Caroline Lucas MEP

Green parliamentary candidate and MEP Caroline Lucas has called upon University bosses to save a life saving service for the city’s students. Unisex, which provides sexual health, alcohol and drugs advice to students at Brighton and Sussex universities, faces closure due to job cut proposals from the University of Sussex.

Unisex is especially important for Sussex and Brighton students who have high levels of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) and Black and Ethnic Minority students, who face the highest risk of contracting HIV. STIs are highest amongst the 18-25 age group, which includes most students.

Caroline Lucas, General Election candidate for the Brighton Pavilion constituency, said:
“Brighton has the second highest prevalence of HIV in the UK. The idea that Unisex may not be able to go on supporting students is shocking and short-sighted. The Green Party is committed to increasing community based services such as Unisex, which not only advises on sexual health and provides contraception, but which provides support for students who have problems with drugs and alcohol.

“I have written to the Vice Chancellor to urge him to think again. Given that the University spends over £2million annually on paying just twenty members of staff, I believe it should reconsider its priorities.”

The threat to Unisex comes as part of a package of 115 proposed job cuts which the University of Sussex recently announced. 

Cllr Ben Duncan, Green candidate for Kemp Town, is meeting Union leaders to discuss the job cuts, and will be joining students in demonstrations over the proposed cuts on Thursday (3).

For more information about the Greens view: www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk