29/05/2019 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Hottest ticket in town? Bestselling author Matt Haig joins Caroline Lucas MP in conversation about surviving our nervous (and warming) planet.

MATT Haig, the Brighton-based author behind the best selling memoir Reasons to Stay Alive will join Green MP Caroline Lucas in conversation at exclusive event on July 5 in Brighton.

At the evening event, at St George’s Church, Kemptown, they will discuss how we can learn to cope in a world dominated by climate crisis, fake news and political breakdown.

In this intimate conversation, Caroline Lucas MP will talk to Matt Haig about his number one Sunday Times bestseller, Notes on a Nervous Planet, and the questions that are feeding our collective ‘eco-anxiety’.

How do we feel like we’re doing enough? How do we get our voices heard in this era of fake news? And how do we overcome feelings of powerlessness? Caroline and Matt will also explore how we can work together for a confident and caring country, where mental health is given the same space and attention as physical health.

Caroline Lucas said: “Whether it is concern about our environmental impact, fears for the world our children will inhabit or frustration with our leaders unwillingness to admit the scale of the problem, fear about the future is increasingly affecting our wellbeing. We need a new approach – I’m thrilled to be exploring these issues with Matt, one of our best contemporary writers.”

Matt Haig said: “I can’t wait for this! An evening chatting to the best politician in the country about mental health and environmentalism and the way the two go together. Do come along.”

The event, held in partnership with City Books, is being held to help raise funds for the Brighton & Hove Green party.

Tickets are selling fast, but there are some still available.

To book ticket online, click here:

Event: Caroline Lucas MP in conversation with… Matt Haig

Where: St George’s Church, St George’s Road, Kemptown, Brighton, BN2 1ED

When: Friday, July 5, 2019

Time: 7.30pm

Cost: £19 / £14.50 concessions – £29 Exclusive Front Row Seating

To book tickets online. click here:

Hackney Brewery releases beer, with proceeds going to Switchboard – the national LGBT+ Helpline.

EAST London’s Hackney Brewery will be releasing Unicorn Rodeo, a 4% ABV, DDH XPA (double dry-hopped extra pale ale), once again this June.

Originally brewed last year with proceeds going to the Pride in London charity, this year, they are partnering with the national Switchboard charity that provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone, by email and through Instant Messaging. Switchboard are marking 45 years of supporting LGBT+ communities in 2019.

A portion of proceeds from the sale of Unicorn Rodeo will be donated to Switchboard.

The eye-catching label artwork, which features a unicorn against a rainbow backdrop, was designed by Pete Fowler, a Welsh artist best known for his artwork for the band Super Furry Animals and his Monsterism toys and goods.

Hackney Brewery’s co-founder, Jon Swain, said: “Last year, we released Unicorn Rodeo around Pride and were taken aback with the positive feedback and reception we received for both the beer and the partnership with Pride in London. This year we are re-releasing it and with LGBT+ charity Switchboard. Unicorn Rodeo is a fantastically drinkable beer and the cause is equally as fantastic.”

Switchboard co-chair, Natasha Walker, added: “We’re delighted that Hackney Brewery have chosen Switchboard – the LGBT+ Helpline to benefit from the sales of their beer Unicorn Rodeo. This partnership will not only help raise funds for Switchboard but also help raise awareness of the vital support that we provide 365 days a year – calm words when needed most.”

Unicorn Rodeo will be available on keg and in 440ml cans from the beginning of June.

Hackney Brewery was founded in 2011 by Peter Hills and Jon Swain and is based in railway arches off Hackney’s Kingsland Road. They currently sell over 90 percent of their beer in London and are now working with independent distributors to supply beer further afield in the UK.

The beer can be purchased online through Hoppilly or HonestBrew.