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Lunch Positive plans to run a Sunday Lunch

Lunch Positive, the volunteer-led charity that provides a weekly Friday HIV lunch club also plans to pilot a Sunday Lunch on the first Sunday of every month, and wants to hear from people who would like to use the service, or to volunteer.

Lunch Positive

THE IDEA for the Sunday lunch came from existing lunch club members, and other people with HIV who would benefit from being with their peers but can’t come along on Fridays.

Anyone with HIV is welcome, and the emphasis is on spending time together, sharing an enjoyable meal, and feeling part of a community.

 

Gary Pargeter
Gary Pargeter

Gary Pargeter, Volunteer Project Manager, said:We know from our Friday lunches that people get a lot from spending time together, sharing a meal, and being supportive of each other. In addition to our regular Fridays, our new Sunday lunch is a way to reach out to more people that want to be with our peers and part of a community.

“We’re running the Sunday Lunch on the first Sunday of each month, and hope to start on November 2nd. The cost of lunch will be £3 and help cover the cost of  food we need to buy. As always, we’ll help people in financial difficulty who might struggle with the cost.

“Right now we’d like to hear from people who want to come along, and those who’d like to help on the day. We’ll be keeping in touch with people who contact us and will be posting news of what’s happening on our website. We hope that if you’re HIV+ you’ll join us for good food, friendship and community.”

To find out more about Lunch Positive, CLICK HERE:  

To enquire about going to the weekly Friday or new Sunday lunches, EMAIL:

 

 

 

 

Art installation lives on in older residents’ homes

Hundreds of weighing scales that featured in an art installation at Brighton’s Fabrica Art Gallery have been given to 200 sheltered housing tenants as part of a novel project to boost creative activity and tackle isolation.

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Photo credit: Eva Kalpadaki

THE ORIGINAL artwork used 714 scales for a colourful and fun interactive exhibition at the gallery this summer called ‘On Balance’ by Swedish artist Jakob Dahlgren.

The gallery was commissioned by Brighton & Hove City Council to work across five sheltered housing schemes to boost engagement as part of wide ranging project.

Distributed with each set of scales was a leaflet from the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership with simple recipes using fresh food and information about healthy eating. Sheltered Scheme Managers have been trained by the Food Partnership to promote their Shape Up programme which is open to anyone who is struggling with their weight.

The Shape Up course runs for ten weeks and combines nutrition and behavior change advice with gentle exercise for gradual weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.

Brighton & Hove City Council Older People’s Services Manager Peter Huntbach, said:  “It’s sad to see how isolated some residents can become, especially those without close family or friends. We need to draw them out and re-engage them, which is why we have commissioned the Fabrica Art Gallery to run a series of art projects with five of our sheltered schemes with local artist, Helen Goodwin and a team of volunteers from Fabrica.

“This project has not only re-engaged residents with their creative side, it has to also helped them to take a new look at life through the food they eat, and to get out in the fresh air for some gentle exercise be it for a walk or even a spell at the allotment. It all works together for a better life.”

Clare Hankinson, Audience Development Manager, added: “I am delighted that we have been commissioned – we will work through collaboration and conversation – this project is all about getting people together, and creating a permanent work of art which can be displayed in their scheme as something to be proud of and to inspire others.”

Residents were introduced to Fabrica in a most unusual way – with gifts of the brightly coloured flat weighing scales.

In the photo older residents weigh up the colourful and fun On Balance art installation consisting of hundreds of scales slotted together to cover the entire floor at Brighton’s Fabrica Art Gallery. The show happened earlier this year before sheltered housing tenants started taking part in creative art projects with the gallery as part of a scheme by Brighton & Hove City Council to tackle isolation.

 

‘Best Venue’ The Marlborough Theatre calls for applications to Brighton Fringe 2015

Winners of “Best Venue” award at Brighton Fringe 2014, the Marlborough Theatre, are now welcoming applications to their programme for next year.

Marlborough Theatre Brighton revamp October 2013

TAKING place throughout May, Brighton Fringe is England’s largest arts festival and the third largest open access arts festival in the world. Every year the showcase of diverse art forms offers both local talent and artists from across the globe the opportunity to find new audiences and gain valuable media exposure.

The Marlborough is at the heart of this fantastic celebration of fringe culture.

The Marlborough Theatre is one of the best equipped and flexible small-scale spaces on the Fringe. The proscenium arch stage, complete with velvet curtains, sits above a friendly and eclectic pub and hosts over 30 shows each year during the festival.

