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Day: November 24, 2017

One number, one website for unpaid carers across the city

Posted on by Besi

Local MPs Caroline Lucas (Brighton Pavilion) and Peter Kyle (Hove and Portslade) launch new Carers Hub today (November 24) on Brighton Seafront.

Carers Hub, a brand new phone line (01273 977 000) and dedicated website (www.carershub.co.uk) for unpaid carers in Brighton and Hove will provide a comprehensive resource of relevant information, advice and access to organisations who can make life a bit easier for carers.

The Hub is a partnership between three prominent local charities (the Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove, Alzheimer’s Society and Crossroads Care Brighton, Hove and East Sussex) and Local Authority assessment staff, who have joined together to build a focal point for unpaid carers ensuring they receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

Unpaid carers say that having a central point for information, advice and support is one of the most important things they need to navigate the health and social care services for the people they look after.

Following the press conference an open top bus sponsored by Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach Company toured the city, visiting Churchill Square, Brighton Railway Station and Brighton Marina. At each stop the Carers Hub team engaged passers-by and distributed information leaflets to generate awareness for the new initiative.

Information stalls were set up at Brighton Railway Station, One Stop Travel Shop and Jubilee Library.

Caroline Lucas MP

Caroline Lucas MP, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: “I’m delighted to celebrate the launch of the ‘Carers Hub’ today, an initiative which will allow The Carers Centre for Brighton and Hove to continue to support the many unpaid carers in the city. The Carers Centre is a vital resource that makes a significant difference to those managing such heavy responsibilities, helping them to access support and guidance when they need it. The Carers Hub will be a valuable addition to the city, helping to improve the quality of life for carers and young carers in Brighton and Hove.”

Peter Kyle MP
Peter Kyle MP

Peter Kyle, MP for Hove & Portslade, added: “The Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove is a vital local charity supporting unpaid carers, and I’m over-the-moon that this successful bid for funding will allow them to continue their vital work.

“The support both young and adult carers receive from the Centre is something I’m very proud of so I’m honoured to be supporting the celebration which confirms that their work can continue.”

Chris Lau, Director, The Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove, said: “We are delighted to continue our work with unpaid carers and take a lead on this initiative, which aims to make unpaid carers’ life a bit easier by having one phone number and one website to get information and support that they well deserve.”

Peter Field, Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, added: “As Patron of the Carers Centre I am delighted at the launch of this new venture and I would like to enlist your support.  The Carers Centre always puts carer satisfaction at the heart of everything they do, no matter what age a carer is they strive to give them outstanding support.  If you feel there is any way you can help, either financially or by volunteering do please get in touch.”

Local charity urges Brighton & Hove residents to help young homeless people this Winter

Posted on by Besi

The Clock Tower Sanctuary – a charity that supports homeless young people in Brighton & Hove – launches its ‘they are out there’ appeal aiming to raise £20,000 to support the  homeless young people who are on the streets this Winter.

The appeal highlights that as the nights grow darker and the freezing sea winds pick up, vulnerable young people, some just 16 years old, are sleeping on the streets, scared, wary and alone.

Brighton & Hove has the second largest homeless population in the UK. This stressful, isolating and traumatic experience has a major impact on mental health. Forty-four percent of homeless people have been diagnosed with a mental health condition as the physical toll of sleeping outside offers no security and no stability.

Christmas is a painful reminder of what they’ve lost or never had.

Frances Duncan, CEO at The Clock Tower Sanctuary, said: “With welfare reform changes and the housing crisis in the City, The Clock Tower Sanctuary is seeing an increasing number of young people seeking our help’.

“We are so grateful to Brighton & Hove residents who always rise to the challenge to help us. We are asking for your help again – please donate and give vulnerable young people a brighter future. £20 can pay for a young person to have a shower, a hot meal, and a place to belong.”

Dandi, aged 22 says: “There is nothing worse than being homeless and alone. With The Clock Tower Sanctuary’s support, I’ve got a home and a job. I would really like to become a youth worker one day and give back the help I have been given.”

To make a donation and hear Dandi’s full story, click here:

 

PREVIEW: Pink Singers to raise the roof on World AIDS Day

Posted on by Besi

This year’s ‘World AIDS Day Concert’ in London with The Pink Singers will raise support for the National AIDS Trust, and will include guest singers and Rainbow Singers Across Borders.

For World AIDS Day The Pink Singers are joined by the inspiring Rainbow Singers Across Borders, the Croydon-based voluntary self-help group for LGBT asylum seekers who are fleeing persecution of oppressive homophobic/transphobic regimes.
Over 50 Pink Singers will be singing a mixture of their core repertory and some teasers from their exciting January 2018 concert A Night at the Movies – The Sequel. 
All the profits raised from both the ticket sales and the bar on the night will go to the National AIDS Trust.

The Pink Singers are both London’s LGBT Community Choir, and the longest running LGBT Choir in Europe.

