an HIV and STI screen at least annually, and every three months if having unprotected sex (this includes using protection half way through a sexual activity) with new or casual partners.

A recent case study shows how having unprotected sex can affect your life:

A 32 year-old male visited his GP with a rash and sore throat. He didn’t mention a recent visit to a London sauna where he had sex with two men. Antibiotics cleared the rash but the patient was still worried about HIV so went to the sexual health clinic to be tested. He was then diagnosed with recently catching HIV and syphilis. Tests currently show HIV has not damaged his immune system but he will have regular blood tests in future to monitor this and will receive treatment for HIV. Telling his regular partner was difficult but prompted him to also be tested. Fortunately the partner tested negative. They are still together and now always use condoms.

Dr Giri Shankar, Consultant in communicable disease control, Public Health England said: “Unprotected sex, especially with casual and multiple partners, is the biggest risk for getting syphilis or any other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Along with the more traditional ways of people meeting for casual sex, social networking sites are making this behaviour easier, especially in the gay community. The only way to get protection from STIs is to practise safer sex. If you are a man who has sex with men or has changed partner recently, get tested for Syphilis.”

Dr Jo Evans, Consultant in Genito Urinary Medicine, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, added: “Lots of people carry STIs in their system and are unaware of this, so it is essential to use a condom every time you have sex to avoid catching something unpleasant. We are particularly worried about the recent increase in syphilis, especially amongst men who have sex with men. If you’ve had a new partner recently and not always used condoms get yourself checked; if you are a man who has sex with men you are at a higher risk, even if using condoms – get tested now.”

Dr Augustine Pereira, Consultant in Public Health at Norfolk County Council concluded, saying: “The chance of catching other sexually transmitted infections such as HIV is high for those who are already infected with syphilis and other STIs. Our advice is to use a condom at all times and during all forms of sex, including oral sex.”

A recent article in the Lancet shows that men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK are experiencing record high diagnosis rates for various sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV. According to this, over a half of the new diagnosis of HIV and almost three quarters of new cases of syphilis is diagnosed among MSM.

Syphilis can start off as a painless ulcer, usually on the genitals or mouth. These are highly infectious. As the infection progresses people may develop swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, and rashes. Syphilis can be treated with a course of antibiotics.

Anyone concerned about their sexual behaviour, any symptoms they may be showing or need some advice on practising safer sex, should contact their local sexual health clinic, Norfolk LGBT Project or GP.