Throughout the rest of the year The Marlborough presents exciting and boundary-pushing work to a diverse public from all walks of life. It’s also the home of Pink Fringe, year-round producers of Queer performance.

Last year’s line-up on the Fringe included ‘Best Performance’ award winning play Thief by Liam Rudden, Argus Angel awarded comedy by Casual Violence, Rosana Cade’s Sister, named Outstanding Show by Fringe Review, and two sell-out shows by comedy stars of the future Sleeping Trees.In previous years they have also attracted work by the likes of Neil Bartlett and Bette Bourne.

The Marlborough Theatre team are now looking for the best fringe theatre, comedy, cabaret and performance to fill their programme.

The Marlborough Theatre’s Autumn Season starts on Thursday October 16.

To find details on applying for their programme, CLICK HERE:

For more information, CLICK HERE:

PREVIEW: The Snow Queen at NVT

New Venture Theatre are presenting a modern version of the Hans Christian Andersen story, The Snow Queen, adapted and directed by Andrew Allen.

Snow Queen

“Sometimes on a cold winter’s night, if you look through your window, you will see the Snow Queen as she flies through our town. She is very beautiful and her skin looks just like ice…”

As the dark nights draw in,  join Gerda as she journeys across the world and through the seasons to save her best friend Kai from the cold clutches of the Snow Queen. On her way, she meets all manner of magical creatures and enchanting friends to help in her quest.

A story that’s genuinely for all ages, updated for the age we live in.

Director Andrew Allen said: “We want this production to be the reason that a child falls in love with theatre for the rest of their life. To come out of the building wide-eyed and open mouthed, in love with all the characters, and with Gerda as their personal champion.”

“This is a vibrant and relevant production no matter who you are, or how old you are. There are no passive princesses waiting to be saved here, but lots of exciting characters who come together to help Gerda on her journey to the Snow Queen’s palace.”

Andrew Allen has been involved with the NVT for a number of years as writer, director, improviser, workshop leader and actor. He has appeared as Frank in Steven Berkoff’s ‘Kvetch’ and Yvan in ‘Art’ (Brighton and Hove Drama Awards – Best Play, Best Actor, 2009). He directed an innovative production of Euripides’ Medea in 2012 and also his own play, the fast moving comedy thriller ‘Four Play’ for the Brighton Festival Fringe 2011.

THIS PRODUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE THEATRE UPSTAIRS – Note access is by stairs only and may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties.

Event: The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen

Where: New Venture Theatre,  Bedford Pl, Hove, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2PT

When: December Friday 5- Saturday 13 (no Monday evening)

Time: 7.45pm. Matinee: Sunday 7 at 2.30pm

Tickets:  £9 (Final Fri/Sat £10) First Fri & Tues £8

To book tickets online, CLICK HERE:

Or telephone box office on: 01273 746 118

 

Allsorts Youth Project honoured at National Diversity Awards

Role models and charities were honoured at The Hurlingham Club in London at a ceremony rewarding Britain’s most inspirational people for their fight against inequality.

Allsorts wins National Award
Lucas Abedecain receives the Age Community Organisation Award on behalf of Allsorts Youth Project

OVER 21,000 nominations and votes were received this year paying tribute to those from under-represented backgrounds who have dedicated their lives to enhancing the equality agenda.

Brighton based Allsorts Youth Project won the Age Community Organisation Award from the shortlisted 5 organisations.

Allsorts was founded in 1999, by Jess Wood and James Newton, to meet the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* youth in Brighton and Hove. It provides a Safe Space for LGBTU young people under 26, along with youth volunteering opportunities, which includes peer education and outreach in schools, colleges, universities and youth groups.

Judges commended the project for engaging in community development work with young LGBTU, BME and disabled people using digital and social media to connect.

Through media, events, conferences and celebrations, Allsorts create a positive image of LGBTU young people, challenging stereotypes and providing inspiring role models.

Allsorts runs endless campaigns and initiatives, including ‘LGBT Children Young People and Families Day’ for LGBT History month and ‘End LGBT Bullying’, a viral campaign for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, that included a series of images of the young people saying what their school could have done better for LGBTU youth.

Lucas Abedecain who received the award on behalf of Allsorts, said: “It’s a great tribute to our charity and all those who volunteer and work for it, to receive such a significant award, just being shortlisted was a fantastic feeling but for our work to be recognised on the national level is something else”

Jess Wood MBE, founder and director of the charity, added: “It is a great honour for Allsorts to win this prestigious awards. Our youth volunteers really deserve it!”

