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Leeds Rhinos player banned for homophobic abuse

An independent tribunal has imposed a 5-match suspension on Leeds Rhinos player Zak Hardaker.

Zak Hardaker
Zak Hardaker

He was found guilty of the Grade E charge of using verbal abuse based on sexual preference (homophobic abuse) in a First Utility Super League match against Warrington Wolves at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday May 30.

Hardaker pleaded guilty to the offence but denied aiming his remarks at a match official and claimed he was unaware of the connotations of his remarks.

The tribunal accepted that the player is not homophobic but were satisfied that the remarks were made to the match official.

In handing down a five-match ban and £300 fine, the tribunal took into consideration the player’s contrition, his guilty plea and evidence that he is undertaking voluntary work within the LGBT community.

 

Labour launch free 24/7 cash machine campaign

A campaign to get residents free around the clock access to their cash has launched in Moulsecoomb and Bevendean.

Nancy Platts

At the moment many people living in Moulescoombe and Bevendean have to pay to withdraw money even though the areas have high deprivation.

Nancy Platts, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Kemptown and Peacehaven wants to see a charge-free cash machine installed so people do not have to pay fees to access their money.

Nancy and Labour councillors were joined by a walking cash machine at the launch to highlight the lack of facilities.

Nancy Platts
Nancy Platts

Nancy, said: “The lack of free access to cash is hitting the poorest hardest.

“Many people are struggling to make ends meet and every penny counts, a 24-hour free cash machine would put much needed money back in people’s pockets.”

To support the campaign, CLICK HERE: 

 

 

Brighthelm celebrates volunteer week

The Brighthelm centre held a volunteer celebration tea party on June 5, to thank Brighthelm volunteers for all of their hard work and dedication over the years.

Silver Strings
Silver Strings

All the volunteers enjoyed a hot drink and cake from the Helm Cafe which is situated within the Brighthelm centre.

Entertainment was provided by 3 cellists from Silver Strings, a music session for older people which is supported by the Brighthelm Grant Scheme. The Cellists performed two beautiful pieces followed by a sing-along number for all the volunteers to join in with.

Volunteers were then given the chance to try their hand at playing the cello.

Brighthelm centre relies heavily on the help of volunteers and is always recruiting new people, especially those who are looking to use volunteering to gain new skills and stay active in the day to maintain health and well-being or head back towards paid employment.

Volunteers are involved in the general housekeeping of the centre as well as the garden, cafe, preschool and reception!

To join the team of volunteers at Brighthelm, EMAIL:  

Or telephone: 01273 964226

 

New Trustee for Sussex Beacon

David Fray has been appointed as a new trustee at The Sussex Beacon.

David Fray
David Fray

David is a long-term supporter and volunteer of The Sussex Beacon charity and is also editor of The Voice, the organisations service user magazine.

He will be joining an established Trustee board at The Sussex Beacon who are ultimately responsible for the administration and management of the charity. Together, the Trustees provide leadership for the organisation and ensure that the charity is fulfilling its charitable aims. The role is voluntary and unpaid.

Simon Burgess
Simon Burgess

Simon Burgess, Chairman of the board at The Sussex Beacon says: “We are delighted to have David Fray joining the board of Trustees. He understands the services that we deliver as a charity and knows the local community well. He will be a great advocate for The Sussex Beacon”.

The Sussex Beacon charity offers specialist care and support for men, women and families affected by HIV. Open 365 days a year, they help people manage the everyday realities of living with this life-long condition that has no cure. Their Inpatient and Outpatient services help people living with HIV related illnesses, initiating new drug therapies, or supporting those struggling with extreme side effects of HIV medication. The Sussex Beacon supports the whole person by addressing the physical, psychological and social impact of HIV.

For more information about the Sussex Beacon, CLICK HERE:

 

 

 

 

IGLHRC publishes new 5-country report on violence against LBTs in Asia

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission has published a groundbreaking report VIOLENCE: Through the Lens of Lesbians, Bisexual Women and Transgender People in Asia that documents the violence and exclusion faced by LBT people in every sphere of their lives.

Violence Report

The research, which was carried out by Gay Japan News, KRYSS in Malaysia, O in Pakistan, Rainbow Rights Project of the Philippines, and Women’s Support Group, Sri Lanka, confirmed the grave consequences of homophobia and transphobia in those countries.

In Sri Lanka, more than two-thirds of respondents reported surviving physical violence and more than half reported sexual violence. Across all of the countries, family members were among the most frequent and harmful perpetrators.

To download the full report, CLICK HERE: 

 

Wheelchair rugby is to make its first appearance at this year’s TAKEPART sport festival

The most exciting event of the London 2012 Paralympics, wheelchair rugby is coming to this year’s TAKEPART sport and physical activity festival in Brighton on June 21.

Wheelchair Rugby

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) and Brighton & Hove City Council are teaming up to bring wheelchair rugby to Brighton, with a series of taster sessions at TAKEPART.

This will be the first year GBWR will be involved in the festival and are hoping to introduce Wheelchair Rugby to as many disabled people in the city, with a further three sessions being held at Moulsecoomb Leisure Centre, Moulsecoomb Way, Brighton BN2 4PB on July, the 3,9 and 23 from 1-3pm.

Wheelchair rugby will be part of the Amazing Activates at the festival at the Amazing Zone alongside events such as judo, wheelchair football, sound tennis for the visually impaired and many more.

