The Pride Welcome Centre is now open at Envy, upstairs from the Charles Street bar, to welcome Pride-goers to this year’s events.
Tickets and wristbands to both the Pride Park Festival and the Pride Village Party can be purchased there.
Residents and businesses in the St James Street area who live or work within the Pride Village Party street closure zones will be able to pick up Resident Access wristbands to ensure access during the street closures on Saturday 2 and Sunday August 3.
Residents just need to bring proof of residency (such as a utility bill or driving licence) upon collection.
Those who have purchased tickets to the Park and Village Party will also be able to exchange e-tickets for wristbands which will help speed up entry to both events. The Pride Pocket Guide will also be available with maps, line-ups and information for the big Pride weekend.
The Welcome Centre is at Envy (above Charles Street Bar) on Marine Parade, opposite the Sea Life Centre, and will be open:
• Sunday 27th July – Wednesday 30th July: Midday to 5 p.m.
• Thursday 31st July & Friday 1st August: Midday to 9 p.m.
Pride Park Tickets are available at £20 each (if paying by cash) or £21.95 (inclusive of transaction charges if paying by credit or debit card).
Pledgebands to the Pride Village Party are available at £5 each (if paying by cash) or £6.27 (inclusive of transaction charges if paying by debit or credit card).
£1 from each Park Ticket and Village Party pledge band sold will go to The Rainbow Fund, which provides grants to LGBT/HIV organisations providing effective front line services to the LGBT Community in Brighton and Hove.
Labour Parliamentary candidates take campaign to save the local fire service from cuts to Westminster.
From L to R: Simon Herbert (Chair East Sussex FBU), Nancy Platts (PPC Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven), Mark Brown (Secretary East Sussex FBU), Sarah Owen (PPC Hastings and Rye), Cllr Phil Scott (Labour Lead on East Sussex Fire Authority)
Nancy Platts, standing in Kemptown and Peacehaven, and Sarah Owen, standing in Hastings and Rye, took local FBU representatives to meet Shadow Fire Minister Lyn Brown MP in Westminster.
Proposed cuts will reduce the number of fire engines in Brighton and Hove from five down to four and take away 24 firefighters.
One fire engine will be lost from either Hove or Preston Circus whilst The Ridge in Hastings and Roedean will move to a new shift system requiring firefighters to remain at the station for 96 hours at a time.
Nancy said:“Days like today with flooding and accidents are a reminder of how much our fire service does for us. We believe that if these cuts go through, we will have gone beyond having the ‘bare bones’ of a fire service; these cuts are going to result in loss of life and property.
“Lib Dem, UKIP and Conservative councillors voted to make these cuts at the same time as we are being asked to find space for new homes for a growing population – we will be running on luck and it’s not sustainable.”
The consultation has revealed that the cuts would mean a small increase in the number of fire related deaths but despite an outcry in East Sussex the changes are going ahead.
Sarah added:“Public safety is paramount. We have consistently argued that firefighters who risk their lives to save ours, should be the last place to find savings. We will continue to work with all involved to secure a positive, safe future for our fire service.
“We all agree savings have to be made, but the Tories and UKIP have been perversely complicit in protecting the top heavy, costly management structure at East Sussex even when faced with the decision to cut up to 80 frontline firefighters.”
The Westminster meeting gave the FBU reps a chance to raise their concerns with Lyn Brown MP and to share their ideas for an alternative cost cutting ideas that protect frontline services.
Shadow Fire Minister Lyn Brown MP, said:“It was really nice to meet the group coming up from East Sussex, but worrying to hear their concerns. It is always useful to get the detail about the situation from people who are living and working in the area.
“With local risks always changing and less money to go around, what is available needs to be spent wisely. The Government’s dithering and lack of leadership isn’t making it easy for Fire and Rescue Services to protect the frontline.
“I know from our discussion that Nancy and Sarah are very concerned about public safety and they are doing an excellent job of representing local people by bringing these issues into Parliament.”
Representatives from the FBU say there are alternative cost cutting options that should be investigated and are campaigning for a rethink.
Simon Herbert, Chair of East Sussex FBU, said:“We would like to thank Shadow Minister Lyn Brown MP for taking the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns and the solutions we offered. We look forward to building a thoughtful dialogue and constructive relationship with her.
“We want to keep the public safe, that’s our job and these cuts threaten our ability to protect life and property. We would like to extend a warm invitation to Lyn Brown to visit us in East Sussex to meet local firefighters and hear from them directly.”
Scottish Government launches Scotland believes in equality campaign across Scotland and a new website to promote equality north of the border.
The campaign aims to celebrate the huge progress that Scotland has made towards achieving LGBTI equality, from the initial decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1980 to the passage of equal marriage legislation earlier this year, whilst recognising that more needs to be done to achieve full equality for LGBTI people in the law and society.
The Equality Network, Scotland equality charity have welcomed the launch of the campaign during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games when the eyes of the world are focused on Scotland, saying it shows Scotland is truly proud to demonstrate its commitment to LGBTI equality.
Tom French
Tom French, Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network, said:“Scotland’s devolved Government and Parliament should be proud of the progress they’ve made towards LGBTI equality since 1999. We welcome this campaign with its strong message that equality is a core value in Scotland. There is still a lot more to do of course to end discrimination, but with this kind of commitment, we would expect progress to continue.”
The launch of the new campaign comes just days after the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, watched by over a billion people worldwide, which included a same-sex kiss in celebration of the passage of equal marriage legislation in Scotland earlier this year.
The Scottish Government are also flying the rainbow flag, in support of LGBTI equality, from St Andrew’s House throughout the Games.
For more information about the Equality Network, CLICK HERE:
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven is calling for a Henry Allingham Statue to be installed in Whitehall to commemorate World War One Veterans.
The late Henry Allingham
Mr Kirby has written to Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon MP, asking the Secretary of State to consider publicly funding a statue for the late World War One veteran and Ovingdean resident, Henry Allingham. Mr Kirby’s call comes as the anniversary of the start of World War One approaches.
Simon Kirby MP
Simon said: “It has been put to me that given the late Henry Allingham’s important status as the person who lived longest after World War One and who fought in it, it would be a suitable tribute to him and all those who were in the War to have a statue in Whitehall dedicated to Mr Allingham.”
He added:“This initiative comes at a time when so many will be remembered for their service at the time of the 1914-18 War and the many who did not return home after the conflict had ended. Henry Allingham represents so much that is good about Britain, he was a Brighton resident and his life deserves to be marked in this way.”
New figures from Public Health England (PHE) reveal hospital admissions, liver transplants and deaths from hepatitis C (HCV) have all risen in the UK.
Hospital admissions from hepatitis C-related end stage liver disease have risen from 608 in 1998 to 2,390 in 2012, while deaths have risen from 98 in 1996 to 428 in 2012. Liver transplant first registrations where post-hepatitis C cirrhosis was an indication for transplant have quadrupled from 45 in 1996 to 188 in 2013. These figures are released as part of the PHE annual report on hepatitis C in the UK published today, World Hepatitis Day (July 28).
Most recent national estimates suggest that around 214,000 individuals are chronically infected with HCV in the UK. Injecting drug use continues to be the most important risk factor, with around 50% of people who currently inject drugs thought to be infected. Also at risk are those who have injected drugs in the past, even if only once. Other people who may have been infected include those who received blood transfusions in the UK prior to September 1991, as well as anyone who has received medical or dental treatment in countries where HCV is common and infection control may be poor.
Although antiviral treatments that will successfully clear HCV in the majority of patients are available and approved for use in the UK, only an estimated 28,000 patients in England were treated between 2006 and 2011 – just 3% of those chronically infected per year.
Statistical modelling suggests that nearly 10,850 individuals are currently living with HCV-related cirrhosis or liver cancer in England, and predicts that this figure will rise to 13,590 in 2025 if low coverage of current treatments is maintained. If we could rapidly scale up standard treatment to complete coverage over the next 15 years, modelling predicts that over 4,100 fewer people could be living with HCV-related cirrhosis and liver cancer by 2025.
Approximately the same reduction could be achieved by using new more effective treatments and just doubling the number treated over the next 10 years. In the best-case scenario, if rapid scale-up to complete coverage and more effective treatments were implemented, 8,340 fewer people could be living with HCV-related cirrhosis and liver cancer by 2025. However, if standard treatments continue at their current low levels, the number of patients with severe HCV-related disease will continue to rise, resulting in loss of life and a substantial future burden on healthcare resources.
Dr Helen Harris, a hepatitis C expert at PHE, who led the publication of the report, said: “Our latest “Hepatitis C in the UK” report highlights where national progress in tackling the infection has been made, but it also shows the scale of the challenge ahead. Transmission amongst risk groups continues and significant numbers remain undiagnosed and untreated. With many new and improved treatments on the horizon, it is increasingly important to raise awareness of the infection so that more individuals can be diagnosed and treated.
“As well as encouraging more testing and treatment, there is an urgent need for better monitoring and reporting of treatment outcomes, as well as expansion of treatment into non-traditional settings, such as primary care, drug treatment centres, and prisons. Such measures must go hand-in-hand with effective prevention activity, like drug treatment and safe injecting practices for people who inject drugs, if we are to tackle hepatitis C and the disease it causes.”
Paul Cosford
Dr Paul Cosford, Director for Health Protection and Medical Director at PHE, added: “While this report demonstrates we are making progress, there is much more that can and should be done to prevent more deaths and serious illness caused by hepatitis C. The landscape of hepatitis C treatment is changing rapidly and an era of vastly improved treatment is potentially on the way. In the meantime disease burden is rising and there is still a pressing need for infected patients to be treated as soon as possible.
“PHE is committed to working in partnership with other organisations to tackle hepatitis C and arrest the future burden of hepatitis C-related disease. Our recent work with NHS and the National Offender Management Service to expand hepatitis C screening to prisons is a significant step and shows the benefit of a partnership approach to tackling hepatitis C in England.”
Charles Gore
Charles Gore, Chief Executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, said:“Despite the examples of good practice and the availability of effective treatments, we must accept that the rising hospital episodes and deaths, the poor diagnosis rate and the shockingly low level of treatment means we are failing patients.
“What this report highlights is the pressing need for immediate scale-up of the whole response to hepatitis C from prevention, through diagnosis and into treatment. To achieve this we need a multisectoral partnership approach. The new screening initiative in prisons is a fine example of such an approach in practice and we are delighted to be working with PHE and NHS England to extend this into a properly comprehensive plan for scale-up across England. Deaths from hepatitis C are now eminently preventable. It is up to us to see that we do prevent them.”
Stonewall, the lesbian, gay and bisexual equality charity names Ruth Hunt as its new CEO.
Ruth Hunt CEO of Stonewall
Ruth has been Acting CEO of the charity since February this year and before that, she was Deputy Chief Executive.
She joined the charity in 2005 as a Senior Policy Officer, having begun her career at the Equality Challenge Unit. Her appointment follows a comprehensive and transparent recruitment process that threw up a strong set of candidates from which Ruth emerged as the clear winner.
During her time at Stonewall, Ruth has been instrumental in developing Stonewall’s work to change hearts and minds – beyond legislative change – helping to establish a strong evidence base for activity and developing pioneering campaigns including Stonewall’s Education for All campaign.
As Acting Chief Executive, she demonstrated her strong commitment to ensuring all LGBT communities, both here and abroad, are included and involved in Stonewall’s work going forward.
Jan Gooding: Photo credit VisMedia
Jan Gooding, Stonewall’s Chair of Trustees, said:“Ruth is an outstanding choice for Stonewall – a bold leader with a naturally collaborative approach and a clear vision. Stonewall is 25 this year and at an exciting time in its evolution. We are justifiably proud of our achievements in equal rights for lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the UK and now the charity is ready to begin a new chapter. Ruth has amply demonstrated that she has the skills and experience to take us forward, helping us achieve real and lasting social change.”
Ruth, a practising Catholic, lives in London with her civil partner, Kirsty. She was educated at New College School, Cardiff, King Edward VII Camp Hill School for Girls, Birmingham and St Hilda’s College, Oxford where she was President of Oxford University Student Union.
Ruth Hunt said: “I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead Stonewall, a highly-respected organisation that is synonymous with achieving equal rights for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. It is full of committed, intelligent and creative people and I am very pleased to be heading up such a talented team.”
“There are so many opportunities ahead, as well – of course – as challenges. I look forward to working with Stonewall’s many partners to develop what the team and my predecessors have already achieved, to advance equality and challenge discrimination both throughout the UK and abroad. These goals we share with the lesbian, gay and bisexual community and it’s fundamental that we work together to achieve them.”
Ruth takes over as Chief Executive immediately and succeeds Ben Summerskill, who stepped down from the post at the end of January 2014.
Stonewall was set up in 1989 as a lobbying group to fight discrimination against lesbians, gay men and bisexual people. Since then, Stonewall has secured the most comprehensive legal rights in the world including marriage and adoption, as well as developing comprehensive programmes of work to achieve social change in spheres including education, health, employment, the criminal justice system and international equality.
Energy Secretary asked to revisit the decision to allow a wind farm off the coast of Sussex.
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has written to the Energy Secretary, Rt Hon Edward Davey MP, asking him to look again at the recent decision to allow the development of the Rampion wind farm off the coast of Sussex.
Mr Kirby wrote to the Secretary of State following concerns put to him by a number of constituents about possible impacts on the local area.
These concerns include:
· The impact on local wildlife. There is a great deal of concern that birds may be killed by the turbines.