The ceremony started with an inspirational speech from Human Rights Activist Peter Tatchell, followed by the ‘The Last Leg’ stars Adam Hills and Alex Brooker presenting the positive role model award for disability to Sarah Chapman.

Another highlight of the evening came when Stephen Sutton was honoured with a Special Recognition Award, which was collected by his older brother Chris Sutton. There was not a dry eye in the house as guests were reminded of Stephen’s courageous efforts for raising over £4 million for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

After decades of supporting disabled children through her organisation the Touch Trust, Dilys Price OBE, was awarded the lifetime achiever award by Paralympic medallist Ade Adepitan.

The night also featured performances from Liverpool boy band MiC LOWRY, and singer Lemar.

The prestigious black-tie event has attracted a growing list of top employers including Microsoft, Lloyds Banking Group, Transport for London, PWC, Sky, MI5, The Open University, Financial Ombudsman Service, ThoughtWorks, Mouchel and Penna.

To view the full list of winners, CLICK HERE:

 

 

Unpredictable flu season expected this winter

Public Health England (PHE) and NHS prepare for unpredictable flu season and urge at-risk audiences to take up free flu vaccination.

Public Health England

PHE have launched a national seasonal flu campaign, encouraging uptake of the flu vaccine among the most at-risk groups. The campaign – across press, radio and online channels – targets people of all ages with a health condition, pregnant women and parents of children aged 2 to 4.

Each winter hundreds of thousands of people see their GP and tens of thousands are hospitalised because of flu. Last winter, PHE received reports of 904 people admitted to intensive care or high dependency units with laboratory confirmed flu and, of them, 11% (98 people) died.

This does not account for the many deaths where flu is not recognised or reported –  estimates of the annual number of deaths attributable to flu range from 4 to 14,000 per year, with an average of around 8,000 per year.

For most healthy people, flu is an unpleasant but usually self-limiting disease with recovery taking up to a week. However, older people, the very young, pregnant women and those with a health condition, particularly chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, or those with a weakened immune system are at particular risk from the more serious effects of flu.

People with flu are approximately 11 times more likely to die if they have an underlying health condition than if they don’t.

Despite this, only 52% of people aged 6 months to 65 years living with an underlying condition putting them at risk of severe infection took up the offer of the free flu vaccine during 2013/14.

Pregnant women are encouraged not to put off the free flu vaccination this winter. Pregnancy naturally weakens the body’s immune system and as a result, increases the risk of a mother and unborn baby becoming seriously ill from flu.

Since 2013, 2 and 3 year olds have been eligible for flu vaccination with a newly available nasal spray, and this year the spray is also being offered to 4 year olds. However, nearly half (48%) of mums are not aware of this quick, effective and painless way to protect children from flu[iv] with uptake only around 40% in 2-3 year olds in 2013/14.

Last year’s flu season was less severe than some we have seen but flu is an unpredictable virus and it is impossible to predict the impact of the disease and how many serious cases there might be as new strains might circulate each year with varying intensity. This reinforces the need for annual flu vaccination among these key groups – including those aged 65 and over who have historically good uptake rates at around 75%.

The national campaign is being launched to encourage those eligible for the vaccine free on the NHS to contact their GP or pharmacist.

Dame Sally Davies
Dame Sally Davies

Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer, said: “Flu is a really unpleasant illness, particularly for our most vulnerable patients and it is essential that people take steps to protect themselves during the winter months. I would urge those who are offered the free flu vaccination to visit their GP early in the flu season. I also urge all health care workers to make they are vaccinated to protect themselves, their patients and their families”.

Dr Paul Cosford
Dr Paul Cosford

Dr Paul Cosford, Director for Health Protection and Medical Director at Public Health England added: “The nasal spray is quick, easy and painless way to help prevent pre-school age children catching flu and the vaccine also helps to reduce the spread of flu to those who are more vulnerable.

“People with certain long-term health conditions are at much greater risk of becoming seriously unwell if they catch flu and sadly, many end up in hospital. The best way people can protect themselves from flu is to take up the offer of free vaccination from their GP as soon as it becomes available. Even people whose health conditions are well managed and who lead otherwise healthy lives should still have the flu vaccine – it’s free because you need it.