Paul Arnold, GBWR Regional Development officer said: “It is a really exciting opportunity for us to work with the Sports Development Team at Brighton & Hove City Council to bring Wheelchair Rugby to Brighton.

If the sessions are successful we really hope we can look at starting a new local club, especially as the nearest existing club is either in Southampton or Canterbury.”

Cllr Geoffrey Bowden

Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chair of Brighton & Hove City Council’s Economic Development and Culture Committee, added: “One of the lasting legacies of the London Games was the performances by our medal-winning Paralympians.

“Being able to provide wheel chair rugby as a taster activity in the Take Part Festival will be an eye-catching event designed to inspire young people, who I hope will want to get involved.

“Whether you are able-bodied or disabled there is wide variety of events during the festival and we encourage everyone to get involved.”

 

Hove MP Weatherley backs National Care Home open day

National Care Home Open Day aims to connect care homes with their local communities and challenge long-standing prejudices about residential care.

Mike Weatherley MP
Mike Weatherley MP

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, is taking part in the National Care Home Open Day, which will be held on Friday, June 20, by visiting a care home in Hove where he hopes to highlight that the headlines around residential care too often focus on care failures and rarely on the daily successes.

Mike said: “Care homes play an enormously important role in looking after elderly and vulnerable residents across the country. I hope that by visiting a care home in Hove I’ll be able to discuss some of the issues facing both staff and residents and highlight some of the great work that care homes do for our communities.”

For more information on National Care Home Open Day, CLICK HERE:

Woof woof woof!

Vanilla Bar Manchester are hosting the inaugural Cruffs and Poofs Doggie Do on Sunday June 29.

Gay Dog Show

Commencing at 4pm, this fun and free event promises to be a fantastic day out for doggie lovers and their admirers.

Who will win the ‘Fur Baby Cup’?

Has your pup got what it takes?

The event will be hosted by Louise Twomey AKA ‘Fanny the Nun’ with celebrity guest judge Rowetta. This event promises to be barking mad!

Music will be supplied by Vanilla Bar who are offering drink deals throughout the day. There will be outside seating and gay themed stalls, as well as finger foods, homemade cakes, cream teas and veggie treats on offer.

Doggie apparel by Gourmet Pooch will be on hand to browse and purchase, as organisers aim to raise £1000 for Manchester Dogs home.

A warm welcome is extended to to all members of PUG mania, so,  get out the nail clippers, fluff up the fur and let your pooches off their leash for one night!

What: Cruffs & Puffs Dog Show

Where: Vanilla Bar, 39-41 Richmond St, Manchester M1 3WB

When: Sunday, June 29

Time: 4pm

 

PREVIEW: Shakespeare in the Park

Shakespeare in the Park returns to the Royal Spa, Queen’s Park in Brighton with a performance of Macbeth on Sunday, July 6 at 7.30pm.

Shakespeare in the Park
Shakespeare in the Park

Performed by Illyria Open Air Theatre, the cast includes aspiring young actor Beau Jeavons-Whitewill as Macduff, and is directed by Oliver Gray.

This “blood soaked tragedy of vaulting ambition” is suitable for all the family.

Attendees are asked to take their own seating/rugs, warm clothes, picnics and drinks.

Event: Macbeth

Where: Royal Spa, Queen’s Park, BN2 0BT

When: Sunday, July 6

Time: at 7.30pm

Tickets: £12.50, £6.50 children (under 16)

To book call the Brighton Dome Ticket Office on 01273 709 709.

Or CLICK HERE: 

Tickets will also be available on the door.

 

Welsh minister commits to do more to improve LGBT domestic violence services

Lesley Griffiths MP, Welsh Minister for Local Government commits to introduce an LGBT-inclusive bill later this month to reform domestic abuse services.

Broken RainbowThe Minister was responding to research published last week on behalf of the Welsh Government into the barriers faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* (LGBT) people in accessing domestic violence services.

He said: “Regardless of their gender or sexuality, everyone should feel they can access free and confidential support if they are experiencing domestic abuse, harassment or sexual violence.

“While the research published today identifies some examples of promising practice underway in Wales, there is more we and service providers can and must do tackle this crime and to promote the support services available to all victims.

Referring to the research, Shannon Harvey, Senior Researcher at NatCen Social Research, said: “It demonstrates how a narrow focus on the needs of heterosexual, cisgender women can leave LGBT people feeling that these services aren’t appropriate for them.

“These LGBT people’s experiences of abuse remind us that even while patriarchy may be an explanation for many women’s experiences of victimisation, if we accept that violence is about power and control, we must acknowledge that other dimensions of power and inequality can play a part too.”

Jo Harvey Barringer, Managing Director (Interim), Broken Rainbow UK, echoed Shannon Harvey’s concerns for trans* people experiencing domestic violence.

She said: “Despite legal protections in place for trans* people this research suggests, in line with our own experiences of supporting callers to our helpline, that trans* women can still face difficulty in accessing women-only refuges.”

Broken Rainbow UK was pleased to announce during their first ever awareness month this May that they are also removing barriers to accessing their own services for individuals that cannot afford to call their helpline, with the introduction of a parallel Freephone 0800 number sponsored by BNP Paribas.

Wendy Wilde, Service Delivery Manager, Broken Rainbow UK, said: “We know that members of the trans* community can often be amongst the poorest members of the LGBT communities with increased difficultly in gaining employment, so we believe our new 0800 number combined with our existing 0300 will ensure everyone needing support can reach us.”

 

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