ME awareness week takes place from May 6-12, 2019.
Colin Barton
RESEARCHERS at Sussex University are leading the way in studying ME or Chronic fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia by investigating the post-exertional malaise that is a key marker of the illnesses and also looking at the mechanisms of chronic pain and fatigue.
The projects are a collaboration between the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust & Brighton and Sussex Medical School.
Dozens of Sussex ME Society members have taken part in the studies that have taken volunteers through procedures including brain scans, heart rate and blood pressure measurement, upright tilt testing, questionnaires and blood tests.
Colin Barton, chairman of the Sussex ME Society said:“We are very pleased to be assisting with these important studies that should increase biomedical understanding of these potentially life ruining illnesses.”
While answering a Parliamentary question recently the Minister of Health and Social Care confirmed that research into chronic fatigue syndrome/ME is an area of strategic importance for the Medical Research Council and the only medical condition for which the MRC has a dedicated Highlight Notice.
For more information about Sussex ME Society, click here:
Brighton and Hove Greens launch easy-read version of manifesto ahead of accessibility husting ahead of the local elections on Thursday, May 2.
Councillor Lizzie Deane
AN easy read version of the Brighton and Hove Green Party manifesto has been produced ahead of SpeakOut’s We are the Being Heard in Government Group (BHIG Group) accessible hustings this week.
The manifesto, designed for people with learning difficulties in line with Easy on the I guidelines, is available online, here:
Green Party Councillor Lizzie Deane, who will be the party’s lead spokesperson at the hustings said: “Brighton and Hove Green Party is committed to making the local democratic process as inclusive as possible. There are almost 6,000 people in the city with learning disabilities, and many more who have reading difficulties and we hope that this easy-read document will help engage with many of them.
“We want a city where people with a learning disability and their families and carers are listened to and included in the decisions that affect their lives.
“It’s brilliant that the BHIG Group have organised these accessible hustings. It’s great to know that there will be a ‘mock election’ for attendees with a chance to see what it will be like at the polling station and complete a ballot paper in a makeshift polling booth. I and my fellow Green candidates are really looking forward to this important event.”
A team of five Green Party candidates will be attending SpeakOut’s Being Heard in Government Group Hustings April 16th 10.30 -12.30 at The Purple Playhouse in Montefiore Road, Hove.
To access the easy-read copy of the Brighton and Hove Green Party Manifesto, click here:
Event: SpeakOut’s Being Heard in Government Group Hustings
Where: The Purple Playhouse, Montefiore Road, Hove.
VG Lee is the critically-acclaimed author of five novels and two collections of short stories.
IN 2012, Lee was nominated for a Stonewall Award for writing and in 2014 she won the Ultimate Planet Award for Best Established Author.
VG Lee will be sharing the stage with comedian, actor and writer, Maureen Younger to discuss their latest works. So, if you fancy mixing your laughs with a bit of literature, go along on and make the most of the chance to hear both women read from their latest works and to take part in a Q&A about their work, careers and the joys of writing comedy!
Event: A LITERARY EVENING with VG Lee and Maureen Younger
Where: Caroline of Brunswick, 39 Ditchling Road, Brighton, BN1 4SB
Queereteria TV is the queer utopia none of us knew we wanted – taking place in a post-apocalyptic, nuclear dystopia, Queereteria TV is a half-musical half-panto hybrid of a show.
IT’S very difficult to describe exactly what type of show this is, as it doesn’t ever really let you figure it out. Written by (and featuring) Barney Ashton-Bullock with music by Christopher Frost, this is by far one of the oddest shows I have ever seen. And it was brilliant for it.
Walking into the Above The Stag Theatre, you will see a set reminiscent of a nuclear bomb shelter, but as the story progresses you learn that it was once the renowned centre of queer debauchery, Club Queereteria.
In the present day, however, Lady Domina Bizarre (played by Matthew Baldwin) has taken over the premises in order to air her new TV show starring her, Torsten (played by Andy Bell of Erasure) and Rupert (played by Peter Straker).
The show begins with Lady Domina keeping Torsten, a semi-immortal legend of the British music industry, captive against his will. Throughout the first half of the show, we learn more about how the apocalypse came to pass – now known as the “enfrazzlement” for a better public image.
We are also introduced to Daniel (played by show writer, Barney Ashton-Bullock) who plays Torsten’s love interest, and the backstories of each of the zany characters are revealed to us. The second half of the show plays out as a more straightforward commentary on consumer culture.
Now, this show is not for everyone. The dialogue of the show is baroque and confusing, but if you can tune your mind into how it works early on, you shouldn’t miss a thing.
The plot is rather thin throughout as its more of a funhouse mirror being held up to society, than a narrative story. The dancing/choreography is awkward in places due to the set clearly not being designed for movement, and it felt as if the cast needed just a bit more time to prepare for their debut. However, the acting of Matthew Baldwin is exceptional, the outfits and costumes are distinct and memorable, and the filthy wit of the show is entertaining throughout.
Andy Bell performs most of the songs in the show and aside from a couple that were more distracting than entertaining, the songs are a standout part of the show. The lyrical content of the songs ranges from heartfelt reminisces over past loves, to an entire song dedicated to the post-apocalyptic Prince of England’s preference for lady parts over men’s. No matter the subject matter, the songs remained engaging and hilarious through the entire show.
Queereteria TV is an incredibly strange take on our obsessions with reality television and political misery, and while it is a little rough around the edges at times, it has so much personality that it can be easily forgiven.
The small cast oozes with talent, delivering some of the most intelligent and impressive writing I’ve ever experienced, even when it gets in its own way.
All in all, if you want something completely out of the ordinary that’s going to push you as a viewer, Queereteria TV is a five-star must-see.
Queereteria TV runs at the Above The Stag Theatre in Vauxhall until April 28.
Liberal Democrat leadership candidate visits Brighton and Hove.
ED Davey MP, the Liberal Democrat leadership candidate and spokesperson on home affairs visited Brighton & Hove on Thursday, April 11 to support the local Liberal Democrats in launching their manifesto for the local council elections.
He joined party members and supporters at an informal get together where he discussed Brexit, climate change and equality.
Mr Davey had previously campaigned to remove Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 which prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” from the statute book in 2003, and was impressive as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change in the Coalition Government from 2012-15. He set up the Green Growth Group in the EU which led the EU’s target to reduce its carbon footprint and invest in green energy.
Beatrice Bass
Beatrice Bass, Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate for Hove & Portslade, said:“I am proud to be in a party that puts action on climate change as its top priority. Ed has achieved that the UK doubled renewable electricity and became a world leader in offshore wind technology. Following his good work, we can continue to boost renewable energy and reduce our carbon footprint – we owe it to future generations that we take urgent action now to safe this planet.”
The Rampion offshore wind farm outside Brighton & Hove is also one of his realisations.
The Catch Up Club came about at a time when due to economical restrictions I found it was hard to be constantly out catching up with my friends.
I DECIDED that, as most of my friends knew one another already it made a lot of sense to just get everyone together at the same time for food and drinks and a good old catch up.
Having lived in Liverpool for over 20 years, I started to realise that on a whole I did not know that many gay people.
Although it served a purpose; i had always found the commercial gay scene quite intimidating and in some cases out right frightening.
Liverpool has a vibrant and ever-growing gay scene that thanks to bars such as The CAVE and the James Monroe has a bit of something for everyone. However, there did not seem to be anything out there for members of the LGBT+ communities who wanted something with more of a connection.
Being what I felt was a natural organiser I took it upon myself to create a gay version of the format that created The Catch Up Club.
Initially my partner and I organised meals. Working with restaurants to offer us a Wine & Dine night, where members would get two courses and a bottle of wine for around the £20.00 mark. The nights proved to be a huge success and the Wine & Dine nights now have a great turn out, and the feedback from members is always positive.
After our third event we set up a FACEBOOK page and group so people would be able to find about upcoming events, meet other members and a platform for us to listen to what the group wanted concerning future events.
