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Day: June 15, 2018

Switchboard looking for new trustees

Posted on by Besi

Are you interested in volunteering your time and sharing your skills with a charity supporting LGBT+ communities in Brighton and Hove?

IF YOU are – then Switchboard want to hear from you as they are currently looking for individuals to join the Switchboard Trustee Board?

They are looking to recruit to the following roles;

HR Trustee – they are seeking someone who can offer the relevant HR skills and experience to support the board with policies and practice related to employee relations, recruitment, retention, reward and recognition within a small charity. They require that a HR specialist can demonstrate commitment and integrity in advising the board on all employment matters in the organisation.

Switchboard Trustees
Switchboard Trustees

Trustees – They need skilled individuals to join the trustee board and help provide leadership.

You must be able to attend board and sub-committee meetings (around 9 meetings a year including the AGM plus an away day) keep yourself briefed on the issues and think strategically.

There are two vacancies and they need people immediately, they particularly need trustees with fundraising experience of the voluntary/non-profit sector and governance knowledge.

They are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse board of trustees and welcome applications from all sections of the varied LGBT+ communities, and positively welcome applications from people over 60, those who identify as BAME, those living with a disability and trans and/or non-binary individuals as these groups are currently under-represented on the Trustee board.

For more information, how to apply or for an informal discussion on the roles, please contact Dawn Draper (Chair of Trustees):

Email address: dawn.draper@switchboard.org.uk

Postal address: Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG

Telephone number:  07752655384

Closing Date for Applications: June 22, 2018

HR Trustee Role Description

Roles-profile-Trustee

Brighton Bear Weekend hits the jackpot!

Posted on by Besi

Brighton Bear Weekend got off to a smashing start at the Camelford Arms last night (June 14) when hotshot quizzlers Bearly Legal growled their way to the £300 cash jackpot.

Bearly Legal receive the lolly from Alasdair (left), owner of the Camelford
Bearly Legal receive the lolly from Alasdair (left), owner of the Camelford

A RECORD entry of nineteen teams ensured everyone was on top of their game with £350 being raised for the Rainbow Fund in the process.

The action moves to Bar Revenge at 7pm this evening (June 15) for the welcome party with cabaret. Pick up any goodies you ordered from the online shop and get yourself a wristband which gives you fantastic discounts over the complete weekend.

Uproar at Envy follows from 10.30pm-3am with two live DJs banging out the tunes on the big dance floor. £5 entry with wristband, £7 without. For more information, click here

Amazing £2 drinks deals on offer (pints, house spirits with house mixers excluding Red Bull) with your Brighton Bear Weekend wristband.

For a complete lineup of the weekends events, click here:

NHS England considers expanding PrEP trial

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NHS England are considering expanding the IMPACT PrEP trial which started in September, 2017.

THE NHS board had received a proposal from the Trial Management Group to consider increasing the total number of places available for the trial from 10,000 to 13,000.

Researchers consider that based on the data regarding the number and profile of those enrolled in the trial in the first six months, a greater number of participants is required to more accurately estimate the likely long-term needs of a routinely commissioned PrEP programme. An increase in trial size will require resource commitments from commissioners.

Local authority and NHS England commissioners were very supportive of the principle of an increase in the trial size. However, it was agreed that further work was required to finalise an agreement to increase the size.

Given that across the country, places are still available to enroll new trial participants, the Board agreed to keep the situation under close review and ensure the final decision was taken as soon as possible after the transfer of sponsorship was complete from St. Stephen’s AIDS Trust (SSAT) who are closing down to Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust.

The Board agreed the final decision to increase the number of places could be taken by ‘Chairs action’ outside of a Board meeting if required.

Deborah Gold
Deborah Gold

Deborah Gold, Chief Executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust) said: “This proposed trial expansion, from 10,000 to 13,000 participants, is essential and we urge NHS England to confirm the decision urgently.  This expansion was first proposed by NAT as necessary to estimate accurately the likely long-term needs of a routinely commissioned PrEP programme and it’s great news that this is now on the table.

“But even an expanded trial will not deliver PrEP to all who need and want it over the trial’s three-year duration.  And we cannot accept a situation where people who are eligible for PrEP and who are desperate to take responsibility for preventing HIV are being turned away from clinics that are full. 

“We now need to see real, transparent progress towards routine commissioning of a PrEP national programme. We must ensure that no one who needs to access PrEP is refused.”

Debbie Laycock
Debbie Laycock

Debbie Laycock, Head of Policy, Terrence Higgins Trust added: “We welcome NHS England’s proposal to increase the PrEP Impact Trial by an additional 3,000 places, but the decision on this must be made urgently, with places being made available as soon as possible.

“While additional places would certainly be an improvement, it would be just a short fix, and no doubt would still lead to people who are eligible for PrEP being turned away from clinics participating in the trial. This is unacceptable.

“We absolutely must now begin to progress from NHS England and local authorities toward routine commissioning of PrEP on the NHS, to ensure that anyone who could benefit from PrEP is able to access it.”

 

LGBT+ artists and their supporters present ‘UNITY’ during Pride

Posted on by Besi

Brush Gallery and Nineteen Hotel join forces to bring an exciting exhibition of their work during Brighton Pride.

UNITY is a group-show featuring some of the city’s finest established and emerging artists and will take place on Thursday July 26 from 7pm with a gin-themed reception at the Kemp Town hotel on Broad Street.

Artists will include internationally renowned Maria Rivans and Bonnie & Clyde as well as other established creatives, including Romany Mark Bruce, Michelle Mildenhall, Marcelina Amelia, Precious Murphy, Fox Fisher, Hizze Fletcher-King, Ruth Mulvie, Ole Skauge, Mel Evans and many others.

All work will be for sale with 10% of the profits being donated to The Albert Kennedy Trust, the UK’s LGBT youth homelessness charity.

Curator, Hizze Fletcher-King said: ”It’s great that we have an abundance of talented artist from the LGBT+ sector in this city who can come together to create a strong exhibition for Pride and a worthy cause”

A full list of participating artists can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/247913292440741/

If you’d like to attend the event please email an RSVP to: hello@brushbrighton.co.uk

Event: ‘UNITY’ – An Exhibition during Brighton Pride

Where: Nineteen Hotel, 19 Broad Street, Brighton, BN2 1TJ

When: Thursday July 26

Time: 7pm – 9.30pm

Photography project to focus on the homeless

Posted on by Besi

Free cameras are being given to homeless people in Brighton and Hove for a Christmas calendar.

Lucy shows Marny, who has experience homelessness, how to use the single-use camera
Lucy shows Marny, who has experience homelessness, how to use the single-use camera

THE one-time-use cameras, provided free by Fujifilm UK, will be given to 100 street homeless or people with experience of homelessness.

The project is being run by volunteers who work with the homeless community in the city alongside local members of The Royal Photographic Society.

The initiative is being managed by Lucy Groenewoud, an MA Inclusive Arts Practice student at the University of Brighton, who has worked and volunteered with street homeless in the city for five years.

She said: “The MYBRIGHTON&HOVE project will give individuals who have experience of homelessness the chance to show the world what matters to them and change their narrative through the art of photography. They will be able to share their perspectives and build confidence through photography.”

MYBrighton&Hove is made up of volunteers with backgrounds in photography and working and volunteering with the local homeless community.

Cameras will be handed out on June 29 at the One Church in Gloucester Place, Brighton, and will be collected on July 4. The 20 winning photos will be selected by judges and a public vote, followed by a crowdfunding campaign to pay for the calendars and a launch and exhibition in October at the church and with the Socially Engaged Art Salon at the Black and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership in Fleet Street, Brighton.

The project, being supported by The Royal Photographic Society and the social enterprise café Art which connects people affected by homelessness with the wider community, is based on a similar project in London MYLONDON.

Volunteer photographers taking part will be invited to sell the calendars, with support from local businesses.

Lucy said: “The calendar makes a difference to homeless people by providing employment and training opportunities, it also improves their confidence and social skills as we include the artists in all aspects of the project.

“By working with the homeless or those who have lived experience of homelessness in Brighton and Hove, we aim to create positive community change through artistic process.”

For more information, email: lucy@mybrightonphotoproject.com

Big Chailey Picnic launched on i360

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Local charity launches The Big Chailey Picnic with a VIP flight on the British Airways i360.

CHAILEY Heritage Foundation, a local children and young adults charity is encouraging picnic lovers nationwide to share a sandwich, flask of tea, or a cupcake or two whilst raising money for the charity with the launch of its Big Chailey Picnic fundraising campaign.

The charity unveiled its Big Chailey Picnic initiative, at a VIP flight on the i360 last month. The event, sponsored by i360, was attended by supporters of the charity, local dignitaries, friends and some of the young people from Chailey Heritage Foundation.

The Big Chailey Picnic coincided with National Picnic Week (15-24 June), and is a brand new annual initiative that encourages ‘picnickers’ far and wide to come together, share their fayre and raise money for the charity.

