Olivia Hall-Smith

Plans announced for National Framework for HIV, Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Commissioning

Posted on 13/02/201412/02/2014 by Olivia Hall-Smith

Public Health England (PHE) announces plans to develop sexual health service commissioning in England.

PHE aims to address inequalities and protect and improve the nation’s health through working with national and local government, the NHS, industry and the voluntary and community sector.

The new initiative underpins PHE’s commitment to improving sexual and reproductive health, reducing sexually transmitted infections and securing best outcomes for people with HIV.

The plans for the national framework were announced by Professor Jane Anderson, HIV, Sexual & Reproductive Health Lead at PHE.

She said: “In this new landscape, meticulous partnership working will be required to develop and maintain high quality services, delivered via seamless, integrated care pathways.

“The aim is to bring together all those involved in commissioning HIV, sexual and reproductive health services to deliver an adaptable whole system approach that meets the needs of local populations.”

Among other endeavors, the final framework, will demonstrate new ways of working to support continued modernisation and integration, produce relevant and practical tools and outline models of existing and emerging practice to deliver the best outcomes.

The work is being supported by NHS England, Local Government Association and Association of Directors of Public Health and Department of Health.

MEDFASH has been appointed by PHE as the project’s delivery agent. It is scheduled to be available in early summer 2014.

‘Time to Talk Day’ in February with MindOut

Posted on 24/01/201424/01/2014 by Olivia Hall-Smith

MindOut are encouraging people to chat with their volunteers about living with mental health issues on Time to Talk Day, February 6.

The charity is offering free tea and cake as an incentive and will provide attendees with the opportunity to have a taster of their online support service.

The event is part of Time to Change’s national campaign to end the stigma and discrimination of mental health. The day will see hundreds of organisations across England running events to start around one million conversations about mental health.

MindOut’s contribution to this national event will be held on a first come, first served basis at LoveFit Café on Queens Road (near Brighton station) from 2pm to 6pm.

Helen Jones, MindOut Director, said: “It’s a great opportunity to be part of a huge national drive to address the stigma surrounding mental health and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.”

She continued: “Stigma stops people from seeking support and talking about their experiences. It makes mental health issues worse than they need be.”

For more information on Time To Change’s national campaign CLICK HERE:

Help to protect the coastline for the next 100 years

Posted on 24/01/2014 by Olivia Hall-Smith

Brighton & Hove City Council’s Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee are hoping that local residents will play a key role in shaping the city’s coastal defences for the next 100 years.

In response to the threat of climate change, rising sea levels and stormy weather, all of which affect the local coastline and add to the risk of flooding and erosion, Brighton & Hove City Council has joined forces with Adur & Worthing Councils, Shoreham Port Authority and the Brighton Marina Company to produce a plan for the next 100 years.

A spokesperson for Shoreham Port Authority said: “We are delighted to be working closely with our neighbours to ensure the safety of the whole city. This is a vital initiative.”

The proposed strategy first divided the stretch of coastline into three areas. Officers have then looked into a wide range of options for each section, including a consideration of the potential problems.

For each area, one option has been highlighted as the preferred course of action over the 100 year life of the strategy.

For Brighton Marina, the report has proposed increasing the height of the inner harbour wall. While for the open coast between Brighton Marina and the River Adur the strategy includes enlarging some groynes to create bigger beaches, to ensure the city is adequately protected from sea level rise and the worst effects of storms at sea.

Councilor Pete West, chair of Brighton & City Council’s Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, said: “The recent heavy rainfall, storms and widespread flooding have highlighted the need for us to look at how we can best protect our coastline.”

He added: “I would urge residents, particularly those living near the sea, to take part in the consultation and help us to develop a strategy which will ensure our coastline is protected for future generations.”

Once finalised, the strategy will be reported back to the Council’s Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee for approval and then submitted to the Environment Agency for agreement.

The consultation will start on January 24 and run for 3 months until April 24. Throughout there will be touring, unmanned exhibitions.

Local venues for the exhibition are:

Hove Town Hall – January 31 to February 7

Brighton Jubilee Library – February 17 to February 23

King Alfred – February 3 to March 9

Adur Civic Centre – March 31 to April 7

Vote Phoenix and bring top Hollywood fashion photographer to Brighton

Posted on 18/01/2014 by Olivia Hall-Smith

Phoenix Brighton, the artist led arts organisation on Waterloo Place, has been shortlisted in a national poll to win the involvement of international artists for a Museums at Night festival.