Event: World AIDS Day Concert with The Pink Singer and Rainbow Singers Across Borders

Where: St Pancras Church, Euston Road, London NW1 2BA
When: Friday, December 1
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: Ticket donations are £10 on the door or in advance
To book tickets online, click here:

 

Christmas and New Year opening times at Lunch Positive

Posted on by Besi

Lunch Positive, the weekly HIV lunch club is open throughout December with some very special events planned.

♦ Friday, December 1 –  A members special World AIDS Day lunch attended by the Mayor of Brighton & Hove Cllr. Mo Marsh.
♦ Friday, December 15 – Lunch Club Christmas lunch and raffle
♦ Friday, December 22 – Christmas buffet, with food parcels available for people to help them over the Christmas and New Year period
♦ Friday, December 29 – Early New Year’s celebration lunch
♦ Friday, January 5 – New Year’s roast lunch

Gary Pargeter
Gary Pargeter

Gary Pargeter, Lunch Positive service manager, said: “We have a busy December planned, and are overwhelmed by the generosity of our volunteers and helping members to ensure the service continues to be provided consistently throughout the winter holidays.

“This month helping members, volunteers and trustees will work together and give over 400 hours of their time to deliver the lunch club.

“At a time of year when social isolation, loneliness, essential spending and financial pressures can be especially challenging we are determined to do everything we can to support our community. We’re always ready to meet new people with HIV that would like to join the lunch club. So if you or anyone you know is interested then please get in touch and spread the word.

“We are a service for people for HIV, provided by people with lived experience of HIV. We have a very friendly group of volunteers who are always available at lunches to help new members settle in.

“We’ve seen a large number of new people join us this year and it’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know each other. There is always room for more!”

For more information about Lunch Positive, click here:

TRAUMFRAU: The queer migrant takeover party

Posted on by Besi

Borders are closing and migrants are being vilified across the UK, both systemically and on the streets.

Traumfrau think it’s time to rebalance the power and give migrant friends a platform by throwing a party and celebrating everything migrants bring to the UK!

Join them at the Marlborough Theatre for a free party, a night of DJ sets, shows, and installations, by local migrant artists, as a celebration of multi-culturalism, national identity and above all, our migrant communities.

Behind the decks you will find:
♦ Mima Chovancova – Slovak 80s synth music!
♦ Pushy C – Dropping the best of Old Skool RnB, Garage with a twist of Bhangra, Bollywood, Reggaeton & Latino beats.
♦ DJ Queen Deena – Iranian prince brings you a wild set from the middle east.

Appearing on stage
♦ Filip Canha – migrant artist living in Brighton, Filip presents a durational piece “BEAT”
♦ Subira Wahogo – African, Jew(ish), queer non-binary spoken word poet and activist, mostly writing about things that make them angry.
♦ Miss Liliane – a drag queen channeling the spirit of Europa Martyred!

Art and Instllation by:
♦ Violetta Marchenkova – from the Jewish Russian diaspora in Latvia, Violetta relocated to the UK in 2013. SPYING (2017), is an experimental documentary film in the tradition of travel essays. It offers a personal view of New York through the eyes and the camera of a Russian spy who struggles to speak in her native language.

♦ Mima Chovancova – Postcards from Betweenity- is a series of very honest visual diary entries and coloured confessions of the anxieties, fears, and strong feelings of otherness and exploration of authenticity of a young Slovak artist living and practising in England

If you’re a migrant, go along and enjoy the marvels of dancing to songs you understand the lyrics to, share your experiences of micro aggression, and rant about the impossible bureaucracy of moving. If you are a Brit, go along and support your queer migrant friends.

Event: The Queer Migrant Takeover Party

Where: The Marlborough

When: Friday, November 24

Time: 9pm

Cost: Entry Free

 

Brighton Bear Halloween party breaks the vault for Rainbow Fund

Posted on by Besi

This year’s annual Brighton Bear Halloween party raised a record breaking £533 for the Rainbow Fund.

The Night of The Living Zomibears held at Subline on October 27 was a huge success with many turning out in costume to enjoy the raucous party atmosphere.

Top prizes donated by Brighton Gin, Clone Zone and The Camelford Arms were given to those in the best outfits.

Graham Munday
Graham Munday

Graham Munday, Chair of Brighton Bear Weekend, said: “The party went really well especially as we had so much competition was on that night. Peopled turned up early and stayed late. I must say thank you to Subline staff Steven Lee, Polly, DJ Screwpuious and the bar staff Craig Warren and John Tovey. On the door, Sharon bravely kept all the beautiful freaks in the club. Thank you to the companies that donated prizes.”

BBW are now getting ready for their Very Beary Christmas Weekend starting on Saturday, December 9 with Bear-a-oke at Bar Broadway from 7.00 pm to 9.30pm.

Rainbow Fund award grants through an annual independent grants programme to local LGBT+organisations who deliver effective front line services to LGBT+people in Brighton & Hove.

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