From builders to office colleagues, playgroups to politicians and mums to nuns, the charity is asking groups to take at least 30 minutes out of their day to break for a picnic, anywhere, anytime, and raise money for a great cause.

To download a promotional Big Chailey Picnic pack including bunting, printable stickers for jam-jars, ideas of how to fundraise and tips on how to organise your own picnic, click here:

All donations will go directly to the Sussex charity that educates and cares for over 220 children and young people with complex disabilities and high health needs.

Sally-Anne Murray, Development Director at Chailey Heritage Foundation said: “We are so excited about the launch of The Big Chailey Picnic. As well as having fun and stopping for a break to have a picnic with a friend, family member or colleagues, participants will be raising much needed monies for the amazing children and young people at Chailey Heritage.

“What a way to launch with a flight on the i360. We are particularly thankful to British Airways i360 as without the support from our kind sponsors we would never be able to launch initiatives such as these.”

Steve Bax, Chief Executive of British Airways i360 added: “We are delighted to be working with Chailey Heritage Foundation on the start of their journey for the Big Chailey Picnic. We are looking forward to hosting our own special ‘in-flight’ picnic to raise funds with views that will stretch across Brighton and Hove and beyond.”

Chailey Heritage Foundation provides education and care services for children and young adults from the age of 3 upwards. The Charity has a school and bungalows and various day and residential services for young adults, which all specialise in working with children and young people with very complex disabilities and high health needs.

The key dates for The Big Chailey Picnic 2018 are from June 15-24, 2018 but supporters are welcome to host a picnic on any date during the year that suits them.

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HIV charity appoints new chairperson

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Glynn Jones OBE, DL
Glynn Jones OBE, DL

Glynn Jones OBE, DL has been appointed the new chair of HIV charity, The Martin Fisher Foundation.

GLYNN a former chief executive of Brighton Borough Council was a key campaigner for Brighton and Hove becoming a unitary authority in 1997 and then obtaining city status in December 2000.

He was the first CEO of Brighton and Hove Council and worked with others to secure its city status.

Following his retirement he became chair of the West Sussex Partnership NHS Trust and subsequently the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust until 2013.

Glynn said: “I knew Martin Fisher when I was Chair of Brighton and Sussex Universities Hospital NHS Trust and greatly admired his work and the work of others seeking to reduce the incidence of HIV. The Foundation which proudly bears his name is committed, with other charities and organisations in the City and beyond, towards Zero new HIV infections, zero deaths from HIV related causes and zero HIV related stigma. I am a Patron of the Sussex Beacon and was proud to sit on its Board for a number of years and so this is an area of work close to my heart.

“I’m truly proud to have been asked to join The Martin Fisher Foundation and to commit to work hard with my colleagues on the Board and those working in other like-minded organisations, to build on Brighton & Hove’s growing reputation as a City already doing well maintaining people living with HIV in treatment and care, but also vitally important, working towards Zero HIV.

Glynn was instrumental in the creation of the Brighton Festival and Dome Trust and was its vice chair for six years. A leading figure behind the regeneration of the city’s seafront Glynn was, until March 2017, chair of the West Pier Trust and worked closely with Marks Barfield architects to secure the development of the i360.

He is a strong supporter of the city’s artistic and cultural heritage and has been a trustee of the Brighton Philharmonic Society and chair of the Hanover Band, and continues to raise money for the local schools music trust.  He is currently the chair of Emmaus Brighton and Hove and the Friends of Brighton and Hove Hospitals.

In 2002, Glyn was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Sussex and in 2014 received an O.B.E. for services to the community in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex.  He is currently a deputy lord-lieutenant for East Sussex.

Councillors look to increase income from beach hut licences

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The city council’s Tourism, Development and Culture Committee will decide whether to approve new licences, with modernised terms and conditions, for the city’s 459 beach huts on Hove seafront.

THE new licences will reflect the changes to the beach hut transfer fee which were approved by the committee earlier this year. The fee will be 3 times the licence fee or 10% of the sale price (whichever is greater) when a beach hut is sold.

The changes are part of the council’s efforts to modernise the licences, raise income and bring them into line with neighbouring councils like Adur, Worthing, and Rother.

Any additional income made from the beach hut sales and transfers will be spent on the ongoing management of the seafront.

The new licences will also clarify other terms and conditions, such as prohibiting owners from renting out their beach huts.

Chair of the Tourism, Development and Culture Committee, Councillor Alan Robins, said: “This is an opportunity to modernise the agreement between the council and beach hut owners.