· Visual intrusion from the land to the sea. With scores of turbines the view that local people have from the coast to the sea will be irrevocably changed.
· The level of subsidies. The cost of the turbines could add significantly to the cost of electricity bills.
· From the sea, the view of the cliffs will be changed. Many people are worried that the historic view of the Sussex coastline will be spoiled by the installation of turbines.
· Independent bodies such as conservation groups have attacked this decision, expressing concerns about tourism for the area.
Simon said:“This is a matter of deep concern to many of my constituents. I hope the Secretary of State will look again at this decision, which has many long-term implications for the area.”
Trans* woman and her two grandchildren lead Norwich Pride Parade.
Trans Activist Poppy Rose led the Parade with her two grandchildren: Photo Matthew Dartford
Organisers are claiming the sixth Norwich Pride, which took place on Saturday, July 26, was the biggest and best to date, attracting record crowds to the city centre parade.
The sun shone throughout the day as an estimated five thousand people paraded through the city centre led by a colourful samba band and trans* activist Poppy Rose, waving a large rainbow flag, and her two grandchildren.
Vince Laws, creator of Umbrellas of Love, marches with Peter Tatchell
The parade included 42 white Umbrellas of Love with the names of countries where it is illegal to be LGBT painted on them in red to highlight homophobia in the Commonwealth countries while the games are taking place in Glasgow. The project was created and led by poet and activist, Vince Laws.
One of the key aims of Norwich Pride is to turn Norwich into a rainbow during Pride. The rainbow flag flew at many public buildings and businesses across the city and beyond, including the County Police HQ at Wymondham, hospitals, Jarrolds Department Store, the Norwich Puppet Theatre, the Castle Museum and City Hall.
Lord Mayor of Norwich Judith Lubbock formally opened the event and said that Norwich is proud to have such colourful and diverse people contribute in such a positive way.
Hundreds of people provided feedback on the positive experience on Facebook and Twitter.
Dean Simons, Chair of Norwich Pride 2014, was thrilled with how the day unfolded.
He said: “Once again we are proud to bring you a family-friendly, free and inclusive pride event in the heart of our fine city. This year Norwich Pride is bigger than ever as more volunteers, businesses and organisations, such as Aviva Pride and Fosters Solicitors get involved. We mustn’t forget the fantastic support from the trade unions as well – we plan to go on and on!”
The day had a focus on ensuring all schools are a safe space for LGBT pupils and teachers. Elly Barnes, the CEO of Educate and Celebrate, cut the ribbon at the Norfolk Proud Schools film showing in the morning and said her aim was acknowledgement and acceptance in schools around the country.
“What we want is to get all the teachers in the area trained so they have the tools and the confidence to be inclusive of LGBT people in their teaching. It needs to be embedded in the curriculum, and that’s not the case at the moment.”
Elly is currently leading a project called CHIPS – Challenging Homophobia in Primary Schools – that is having a positive impact.
Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell spoke from the bandstand in Chapelfield Gardens at the end of the parade where live music, puppet shows and stalls were located.
Photo Matthew Dartford
He said: “Norwich Pride is fantastic. It’s a great celebration of the contribution that LGBTI people make to the community, enriching its life and contributing to its diversity.”
He said there were celebrations at having won same-sex marriage, but there was also “unfinished business”, including the issue of homophobic bullying in schools, and global issues, with homosexuality still criminalised in 42 of the 53 Commonwealth member states.
A ‘Question Time’ debate took place in front of around 100 people with Peter Tatchell, Elly Barnes and CN Lester as panellists, chaired by local teacher and pride organiser Nick O’Brien. The audience got involved, discussing topical issues such as labelling and whether intersex people belong under the ‘LGBT’ umbrella, homophobia in sport, education, and global concerns for people in countries where being gay is still illegal.
Musician and activist CN Lester also gave a fascinating talk earlier in the day on Beyond a fringe issue: why everyone should care about trans issues.
Julie Bremner, Vice-chair of Norwich Pride, said:“It’s just a beautiful day with beautiful people. Everyone’s smiling, people know what to expect now and I think as organisers we match that.We deliver a free event in the heart of the city, from the LGBT community and for everyone.”
There was a police presence in the city centre, and potential for friction where a few religious protesters had gathered with a crucifix and banners bearing biblical quotations in Gentleman’s Walk. But the parade passed without incident, and Ms Bremner said it aimed to be fun for everyone as well as having an important message.
“Every year we see young people come to this event who actually come out to their friends or family. To me personally, it just makes such a positive difference to making the community a safe place.”
The Pride Welcome Centre is now open at Envy, upstairs from the Charles Street bar, to welcome Pride-goers to this year’s events.
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