Call us now

Day: May 26, 2016

Keep Brighton litter free this bank holiday

Posted on by Sarah Green

With the Spring bank holiday and school half-term coming up next week, Brighton & Hove City Council is encouraging everyone to take responsibility for picking up and disposing of litter safely.

WEB.600

The council is putting out additional bins on the beach and on some popular green spaces such as the Old Steine and Hove Lawns. The extra bins include distinctive yellow ones which have been successfully used in recent years during busy periods.

Over the last Bank Holiday weekend the city council’s street cleaning teams collected 24 tonnes of rubbish each day from the beach and the communal bins along the seafront.

Crews work from 5am to 10pm seven days a week and empty litter bins on the seafront and in the city centre several times each day, so help and support from the public is greatly appreciated.

Council staff and volunteers have been working hard to make sure the city’s parks and green spaces are in good condition for the holiday season and the council is asking visitors to look after these too and to recycle where possible.

Councillor Gill Mitchell
Councillor Gill Mitchell

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the city’s environment committee, said: “We have some fabulous open spaces and great facilities and people love coming here to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

“We want to encourage people to take pride in our city and help us keep it clean and tidy for everyone to enjoy. Cityclean do a great job keeping places clean and collecting rubbish, but if everyone picked up just one piece of litter it would greatly help keep down the volumes we see left behind following a hot weekend.”

There are hundreds of refuse and recycling bins across the city centre, along the seafront and even on the beach itself to make it easy to dispose of litter. There are also bins for barbecues on the seafront. The council asks people not to take glass onto the beach as it is difficult to clear up smashed glass among the pebbles.

Recycling bins take cans, tins, plastic bottles, card and paper. There are separate recycling bins for glass.

Brighton & Hove City Council looks after more than 100 open spaces in the city, from small pocket squares to large parks such as Preston Park, Stanmer Park and newly restored The Level.

Help spread the message by using the hashtag #BHlitter on Twitter.

 

Carers and personal assistant tickets for Brighton Pride

Posted on by Graham Robson

Volunteers of the Brighton and Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum (LGBT CSF) deliver all aspects of Prides Access facilities on Preston Park on Saturday, August 6.

WEB.600The LGBT CSF, Pride & Accessibility Matters believe deaf, blind, older & disabled people should be able to apply for an extra ticket, free of charge, if they are unable to attend Pride without the active support of another person.

Reasoning: Disabled customers support needs frequently involve 1:1 support at all times, but these are far more likely to be focussed on specific aspects of a visit to a venue, such as travel, interacting with staff, eating and drinking, being within a crowd, navigation and travel around a building or using the toilet facilities. By implementing a policy that allows deaf and disabled people to be accompanied by a personal assistant free of charge.

Brighton Pride are ensuring that access requirements can be met without further cost to their disabled customers.

An individual making use of a personal assistant at Pride does so in order to facilitate an equal experience, and waiving the charge of their attendance is thus an appropriate and reasonable adjustment on behalf of the Pride organisers when seeking to comply with the Equality Act 2010.

They promote the use of the term personal assistant in relation to providing free tickets to a customer who requires assistance at Pride, as is a neutral phase that can apply to forms of personal support.

In contrast, sole use of the term carer does not reflect the reality of the majority of people who do not require personal care assistance. Personal assistance is also far more appropriate for a Deaf person wishing to make use of a Communication Support Assistant.

Eligibility
In order to issue a Personal Assistant ticket Pride need evidence of the following proof of the following:

Receipt of your purchased ticket (please email your confirmation of purchase from Ticketscript to access@lgbt-help.com and evidence of one of the following:

♦ Front page of DLA / PIP (no specific rate)
♦ Front page of Attendance Allowance letter (no specific rate)
♦ Evidence you are registered severely sight impaired (blind)
♦ Recognised Assistance Dog ID card

If you have any queries regarding the above list or wish to talk to LGBT CSF about other forms of evidence email access@lgbt-help.com or telephone 01273 855620 and press Option 3.

Please note: Although priority will go to those people that receive one of the above all applications will be considered individually.

To book tickets for Brighton Pride Festival, on Saturday, August 6 2016, click here:

LGBT CSF volunteers deliver a safe Brighton Pride for everyone

Posted on by Graham Robson

Brighton Pride are determined the deaf, blind, disabled, elderly and those with mobility needs will once again have a Safe Space at the head of the Parade during this year’s Pride 2016 celebrations.

WEB.600The safe space will be facilitated on the day by volunteers from the Brighton and Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum (LGBT CSF).

The LGBT CSF and Pride are aware that many deaf, disabled and older Pride goers will need to march in a space where access stewards are available to prevent them from being crowded out or bumped into and where they can feel confident in a safe environment.

