19/03/2013 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

THT Open Day on Thursday, March 21

Posted on 19/03/201319/03/2013 by Besi

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), the HIV and sexual health charity, will be running an open day at its Brighton centre at 61 Ship Street on Thursday, March 21 from noon.

Public and professionals will be able to get to know more about the charity’s work and have their say. There will be free and confidential rapid HIV tests for anyone visiting the centre and the day will be rounded off with a series of talks, a Q&A session and light refreshments from 6pm till 8pm.

In 2011, there were an estimated 6,378 people living with HIV in the South East Coast region. THT in Brighton works closely with groups who are disproportionately affected by HIV, such as gay men and the African community, but the centre welcomes anyone with a personal or professional interest in HIV and sexual health to attend the open day.

Ross Boseley, Health Promotion Coordinator for Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton, said:

“This open day is a great chance for members of the public, local leaders, community groups, business owners or health and social care professionals to learn more about and have their say in the way we’re addressing the spread of HIV in Brighton. This year is particularly special for the charity as we celebrate our 30thanniversary and three decades of inspiring better sexual health. We welcome anyone with an interest in HIV and sexual health to learn about the support we offer today and shape our services for the years to come!”

Event: THT Open Day

Where: THT Brighton, 61 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AE.

When: Thursday, March 21 from noon.

There is no need to book in advance.

For more information, contact Ross Boseley on (01273) 764200

To email, click here:

Brighton plans to become UK’s first ‘One Planet City’

Posted on 19/03/201319/03/2013 by Besi

A sustainability action plan to make Brighton & Hove the UK’s first ‘One Planet City’ is to be considered by the council at a committee meeting on March 21.

The ‘One Planet Living’ framework has been put together by BioRegional and the World Wildlife Fund, and aims to create a future where it’s easy, attractive and affordable for all of us to lead happy and healthy lives, using a fair share of the earth’s resources.

Brighton & Hove City Council will be introducing a sustainability action plan for the next three years which will incorporate the One Planet Living principles:
• Re-tendering the council’s internal waste and recycling contract, saving £50,000
• Introducing pool bikes for business journeys totalling 1,300 miles in the first year
• New equipment to control flushing in the Brighton Centre toilets, saving 13,000 litres per day and about £9,200 per year – with a two month pay back
• A highly successful Food Partnership and a hundred local food growing projects in the city
• Re-established Fairtrade Steering Group in the city which organised recent Fair Trade fortnight events in the city
• Becoming a Living Wage employer and encouraging key partners to do the same.

Councillor Jason Kitcat, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said:

“If everyone consumed resources at the rate we do in Brighton & Hove, we’d need not one, but three and a half planets to support us.

“Sustainability means more than just switching off the lights when you leave a room. It’s a difficult time for our residents, with increased unemployment, rising living costs, and reductions in public spending. We have to make Brighton & Hove sustainable and strong – not only to protect our city from stormy waters – but so that we can flourish well into the future.

“Many organisations in the city are already working with us on One Planet Living. Together we can boost our local economy, become more resistant to price hikes in energy, fuel and food, and foster a more equal, healthy and resilient Brighton & Hove .

We are on track to becoming the world’s first One Planet City ”

To find out more about One Planet Living, CLICK HERE:

Final chance to respond to Scottish consultation on ‘Equal Marriage’ Bill

Posted on 19/03/201321/03/2013 by Besi

The Equality Network, the Scottish LGBT equality charity, are urging supporters to grab the last chance to speak up for LGBT equality as the public consultation on Scotland’s equal marriage bill will close on Wednesday, March 20 at 5pm.

Following the consultation the Scottish Government will make any changes to their proposals before introducing a final version of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament in the summer.

The Equality Network point out that as well as preventing setbacks to LGBT equality, responding to the consultation also offers people the chance to voice whether the draft proposals could be improved. The Equality Network say that in particular they are working to lift the ban on mixed-sex civil partnership and improve the Gender Recognition process for transgender people amongst other changes they would like to see made.

Tom French, Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network, said:

“With time running out it is vital that we encourage people to speak up for LGBT equality by responding to the consultation on Scotland’s equal marriage bill. Opponents of LGBT equality are running a very well-funded campaign to block same-sex marriage and roll back LGBT equality in other areas. If people want a progressive bill that stands up for equality it is crucial that they make their voice heard now.”

To respond to the consultation, CLICK HERE:

VisitBrighton talks shop at international trade show today

Posted on 19/03/201319/03/2013 by Besi

VisitBrighton Convention Bureau, an organisation promoting Brighton & Hove as a place to hold meetings, conferences and business events, will be using the city’s independent credentials to theme its exhibition stand at industry trade show International Confex at the London ExCel Centre from March 19–March 21.

Brighton boasts over 500 independent retailers within a half-mile radius, including boutiques and quirky shops. To reflect the vibrant and innovative nature of the city, the bureau has created a conference supplies store as part of their stand, featuring branded goods from some of the city’s independent retailers, giving their stand a real Brighton twist!

Geoffrey Bowden, Brighton & Hove City Council’s Chair of Economic Development and Culture Committee, said:

“This is a great concept and a brilliant example of one of the ways VisitBrighton works with partner businesses to promote the best of the city. Conference business brings economic benefit to Brighton & Hove year-round and we wish the VisitBrighton team and partners all the best in their endeavours at Confex.”

The Green administration has plans to close the main tourist information centre next to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton to save money.

VisitBrighton will be at stand K641.

For more info, CLICK HERE: