Besi – Page 425 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Two YMCAs merge to create a stronger organisation

Posted on 21/05/2014 by Besi

The merger of two YMCAs will create a stronger charitable organisation delivering services across Sussex and Surrey to over 10,000 young people.

Sussex Central YMCA merged with Guildford YMCA in April to create YMCA DownsLink Group. The merger of these two YMCAs has created a stronger and more robust organisation that can offer extended and improved services to local children, young people and their families.

Penelope Thompson, Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “Sussex Central YMCA has worked closely with the City Council for a number of years to meet the needs of young people in the City.

“We understand as YMCA DownsLink Group they will bring additional resources and experience to their local services, and we look forward to working together in the future to create better opportunities for our young people.”

Whilst focusing on young people experiencing problems of one sort or another, YMCA DownsLink Group believes all young people deserve good services that meet their needs. The charity will actively involve young people and their families in the design, delivery and assessment of their services.

Operating across the three counties of East Sussex, West Sussex and Surrey, YMCA DownsLink Group will support over 10,000 young people each year. The YMCA delivers services through 425 units of supported housing across 13 locations, 3 counselling centres and 13 youth and advice centres and also offers services in local schools and community care settings and work opportunities through a social enterprise operation.

YMCA DownsLink Group is committed to retaining local identities and maintaining current relationships and partnerships. The new organisation will continue to deliver its services from key centres in five locations – Brighton & Hove, Guildford, Lewes, Horsham and Crawley.

David Standing, CEO for YMCA DownsLink Group, said: “This merger provides an exciting opportunity to bring together two strong YMCAs, enabling us to increase the scope and range of services we offer young people who may need support and help to deal with problems they are facing. We will keep our local focus, working closely with local authorities, NHS partners and other voluntary organisations.”

Indian Summer to host masquerade charity ball

Posted on 21/05/201421/05/2014 by Besi

EIPC Cancer and HIV related diseases are the leading cause of death in India.

Brighton’s renowned and award winning Indian Summer restaurant is to host a Masquerade Charity Ball in aid of Eastern Indian Palliative Care (EIPC), an organisation which supports patients and families with these life threatening conditions.

The evening on Saturday, July 26 will feature music from the EPIC 80s band, the south coast’s finest ‘80s tribute band, Indian Summer street food, cocktail bar, ice cream stall, masked photos and a charity auction and raffle which promises some amazing prizes.

The black tie & ball gown masked event will be held at the Brighton & Hove Sixth Form College (BHASVIC) from 7.30pm until midnight. Tickets cost £18, which includes a welcome drink.

Co owner of Indian Summer Minesh Agnihotri previously had a career in medical prosthetics. Minesh and his wife, Anbreen, are friends of Dr Sankha Mitra, who founded the UK registered EIPC charity. They were moved by the stories he told of 95 per cent of terminal cancer patients in West Bengal – enduring excruciating pain – who receive no medication, social, or psychological support to help them and their families relieve their appalling suffering.

Anbreen, a neurological physiotherapist, has first hand experience of treating people suffering from end of life illnesses, is coordinating the event.

She said: “We hope to sell around 300 tickets to support the charity and raise a significant amount of money which will make a real difference to caring for those at the end of life stage and enduring unbearable agonies.”

EIPC Cancer and HIV related diseases are the leading cause of death in India. In West Bengal alone, over 240,000 people a year are diagnosed with cancer. By the time they see a doctor, around 80 per cent will be in the late stages of the disease. Of all the people dying of cancer in West Bengal, only around 10,000 people – less than 5 per cent, receive any pain relief.

Tickets are available direct from the restaurant or to purchase online, CLICK HERE:

Hundreds to cycle naked through Brighton

Posted on 20/05/2014 by Besi

Throughout June, thousands of people in over 60 cities around the world will be stripping off and cycling to celebrate bikes, bodies and low impact living for the annual World Naked Bike Ride.

For ten years, these mass protest rides have saluted the bike and the raw power of the human body as a key ingredient for creating better towns and cities, and a survivable low carbon future for all.

On Sunday, June 8 at 12 noon, up to a thousand cyclists are expected to gather for Brighton’s part in the ride. They will pedal “as bare as they dare” through the heart of the city on an 8-mile eco “protestival”.

Co-organiser Duncan Blinkhorn, said: “With floods, hurricanes, drought and famine demonstrating our increasing vulnerability to climate change, so the urgency intensifies to shift gear toward gentler ways of getting around. The Brighton Naked Bike Ride shows solidarity with our naked planet. Our nudity symbolises our fragility, both as individuals and as one of many species. It also expresses our power, courage, freedom and common humanity. We invite everyone to join us in making their own bold statements in defence of life and Mother Earth.”