All deaf, blind, older and disabled people to join Pride in this space.

To ensure you have the perfectly proud and safe day, accessible to all there will also be golf buggies following the safe space which will allow registered participants who are unable to walk the full distance to participate in the parade.

People with their own mobility scooters or wheelchairs will be able to recharge them in the Access Tent at the end of the Parade on Preston Park. Access Stewards will surround the safe space and prevent ingress by spectators.

A British Sign Language Interpreter will be available in the safe space and Access Stewards will also be prepared to assist those people who need to leave the safe space for any reason.

Brighton Shopmobility can provide mobility scooters for Brighton Pride at a very reasonable rate.

For prices, email:

To register for the Pride Parade, click here:

To purchase tickets for Brighton Pride Festival, on Saturday August 6, 2016, click here:

Government to pilot HPV vaccinations for MSM

Posted on by Sarah Green

Jane Ellison MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health announced this morning that a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination pilot for men who have sex with men (MSM) will start from June, 2016.

Jane Ellison MP
Jane Ellison MP

An HPV vaccination programme for girls has been delivered since 2008 to help prevent cervical cancer but HPV infection is also associated with ano-genital and oral cancers.

In November 2015, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advised that a HPV vaccination programme should be introduced for MSM aged up to 45 years who attend genitourinary medicine (GUM) and HIV clinics, subject to procurement of the HPV vaccine and delivery of the programme at a cost-effective price.

Through this pilot, the HPV vaccine will be offered during existing appointments at selected GUM and HIV clinics in England to test delivery in these settings. Public Health England is in the process of agreeing which GUM and HIV clinics will take part in the pilot.

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has welcomed the news.

Simon Kirby MP
Simon Kirby MP

He said: “I was pleased to learn of today’s announcement of the HPV vaccination pilot for MSM.  Ano-genital and oral cancer and its prevention is an important issue which directly impacts on the lives of many of my constituents in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven.”  

Christina Chatfield
Christina Chatfield

Local dental hygienist Christina Chatfield has been campaigning for HPV vaccinations for all boys. She is presently walking over the Pyrenees to bring attention to the issue.

On hearing the news, she said: “I have spent my days on the Camino pondering why if 5% of all cancers are caused by HPV, why it is not a done deal and offered to everyone. With men being 3 times likely to get mouth cancer than women because of HPV, it’s a step in the right direction.”

For more information about Christina’s awareness raising walk, click here:

 

Lets talk about gay sex and drugs

Posted on by Gary Hart

Lets Talk About Gay Sex And Drugs is an open forum for anybody to discuss how they perceive sex drug use in the community in Brighton.

WEB.600

The first event was staged in Brighton on April 20. The original concept was created by Patrick Cash who hosted the first event and has been hosting similar events in London for over a year.

Speakers were invited to express themselves however they wished, by poetry, music, theatre, or just talking for 5 minutes.

David Stuart (Chem Sex Film & 56 Dean Street London ) was also there to offer his support.

The event was very well attended with many sharing their experiences to a supportive audience.

Feedback has been positive and events will continue on the third Wednesday of each month.

The next event will be on Wednesday, June 15 at the Marlborough Pub & Theatre, Princess Street, from 6.30pm to 9pm.

For further information check the Lets Talk About Gay Sex And Drugs Brighton page on Facebook.

Or contact Gary Smith (LGBT Support Pavilions ) on 07884476634 or Tom Boyt at Terrance Higgins Trust 01273 764200.

Danny’s birthday raises £2,300 for Beacon

Posted on by Besi

Danny Dwyer staged his 41st community birthday party at Brighton Race Course on Saturday May 21.

WEB.600.8

Danny asked the hundreds who attended for no presents or birthday cards, but instead asked his guests to donate towards Bear-Patrol’s new Garden Pergola project replacing the old summer house currently situated in the garden at the Sussex Beacon.

£2,300 was raised on the night and Danny can’t wait to get the project started.

There will be a further donation from the Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents RFC fundraising event on June 11.

For more information and to book tickets, click here:

To make a donation on Danny’s JustGiving Page for the Sussex Beacon garden Pergola Project, click here:

The Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Cllr Pete West and the Lady Mayor were in attendance as was Peter Kyle the MP for Hove and Portslade.

Players from Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents RFC, Brighton’s first gay rugby club were on hand to get the party going and entertainment was provided by Jennie Castell and Reload.

Danny has already set the date for his 42nd birthday bash called 42nd Street for Saturday, May 13, 2017. That’s one for the diary!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Access for all at Charity Beach Festival

Posted on by Gary Hart

Have you got a member of your family or a friend that has never been to the beach for fear of a disability impeding access?