The event is aimed at encouraging more people to visit galleries and museums and hundreds of venues across the country were hoping to triumph in their bid to attain the involvement of top artists.

Phoenix bid for Rankin, one of the world’s top photographers (and a former Brighton student). The 10 artists, in collaboration with organisers Culture 24, then chose who they would most like to work with – and Brighton made the shortlist. The final winners will now be decided by a public vote.

Rankin has photographed countless film stars and musicians including Kate Moss, David Bowie, Vivienne Westwood, and Kevin Spacey. If Brighton is successful he will now work with gypsy artist Delaine Le Bas to create photographs to portray the real Romany lifestyle. The ambition is to challenge TV stereotypes of ‘Gypsy Weddings’ or newsreel footage of ‘Travellers’.

Rankin will unveil the images at the gallery and join Delaine for an evening discussion and Q&A.

David Litchfield, Director of Development at Phoenix Brighton, said: “It’s very exciting to reach the shortlist. Now of course we really want to win. We’re facing stiff competition from competitors in Bath, Nottingham and Kent. I urge everyone to vote for us.”

Phoenix Brighton are keen to talk to organisations and groups who can help support the bid and organise people to vote.

Anyone who can help is urged to email Belinda Greenhalgh at: info@phoenixarts.org

Or telephone: 01273 603700

The vote runs until 5pm on January 28. To vote CLICK HERE:

Labour candidates urge South East students to consider EU funding as UCAS deadline looms

Posted on 18/01/2014 by Olivia Hall-Smith

Labour’s MEP candidates in the South East, are attempting to ensure that students are aware of the Erasmus scheme, which provides funding for a year at a European University or work placement abroad.

UK students who sign up receive a non-repayable ‘Erasmus grant’ from the European Commission and can have much of their UK tuition fee waived, while not having to pay fees at the foreign university where they are based.

They may also benefit from a non-repayable widening participation grant from the European Commission.

Over recent years, twice as many students from Germany, Spain and France have signed up to the scheme than those in the UK. In particular, few students from the South East have taken up the opportunities offered by Erasmus.

MEP candidates Anneliese Dodds and John Howarth want to ensure that all students realise the funding is available. They are also seeking to publicise the benefits available for colleges and schools.

Howarth, who visited colleges in Newbury and Basingstoke to talk about the opportunities, said: “The European Union has funds to enable colleges to run projects that build international links within the EU.

He continued: “I want colleges in South East England to take advantage of these funds, make bids and build links. As an MEP I will do whatever I can to help.”

Dodds added: “As someone who works in higher education, I know that relatively few students are aware of the Erasmus scheme and therefore are missing out on a valuable opportunity. Some may feel they can’t study abroad because they don’t speak another European language but many European universities now teach in English so this doesn’t have to be a barrier after all”.

Brooklyn Pride Centre to host lesbian pregnancy educational gathering

Posted on 06/01/2014 by Olivia Hall-Smith

The American Fertility Association (AFA) and California Cryobank are set to host a gathering at the Brooklyn Community Pride Center for gay mums-to-be.

The Gay Women’s Gathering will take place on Wednesday, January 8 from 6 to 8pm and will provide critical information in a relaxed, conversational format.

Topics will include:

• Deciding between a sperm donor you know and one you don’t

• Getting pregnant at home or in a doctor’s office

• Understanding your legal rights and optimising your fertility potential

Ken Mosesian, Executive Director of The AFA said: “There was an overwhelming response to the first Gay Women’s Gathering last year and we’re excited to work with this thriving community again. We invite all interested parties to attend. As the only inclusive, national fertility association committed to serving the LGBT community, we’re grateful to California Cryobank, whose generous sponsorship of our work makes these events possible.”

He added: “We’ve assembled a stellar and knowledgeable team of presenters, known for their commitment to this population, including top-notch attorney Melissa B. Brisman, Esq. and Brooklyn’s own Diana E. Chavkin, M.D. of Genesis Fertility & Reproductive Medicine.”

Scott Brown, Director of Client Experience & Communications at California Cryobank said: “Finding a sperm donor, selecting an insemination procedure, and protecting both parents’ legal rights can all have significant, long-term financial, medical and emotional impact on a lesbian family. California Cryobank is proud to be part of this incredibly important evening of family building education and support.”

The evening is focused on the lesbian community, but all are welcome to attend. A light dinner will be served and educational gift bags given to all participants.

For more information about the American Fertility Association, CLICK HERE:

Evidence shows national HPV vaccination coverage programme effective in protecting women’s health

Posted on 17/12/201317/12/2013 by Olivia Hall-Smith

Public Health England (PHE) has revealed that in 2012/13 the vaccination programme against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has had wide coverage and success.

Of the target age group in England (12- to 13-year-old girls), 86% have been receiving the full course. Prior to this immunisation programme, HPV infections (specifically types 16 and 18 which are known to be a key cause of cervical cancers) were common in around one in five sexually active women aged between 16 and 18 years old. This dropped to one in 15 following its introduction.

HPV 16 and 18 prevalence was lowest among 16–18 year-olds and this was the age group had the highest vaccination coverage (65 per cent). This is a reversal of the age trend seen in a 2008 sample, where the youngest girls had the highest prevalence of HPV 16 and 18.

Dr.Kate Soldan, head of PHE’s HPV surveillance, said: “These data show that as expected the HPV immunisation programme in England is reducing HPV 16 and 18, and doing so very substantially. We observed a clear correlation between immunisation coverage and reduced type 16 and 18 HPV infections. This adds to our confidence that the programme will achieve its aim of reducing cervical cancer. This may be of interest to countries that have yet to implement a programme of their own.”

The benefits delivered by the immunisation programme are in addition to the considerable benefits provided to women by the national Cervical Cancer Screening Programme. Cervical screening remains important for women to reduce their risk of cervical cancer as vaccination does not protect against all cancer-causing HPV types.

LGBT London announce first-ever Winter Pride UK

Posted on 11/12/2013 by Olivia Hall-Smith

LGBT London will come together in the new year for the first-ever Winter Pride UK.

Set to take place on February 8, Winter Pride will bring together the biggest LGBT club brands and international DJs for a giant celebration. The focus is embracing equality, diversity and inclusivity, and the fostering of mutual respect between all demographic groups, irrespective of background, race, religion, gender and, of course, sexuality.

Winter Pride UK’s ‘inside pride’ at London’s Tobacco Dock has space for over 3,000 people throughout the night. Some of the iconic names involved so far include Popstarz, One Love, Work, MINT, Exilio, Bear Necessity, East Bloc – east London’s coolest late night gay club, Gaydio – the LGBT radio, g3 magazine, Out In The City magazine and Gaydar.

To make the atmosphere one of guilt-free fun, £1 from every ticket sale will go to the Terrence Higgins Trust and the proceeds of a raffle to Stonewall. The community vault spaces are also free to charitable organisations.

Kiera Ridge, Community Fundraising Manager at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “We’re thrilled that Winter Pride have chosen our charity to benefit from their inaugural event. This kind of community event is vital, not only for raising funds but also creating a great opportunity for the LGBT community to come together and celebrate. We couldn’t be more grateful for their support.”

On the night, the Winter Pride UK Awards will also take place. Hosted by celebrity, Jodie Harsh and including a new Art Award, the awards will be targeted at both emerging and established artists with a cash prize of £1000 for the winner. Many famous faces appear across the awards, including Ian McKellen, Clare Balding, Gareth Thomas, Nicola Adams, Heather Peace, Angel Haze, Daniel Radcliffe and national treasure, Stephen Fry, who said, “I am thrilled to be nominated as LGBT Luminary of the Year for Winter Pride UK. Artistic and cultural events of this kind are so important for the well being of the LGBT community”.

Hove MP Weatherley calls for 1,000 signatures before Christmas

Posted on 10/12/2013 by Olivia Hall-Smith

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, is delighted with the response to his petition for a new 50m pool in Hove but is calling for yet more signatures.

Weatherley’s petition, supported by the famous Shiverers Swimming Club, the Amateur Swimming Association and Olympic Diver Chris Mears, was launched to back the wishes of residents and highlight the desire locally for first-rate, flexible facilities.

Parents, young swimmers, swimming groups and sports clubs have all agreed with the campaign and would like a dividable 50m facility with adjustable floors built in the local area.

Mike said: “While I am pleased that residents are rushing to sign up to the petition for a new 50m swimming pool, I am not surprised that plans for an exciting new leisure centre are proving popular. Over a thousand residents agree that it just makes long-term sense to provide children and adults in Brighton & Hove with the most flexible facilities. I am sure that we’ll have many more signatures as the 50m pool campaign gains momentum – let’s get 1,000 before Christmas.”

To sign the online petition, CLICK HERE:

Nominations open for the ‘Respect ‘Loved by You’ Awards’

Posted on 09/12/201309/12/2013 by Olivia Hall-Smith

The Co-operative Group’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender network (LGBT), Respect, has this year launched the inaugural ‘Respect Loved by You’ awards 2013.