“The beach huts are on council land in a prime location and they are admired by tourists and residents alike.
 
“The value of a beach hut on the seafront has risen significantly in recent years, well above inflation, and these changes will bring Brighton & Hove in line with a number of neighbouring authorities.”

The committee will meet on Thursday, June 21 at 4pm.

 

Apprenticeships – Council run two information workshops!

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Kick off your new career by becoming an apprentice?

The City Council’s apprenticeship team are hosting an information event on Wednesday, June 20 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm at Hove Town Hall.

Apprenticeships aren’t just for school and college leavers. Anyone over the age of 16 can apply.

Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to earn while you learn and gain a nationally recognised qualification.

The Hove Town Hall event is a chance to find out what it’s like to be an apprentice and how it can benefit you.

You’ll be able to speak to a number of employers who offer apprenticeships as well as training providers.

Mairna Marzoug, an apprentice in the council’s transport team said: “Getting the experience while getting a qualification and earning money has really given me a good foundation.

“At only 19 I’ve still got so much experience on my CV that I wouldn’t have had if I’d just gone to college.”

Cllr Dan Chapman
Cllr Dan Chapman

The chair of the council’s children, young people and skills committee, Councillor Dan Chapman, said: “Employers quite often offer permanent jobs to people who have impressed them during their apprenticeships.

“So whether you want a great introduction to the world of work or a career change, an apprenticeship could be just what you’re looking for.” 

To book a place, click here:

If you can’t make the event on June 20, the council’s apprenticeship team is also holding a second information event at the Brighton Centre On Tuesday, July 10, from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

New healthcare centre proposed for Preston Barracks

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Plans to build a new healthcare centre as part of the Preston Barracks development could soon take a major step forward.

BRIGHTON & Hove City Council is working with developers U+I, the University of Brighton and NHS Brighton & Hove Clinical Commissioning Group (BHCGG), on proposals to provide a new primary healthcare centre.

The centre would incorporate and extend two existing GP practices providing medical services under the NHS, alongside a range of community based health and social care services.

In order to progress the inclusion of the medical facility within the scheme, the council is proposing taking on the lease for the centre. Once the centre has been built, the council would assign or sublet the lease to the GP practices.

At a meeting yesterday (June 14), members of the Council’s Policy, Resources and Growth Committee were asked to agree the council takes on the lease, subject to the council securing an indemnity from BHCGG to cover any costs incurred.

Artists impression Preston Barracks development
Artists impression Preston Barracks development

The move would help secure the delivery of the modern, fit-for-purpose premises, expand primary healthcare in the city and ensure that the opportunity is not lost.

The proposed new healthcare centre is part of the Preston Barracks regeneration scheme. Last December  U+I and the University of Brighton secured planning permission for the wider project (which also includes two university sites) offering 1,300 purpose-built student bedrooms and  369 new homes,  including affordable housing.

The scheme also includes the development of a 50,000 sq ft entrepreneurial hub, supported with £7.7million grant funding from Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership. The planning permission included a commitment from the developer to work with a medical provider to secure a health centre on site.

Sarah Chitty, Development Manager at U+I said: “We are delighted to confirm that plans for an onsite health centre are taking shape. The new facility will complement the mix of homes and employment space on site, supporting the local community and helping to transform this area of the city.”

With around 3,000 new residents, the development of Preston Barracks will create major demand for additional health services from GP surgeries which are already struggling to meet local need.

The proposed new premises would see local practices the Cockcroft University Surgery (part of Stanford Medical Centre) and the Allied Medical Practice (School House Surgery & Church Surgery) moving to bigger, purpose-built accommodation, increasing patient numbers from 11,000 to 16,000.

Alongside the GP surgeries, the centre would provide community-based health services including preventative services and management of long-term conditions, along with facilities for training and development of primary care staff and other health professionals.

The proposed purpose-built primary care centre will help improve local people’s access to personalised health services, which will be provided in a high quality, purpose designed environment, with greater energy efficiency and better use of flexible workspaces.

Dr David Supple
Dr David Supple

Dr David Supple, Clinical Chair of Brighton and Hove CCG, added: “We are committed to ensuring the local community have access to first-rate and sustainable GP services across the city, and this proposed scheme is one of the many projects we are undertaking to help us achieve this. We look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver this new primary healthcare centre, which when finished will provide a range of services.”

The project also forms part of the Greater Brighton One Public Estate programme’s project portfolio, which aims to facilitate and enable the range of local, regional and national public sector partners to work jointly on public property and land initiatives to get more from their collective estate by sharing and collaboration.

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