He added: “We are delighted that in Brighton & Hove so much is being done to improve conditions for cycling and hope that this will, not only continue into the future, but also inspire and encourage other towns and cities in the UK to do likewise.”

Participants are invited to gather from 12 noon at The Level park (BN2 3FX), to prepare for a 1.30pm start. A screened area will provide privacy for participants undressing for the ride.

The event is an official part of National Bike Week, and joins naked rides in several other UK cities including London, Manchester, York, Southampton and Cardiff. Participation is free.

To find out more about the event and how to take part, CLICK HERE:

Green MEP says: “UKIP shouldn’t be trusted to represent people”

Posted on 20/05/2014 by Besi

“UKIP candidate’s outburst shows their fear of the Greens” says Keith Taylor MEP.

The Green Party’s MEP for South East England has hit out at UKIP after a member of his party was subjected to an expletive outburst from MEP candidate Janice Atkinson.

Ms Atkinson told Maria Pizzey, a Green Party activist, to ‘F*** off’. Keith Taylor, is representing the same constituency that Ms Atkinson is hoping to be elected to represent.

He said: “It’s becoming increasingly clear that UKIP fear the Greens. They know that we offer hope, where they offer fear and they know we will always stand up against them in debate.

“In this election campaign we’ve see the police called on one of our members who tweeted the truth about UKIP and our campaigners abused by their candidates. When we stand up to them they do their best to shut us down.

“In the run up to these elections UKIP seem to be hell bent on proving to people why they shouldn’t be trusted to represent people. Not only do their current MEPS not show up to Parliament but their candidates are blatantly rude to those who stand against their politics of fear.

“We Greens won’t be shut up by the UKIP bullies and we don’t shy away from exposing the politics of hate they represent.”

Ms Atkinson was not available to comment.

PREVIEW: Luke Frost debuts ‘Chroma Volts’ art exhibit at Zimmer Stewart

Posted on 20/05/2014 by Besi

Minimalist artist luke Frost will debut his first exhibition for the Zimmer Stewart Gallery, Chroma Volts from May 30 to June 21.

His paintings explore the relationship of colours in precise compositions containing areas of layered colour interrupted by stripes of contrasting, resonating and oscillating colour he refers to as “volts”.

Residing in Penzance, UK, Luke has exhibited widely following graduating from Bath Spa University College in 1998. He’s credits include participation in the Art now Cornwall exbition at Tate St Ives in 2007, where he became an artist in residence the following year.

Zimmer Stewart gallery shows new work from emerging and established artitsts since its formation in 2003.

For a full list of events, CLICK HERE:

What: Chroma Volts – A solo exhibition of paintings by Luke Frost

When: May 30 – June 21

Where: Zimmer Stewart Gallery, 29 Tarrant St, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9DG

Cocktail competition is the toast of Manchester

Posted on 20/05/201421/05/2014 by Besi

Manchester Pride challenges city bars to mix things up for Pride!

The organisers of Manchester Pride, have challenged bars across the city to create their Pride Cocktail and raise funds for Manchester Pride’s Community Fund.

Manchester Pride approached bars and restaurants across the city to get involved with the drinks competition and create a cocktail that best represents Pride to commemorate International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT).

Twelve bars – The Alchemist on New York Street, Black Dog Ballroom NQ, Black Dog Ballroom NWS, Dog Bowl, Apotheca, El Capo, The Whiskey Jar, Gorilla, Via & Polari, Taurus, and The Garratt – put their mixologists to the test and are selling their Pride Cocktail throughout May 2014.

£1 from the price of each drink sold in May is being donated directly to the Manchester Pride Community Fund, which supports LGBT and HIV organisations in Greater Manchester.

Those sampling cocktails are asked to share a picture of them enjoying it on social media, using #DrinkWithPride and one worthy winning cocktail will be chosen by an expert panel of judges to be crowned the ‘Official Manchester Pride Cocktail’.

The winning cocktail will then be served across the festival bars over the Big Weekend in August 2014.

Northern Quarter pizza restaurant Dough, has also created a charity Pride Pizza, which includes meat balls, mixed peppers and rocket toppings, complete with a spicy jalapeño and paprika drizzle, finished with edible glitter. The pizza, called Shiny Disco Balls, is being sold for £9.25 to help support the charitable initiative.

Chief Executive of Manchester Pride, Mark Fletcher said: “It’s great that so many bars and restaurants have got behind the competition and have created some delicious cocktails for the people of Manchester to enjoy.