“Last year, around 40 per cent of pregnant women protected themselves and their baby from flu by getting vaccinated.  This year we want to see more pregnant women and their babies protected. Women can safely have the vaccine at any point during pregnancy and it can reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia and premature birth, that can arise as a result of flu.”

PREVIEW: Aneesa Chaudhry Jazz Band

Aneesa Chaudhry will be appearing with her Jazz Band at the Brunswick in Hove on December 7.

Aneesa Chaudhry
Aneesa Chaudhry

ANEESA has built a career as a singer and performer. She embraces many musical forms, from jazz, swing, soul, eastern fusion, and duos to the full on sounds of big band – and is at home with them all. In fact Aneesa incorporates all of those influences to create her unique performance style.

She has sung all over the UK and has a busy diary playing festivals, clubs and private functions both on and off the gay scene. She says that being gay is an important part of her life but not one that defines her as an artiste. The defining parts of her art is her love of great music of all kinds. A love that sees her diversifying her talents to her role as musical director of The Rainbow Chorus, to vocal coaching and event organisation.

But it is on stage that you experience the real Aneesa, whether covering classic jazz or classic Joni Mitchell, Aneesa’s voice is expressive and secure. Add to this, she is a born entertainer, witty and charming, full of fun one moment but able to turn on a sixpence and tug at your heart strings the next.

She looks great too, one minute the cheeky and coquettish Tom Boy, next the sultry jazz chanteuse, then eastern pop diva. She flirts deliciously with her audiences, wooing them before hauling them to a raunchy climax as she exposes her rocky roots. It’s a fearless approach to music and one that serves her and her audiences well.

This great combination has produced an entertainer with a broad appeal and of course repertoire.

For more information about Aneesa, CLICK HERE:   

Aneesa Chaudhry
Aneesa Chaudhry

Event: Aneesa Chaudhry Jazz Band

Where: The Brunswick, 1-3 Holland Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 1JF

When: December 7

Time: 8pm

Tickets: £8 (80p booking fee)

To book tickets, CLICK HERE: 

PREVIEW: Kitten Killers at Otherplace

Fran, Kat and Perdita, The Kitten Killers are a comedy sketch group and flagrant abusers of all things cute and fluffy.

Kitten Killers
Kitten Killers

FRESH from their first Edinburgh Fringe, the Kitten Killers are returning to Brighton with their award nominated debut show directed by Lee Griffiths (Late Night Gimp Fight). A raucous hour of quick-fire skits, silly songs and rather inappropriate mime.

Skilfully blending sketch and musical comedy Kitten Killers skirt the line of decency, gleefully playing with the idea: how far is too far?

From a shared sense of humour that flits from the twistedly dark to the sublimely silly, the Kitten Killers were born. This is Smack the Pony gone naughty.

Kitten Killers formed in April 2013 after Fran Bushe, Kat Cade and Perdita Stott met at Soho Theatre’s SYC classes. Since then they have gone on to enjoy success all over the London circuit, a sell-out Camden Fringe run and a debut Edinburgh Fringe run with Underbelly.

Event: Kitten Killers

Where: Otherplace at Bar Broadway (formerly Three and Ten). Steine Street, Brighton

When: Saturday, October 25

Time: 7.30pm

Tickets: £7.50/ £9

To book tickets, CLICK HERE:

Gay Men’s Sex Survey 2014

Gay Men’s Sex Survey 2014 (GMSS 2014) is now online.

 

Gay Men's Sex Survey 2014

GMSS 2014 a community-based sexual health needs assessment for men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) in the UK (including Transmen) and is run by Sigma Research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (Ethical Approval No.7685).

The survey is collaboratively designed with LGBT groups and health promoters and is commissioned by Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) through HIV Prevention England.

GMSS 2014 includes both new questions and questions repeated from previous years. It re-runs a battery of questions asked in GMSS 2010, the last survey.

Recruitment is occurring through community partners, gay dating sites and apps, and through Facebook. The survey is also optimised for smartphones completion. There is no paper version of the survey this year.

GMSS 2014 is being carried out as part of HIV Prevention England and is focussed on questions of concern to that programme, in particular HIV testing service quality, needs and uptake. Secondary questions regard change in: sex partners; anal intercourse; condom use; PEP; injecting; and drug use.

There are new questions about sex on drugs, use of smart-phone apps, a new scale for enjoying the best sex life, and awareness of recommendations for HIV testing.

The survey will also measure the impact of It Starts with Me, the national HIV prevention intervention for MSM.

To complete the survey, CLICK HERE: 

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