Within days, we had gone from the 25 members we had from the Wine and Dine nights to close to 200 members and the group kind of exploded on to Liverpool’s gay scene.
By listening to our members, we realised that it was not just restaurant events they wanted and we started to get approached by local gay bars about co-hosting events with them. We have since hosted a number of our quiz nights (THE BIG GAY QUIZ), and have events coming up around the Eurovision Song Contest, World Aids Day and Halloween.
These events alongside the regular restaurant nights that we host are going from strength to strength and our plans are to expand to other major cities in the UK as time progresses.
The group was set up to combat social exclusion within the LGBT+ communities and offer a support network for those people who may not have the confidence to go out on the scene, or perhaps just want to meet new people. It is a group that many of the members have found to be a lifeline, offering a social network that otherwise would not be there.
Personally, my husband and myself have made some very dear friends for life and await with anticipation to see where the group will go next. This has been a learning curve and it seems that I do have a flare for organising events.
Coming up we have The Gay Games, A Ghost Hunt and a Big Gay Eurovision Quiz, as well as The Life of PIE (our next wine and dine event). In addition, our members can’t seem to get enough of The Catch Up Club.
Our members make us what we are. We lead, but we do this after listening to our members and reacting in a proactive manner to organise what they want, when they want it. With a range of members, we have people from all ages, and all walks of life.
Dave (45) and his partner Charlie(69) say that having recently moved to the area, the group has given them a real opportunity to explore the gay scene in Liverpool and the surrounding area’s. “The group has made us feel included in something in an area were we knew nobody.”
Don (23) loves the social aspect of the group and the support network that it offers. “There really is something for everyone.”
Peter (33) thinks the group is a brilliant way to meet new people who you wouldn’t normally get to meet. “Trying different restaurants and bars throughout the North West I cannot wait to see how the group grows.”
The Catch Up Club set out to be a way of meeting new people and simply making the LGBT+ communities a better place. Without knowing it at first, we are combatting social exclusion, helping people’s mental health and raising money for some good causes along the way.
Liverpool has always been at the forefront of gay rights, but as a gay scene, it can be intimidating. The group aims to change this and make the commercial gay scene something we can all be proud to be a part of.
With plans to extend and link up with other groups across the UK, the Catch Up Club aim to bring this unique group dynamic to gay communities all over the country.
To learn more about the Catch Up Club, click here:
It is estimated that over half of adults in the UK don’t have a will, potentially causing difficulties for their families and loved ones.
BOOKING is now open for MartletsWill Writing Fortnight which runs from Monday, May 13 to Friday May 24 2019 and Martlets is encouraging local people to sign up and plan for their future.
Twelve local Will writing experts have offered to give their time free of charge to people in exchange for a donation to Martlets to help them provide care for people living with terminal illness and their families across the Brighton & Hove area.
Setting up an appointment is simple to organise, just choose from one of the will writers listed at www.themartlets.org.uk/give-in-your-will and contact them during the booking period, April 15 and May 10.
People experience many changes in their lives so making or reviewing a will is essential to ensure the security of your family if you’re a parent, cohabiting, in a civil partnership or have dependents that can’t care for themselves. Having a will in place when you die is also reassuring for your loved ones; they will know that they are doing things exactly the way you wanted, which makes it much easier for them at a difficult time. It will also mean that loved ones won’t have to pay more Inheritance Tax than they need to.
Gary Moyle
Martlets’ Legacies Manager, Gary Moyle said:“We understand that thinking about what happens after you are gone isn’t easy. However, getting your will professionally written means that you’ll have peace of mind that your wishes will be followed and that people or causes you want remembered are going to be properly looked after. Will Writing Fortnight is the perfect opportunity to get organised whilst also helping raise funds for Martlets to provide life-changing hospice care.”
Paula Perera
Paula Perera volunteer at Martlets commented:“I have worked as a volunteer at the hospice for 10 years and have seen first-hand the incredible help and support that it provides. Sadly, my son was diagnosed with motor neurone disease one year ago, so he’s now under the Day Services team at Martlets. He has regular check-ups at the hospice and his family has been offered various therapies; I know that they will get the very best care and that more help is here if he needs it.