The retail giant started the Respect network in the summer of 2010 and it is now the largest and most active LGBT network in the UK.

The network has won a number of awards and the Co-operative is now widely considered to be the UK’s most LGBT friendly supermarket; the only retailer to make Stonewall’s annual Workplace Equality Index Top 100.

There are over 8,500 Friends of Respect and around 1,300 of these are Co-operative employees. The network’s members are exceptionally dedicated and have volunteered over 6,000 hours of their own time to support the network this year alone.

To thank its loyal members, Respect is now offering the opportunity for people from all over the UK to vote for their favourites in 27 diverse categories. Categories range from LGBT Charity of the Year to Inclusive Event of the Year.

The Co-operative hopes that by getting the public to choose the winners, the importance of the smallest community groups and events, as well as the biggest will be highlighted. It is a chance to celebrate the inspiring work and positive impact of more isolated and community based groups, events and initiatives.

As an added incentive, all those who vote will be added into a prize draw to win a Co-operative Food hamper.

Voting is open until December 15 2013 and winners will be announced on December 19 2013.

To vote for Gscene in the Regional Magazine category, CLICK HERE:

To find out who the winners are first, follow Respect on twitter: @CoopRespectLGBT

The official Twitter hashtag for the awards is #respectLBYawards

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Author: Olivia Hall-Smith

Plans announced for National Framework for HIV, Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Commissioning

Public Health England (PHE) announces plans to develop sexual health service commissioning in England.

‘Time to Talk Day’ in February with MindOut

MindOut are encouraging people to chat with their volunteers about living with mental health issues on Time to Talk Day, February 6.

Help to protect the coastline for the next 100 years

Brighton & Hove City Council’s Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee are hoping that local residents will play a key role in shaping the city’s coastal defences for the next 100 years.

Vote Phoenix and bring top Hollywood fashion photographer to Brighton

Phoenix Brighton, the artist led arts organisation on Waterloo Place, has been shortlisted in a national poll to win the involvement of international artists for a Museums at Night festival.

Labour candidates urge South East students to consider EU funding as UCAS deadline looms

Labour’s MEP candidates in the South East, are attempting to ensure that students are aware of the Erasmus scheme, which provides funding for a year at a European University or work placement abroad.

Brooklyn Pride Centre to host lesbian pregnancy educational gathering

The American Fertility Association (AFA) and California Cryobank are set to host a gathering at the Brooklyn Community Pride Center for gay mums-to-be.

Evidence shows national HPV vaccination coverage programme effective in protecting women’s health

Public Health England (PHE) has revealed that in 2012/13 the vaccination programme against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has had wide coverage and success.

LGBT London announce first-ever Winter Pride UK

LGBT London will come together in the new year for the first-ever Winter Pride UK.

Hove MP Weatherley calls for 1,000 signatures before Christmas

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, is delighted with the response to his petition for a new 50m pool in Hove but is calling for yet more signatures.

Nominations open for the ‘Respect ‘Loved by You’ Awards’

The Co-operative Group’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender network (LGBT), Respect, has this year launched the inaugural ‘Respect Loved by You’ awards 2013.

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Public Health England (PHE) announces plans to develop sexual health service commissioning in England.

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MindOut are encouraging people to chat with their volunteers about living with mental health issues on Time to Talk Day, February 6.

Share this:

Brighton & Hove City Council’s Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee are hoping that local residents will play a key role in shaping the city’s coastal defences for the next 100 years.

Share this:

Phoenix Brighton, the artist led arts organisation on Waterloo Place, has been shortlisted in a national poll to win the involvement of international artists for a Museums at Night festival.

Share this:

Labour’s MEP candidates in the South East, are attempting to ensure that students are aware of the Erasmus scheme, which provides funding for a year at a European University or work placement abroad.

Share this:

The American Fertility Association (AFA) and California Cryobank are set to host a gathering at the Brooklyn Community Pride Center for gay mums-to-be.

Share this:

Public Health England (PHE) has revealed that in 2012/13 the vaccination programme against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has had wide coverage and success.

Share this:

LGBT London will come together in the new year for the first-ever Winter Pride UK.

Share this:

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, is delighted with the response to his petition for a new 50m pool in Hove but is calling for yet more signatures.

Share this:

The Co-operative Group’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender network (LGBT), Respect, has this year launched the inaugural ‘Respect Loved by You’ awards 2013.

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