WEB.600That has to be just wrong doesn’t it?  Everyone has a right to experience the joys of beach life and Paddle Round The Pier supported by Brighton & Hove Bus Company are doing something about that.

Since 2010 Paddle have hosted the Access Beach at Brighton’s summer charity festival. Children and young adults are able to be supported by volunteers and lifeguards to enable them to participate in the sea activities in a safe controlled environment.

Paddle Round The Pier facilitate disability groups as diverse as kids with Cerebral Palsy, Downs-Syndrome, visually and hearing impaired kids and those afflicted with Chromosome Deficiency – allowing kids, young people and their carers, who often have not even been on the beach before- access to the sea.

Paddle voluntary staff work to a ratio of 3-1 to enable each child the support they need. The event provides wetsuits/life jackets for all the kids and their families and even have neoprene blankets for those unable to put on a wetsuit.

Brighton & Hove City Council’s seafront team have balloon-wheeled wheelchairs specifically designed for the beach which are lent to the event for this particular weekend.

The chairs can always be hired by individuals at any time by contacting the seafront office on 01273 292715.

The top of the pebble beach itself is decked by the Paddle crew to make it easier to transit and provide changing and WC facilities specific for the Access Beach visitors.

Martin Harris of Brighton & Hove Bus Company, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Access Beach for the third year running as we’re keen for everyone in the whole city to be able to get involved in the fun and activities of this great beach festival”.

Those participating are able to experience surfing, kayaking, SUP, dingy sailing and motorised boat rides (as they wish), however many are content to simply experience the power of the waves.

Access Beach Coordinator Debbie Buddel, added: “The amazing thing is that most of these kids and their families have never even been on a beach before let alone gone into the sea! To see the look of shared joy between them is such a reward for both myself and all the volunteers.”

“The idea for the Access Beach came about after charity Whoopsadaisy was chosen to be a beneficiary of the event in 2010. The Paddle Crew thought that it wasn’t satisfying enough to just give the charity a cheque at the end of the day. We wanted to get the children the charity supported more involved and allow them to experience something new and be fully immersed in the event” said Paddle Director Dave Samuel.

Paddle Round The Pier Beach Festival are looking for more individuals and groups to take part in the Access Beach for 2016 and want to hear from you.

If you are a family member, carer, leader of a group that could benefit from this experience email:

Final word goes to organiser Dave but is echoed by all involved in the event; Paddle is a great event on so many levels as there is something for everyone but the Access Beach is probably one of the most personally rewarding things we do. I challenge anyone to see it in action and not walk away with a big smile on their face!

For more information, click here:

PREVIEW: The Bodyguard The Musical: Eastbourne

Posted on by Contributor

Your only chance to see The Bodyguard the Musical in the South East before West End run.

Photo Uli Weber
Photo Uli Weber

The UK and Ireland tour of hit musical The Bodyguard, starring fifth series The X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, comes to the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne before it transfers back to the West ENd from June 7-18.

Alexandra Burke and Stuart Reid star as Rachel Marron and Frank Farmer respectively with Rachel John as Nicki Marron and Carole Stennett who will play the role of Rachel Marron at all matinee performances.

Alexandra rose to fame after winning the fifth series of The X Factor. Her debut number one single Hallelujah sold over one million copies in the UK, a first for a British female soloist. Burke’s first album, Overcome saw the release of her subsequent number one singles Bad Boys and Start Without You.

In 2011 she embarked on her first solo tour and was invited by Beyoncé to support her I Am… Tour. Her second album, Heartbreak on Hold, was released in June 2012.

Carole Stennett played Nicki Marron in the West End production of The Bodyguard. Her other West End credits include Nala in The Lion King and Thriller Live.

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, the musical of The Bodyguard was nominated for four Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical and Best Set Design and won Best New Musical at the Whatsonstage Awards.

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a host of classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, I’m Your Baby Tonight, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the biggest selling songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.

Event: Bodyguard the Musical

Where: Congress Theatre, Carlisle Rd, Eastbourne BN21

When: Tuesday June 7 – Saturday June 18

Time: Mon – Sat Evenings 7.30pm: Thurs 9 & 16, Sat 11 & 18 2.30pm

Cost: Tickets from £26-£46.50

To book online, click here:

Or telephone on 01323 412000

Latest News

Community News A giant of our community: Jason Sutton aka Miss Jason has died
International News Streets flooded with colour for Tokyo Pride 2024
Community News New survey published for Lesbian Visibility Week finds lesbian, bi and queer women – as well as trans people – often feel unsafe in their day to day lives
Arts Komedia to celebrate 30th birthday in May
X