“I’ve needed to use the service myself, to talk to the nurses and the chaplain, and I found them to be so kind – they’ve always got lots of time to listen. They look after the families as well as the patients and that’s such very important work that must continue, which is why I’ve left some money to Martlets in my will.
“I decided to use the hospice’s Will Writing Service because it wasn’t expensive and I knew that every penny of the fee that I paid to make my will would go to the hospice. It was really simple to do, I knew who I wanted to see and I just got in touch with them to arrange everything. Nothing was too much trouble, they were very good.”
Martlets provides free care to local people living with terminal illness allowing them hope, purpose and possibility. One in four patients are looked after thanks to the generosity of people leaving legacies in their wills.
Making a will during Will Writing Fortnightis an opportunity to get important plans in place while also making a real difference to patients and their families.
Booking through the Martlets scheme offers a significant discount on Will writing as the minimum donation required is only £150 for a single will and £200 for a joint Will.
For further information, or for a free copy of the Martlets Gifts in Wills booklet, click here:
Following a spate of vicious late night attacks in and around St James Street targeting members of the LGBT+ communities – the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum cancelled their scheduled AGM to have an emergency public meeting to allow people to ask questions of the police.
THE meeting held on Wednesday, April 10 in the Phil Starr Pavilion on Victoria Gardens was attended by Chief Inspector Andy Bennett, Police Sergeant Karen Osborne, and Partnership Manager Karon Chamberlain.
Chief Inspector Bennett acknowledged there were clearly communication issues between the police and the LGBT+ communities at present and these were being addressed. He also said that police patrols on St James Street would be increased.
Chris Gull
Chris Gull, Chair of the Rainbow Fund, said:“It is clear to us that cuts in public services have left the police force underfunded, under resourced, and unable to provide presence at all times in all areas.
“To help prevent these attacks, and to keep our LGBT+ safe spaces safe, The Brighton and Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum and The Rainbow Hub have created, TheCommunity Safety Guardian Scheme funded with a grant from the Rainbow Fund.”
From tonight, (Monday, April 12) in addition to the regular security door staff at venues in the area, and police drive-bys, there will be two licensed Security Guardians paid for with an emergency grant from the Rainbow Fund, patrolling the St James Street area nightly between 10pm and 4am ahead of the coming busy Easter Weekend.
For this shift, the Security Guardians will be based at The Rainbow Hub at 93 St James Street, so that it can be a safe refuge if anybody does experience any incident, and enable constant surveillance of live CCTV cameras in the area.
The Community Safety Guardianswill be in constant radio contact with other security personnel, the police, and be part of the city-wide Crime Reduction Partnership, but most importantly they will be on constant foot patrol in St James Street providing reassurance to both local residents and tourists.
Billie Lewis
Billie Lewis, the elected chair of the LGBT Community Safety Forum added:“The violent nature of some of these recent attacks is of great concern. We are calling for volunteers from the LGBT+ communities to come forward and be trained as Community Safety Guardians.
“Training to qualify for an SIA licence will be provided free of charge, and will allow successful candidates to obtain paid work within security roles outside of the Guardian scheme. To apply, please write to admin@lgbt-help.com.”
This fast, and evolving, response has been made possible by an emergency grant from The Brighton Rainbow Fund, and commitment from The Rainbow Hub in St James Street. Over the coming days LGBT+ venues in the area will be canvassed by the LGBT Community Safety Forum to support the creation of this scheme.
For more information about the Brighton & Hove, LGBT Community Safety Forum, click here:
IT’S very difficult to describe exactly what type of show this is, as it doesn’t ever really let you figure it out. Written by (and featuring) Barney Ashton-Bullock with music by Christopher Frost, this is by far one of the oddest shows I have ever seen. And it was brilliant for it.
The Catch Up Club set out to be a way of meeting new people and simply making the LGBT+ communities a better place. Without knowing it at first, we are combatting social exclusion, helping people’s mental health and raising money for some good causes along the way.
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