James Preston has worked at the Brighton Sauna for the last six years, he throughly enjoys his job and the “interesting” people he gets to meet there.
James Preston has worked at the Brighton Sauna for the last six years, he throughly enjoys his job and the “interesting” people he gets to meet there.
A world-first, touch-screen digital vending machine, which dispenses free HIV self-test kits at the Brighton Sauna receives a national award for designers and health experts at the University of Brighton, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, the design consultancy Díptico and the Martin Fisher Foundation, a local charity working towards zero new HIV infections and zero HIV stigma.
Brighton Sauna is the first venue in Brighton and Hove to trial new HIV testing digital vending machine. Through the Department of Health HIV Prevention Innovation Fund (2016-17), The Martin Fisher Foundation have established a unique team of vending machine manufacturers, designers, clinicians and researchers to develop and evaluate a ‘next generation’ touch screen vending machine to dispense Biosure self-testing kits.
The 5th Annual Trans Pride Film Night, the curtain raiser to Trans Pride 2017 on Friday July 21, celebrates trans lives and trans representation through film.
I was very excited when I found out that there was going to be a trans-inclusive night at Brighton Sauna, for many reasons: I haven’t been to a sauna for about 10 years, and that was at a gym on the outskirts of Brighton. Second of all, I knew that I was finally going to meet Jak (one of the staff), whom several of my friends had raved about. But most importantly, it was a night meant for people like me.
The Brighton Sauna was always a mainstay in my life. When I moved to Brighton at 20, some 15 years ago, bars were open until 12, clubs until 2 and no night was complete without “finishing off”, take that as you will, in the sauna.
My name is Jak. I’ve worked on the scene at the Brighton Sauna for two and half years now and I love it. It’s varied, entertaining and ultimately I get to meet a lot of different people. They get to meet me too. You see, I’m a trans guy and as far as I know, the only openly trans guy who works in an all-male sauna in the country (I’d love to be wrong about that).
Over the last twelve months, the Brighton Sauna opposite the Royal Pavilion in central Brighton has been working closely with the Claude Nicol Centre and The Martin Fisher Foundation on sexual health initiatives in Brighton & Hove.
Since 2011, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) has offered a rapid HIV testing service at The Brighton Sauna.
The weekly drop-in takes place every Wednesday evening from 6–8pm, and uses finger-prick blood tests to offer results within 20 minutes. The service, which is free and confidential, is predominantly for sauna users, but the sauna will also allow free entry to men who just want access for a test.
The Brighton Sauna are looking for reliable part time staff to work at the city centre sauna. If your interested apply with CV to office@thebrightonsauna.com