“We’re encouraging people to sample the Pride Cocktails, responsibly, before 31 May and tell us their favourite on the Manchester Pride Facebook Page.”

The full list of cocktails is:

The Alchemist on New York Street – Twist and Pop, £7.50

Black Dog Ballroom NQ, Black Dog Ballroom NWS, Dogbowl – Rainbow Rum Punch, £7.25

El Capo – Starry Eyed, £8

The Garratt – A Rosy Affair, £3.50

Taurus – Polly’s Pride Passion, £6.95

Apotheca – Sparkle&Shine, 2 for £12

The Whiskey Jar – The Pink Panther, £8

Gorilla – Elderflower Gimlet, £8

Via & Polari – Pride-tini Vodka, £5.50

To vote for your favourite cocktail, visit the Manchester Pride Facebook page and complete the Survey Monkey.

Manchester Pride is an award-winning festival for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. The festival will take place throughout August, with the Big Weekend running from Friday 22 – Monday 25, August 2014.

City business leader says Britain leaving the EU is ‘a nonsense’

Posted on 20/05/201420/05/2014 by Besi

Tony Mernagh, Executive Director of the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership and Managing Director of Brighton and Hove Business Forum, has issued an unequivocal statement in favour of Britain’s membership of the European Union.

In a statement to Tracey Hill, a Labour MEP candidate for the south east based in Brighton and Hove, he said: “When some of the world’s largest companies tell you that they have invested in the UK because it is part of Europe and they will seriously review their presence here if that changes, we need to sit up and listen. At a time when global connections determine which countries will thrive and which will struggle, it is a nonsense to contemplate Britain abandoning its membership of the world’s largest single market with half a billion potential customers.

“The UK is in danger of sleepwalking out of one of the most powerful trading blocks on the planet because people don’t understand EU regulations, half of which are just urban myth peddled by Red Tops rather than reality.

“Europe provides both jobs and hard cash for our economy. If we aren’t part of the EU, we will still have to abide by EU rules and regulations if we want to sell our goods and services to them but we will have no place around the table influencing the terms and conditions of that trade. London is unlikely to continue to be Europe’s global centre for finance and business services if it is outside the EU. Britain’s position on the world stage will be hugely diminished if we are a country isolated outside the European block.

“We will gain nothing by leaving the EU, we will lose much. And once lost, it will never be regained.”

Tracey Hill added: “At this time when personality and media exposure seems to be leading the debate, it’s really important for business leaders to speak out and give a clear reasoned argument for why Britain should remain in the EU. Over twelve thousand jobs in Brighton and Hove depend on Britain’s membership of the EU. Much of the protection for workers such as health and safety, guaranteed holiday and maternity leave are in place because of the EU. Without a doubt, Brighton and Hove, and many people who live here, would be worse off if Britain left the EU.”

Brighthelm Church says “No more fossil fuels!”

Posted on 20/05/2014 by Besi

Brighthelm Church and Community Centre, in North Road, Brighton, is pulling out of supporting fossil fuels.

Like many charities, Brighthelm has investments across a portfolio of businesses, including oil companies. None of these shares would normally be considered unethical, but Brighthelm’s trustees have decided to sell their investments in companies whose core business is fossil fuel.

Brighthelm’s minister, Rev. Alex Mabbs, said: “One of our core values at Brighthelm is sustainability. It is increasingly clear that the burning of fossil fuels is not sustainable. Through its direct effect on climate change and increasingly intensive extraction methods it is causing huge damage to the environment and harming animals, plants and humans. We don’t want our money to support an industry that is killing the planet. Instead, we want to contribute to a world in which all life can flourish.”

Brighthelm’s decision was influenced by the Bright Now campaign, run by Christian charity Operation Noah, which encourages churches to become fossil-free.

Alex Mabbs added: “We have a long way to go before we stop burning carbon at Brighthelm, but this feels like an important step in the right direction.”

Brighthelm Church and Community Centre Trust Ltd is part of the United Reformed Church.

For more information CLICK HERE:

New poll shows lesbian and gay fostering misconceptions remain

Posted on 20/05/201420/05/2014 by Besi

Lesbians and men are more likely to consider fostering, but less likely to think they would be accepted as foster carers, according to the results of a new poll published today by the Fostering Network.

The YouGov poll, released to coincide with the start of Foster Care Fortnight, found that 35 per cent of the UK lesbian and gay population would consider fostering, compared with 24 per cent of the whole population.

However, less than one-fifth (19 per cent) think they would be likely to be accepted as foster carers were they to apply within the next two years, compared with a UK average of 28 per cent.

Commenting on the findings, chief executive of the Fostering Network, Robert Tapsfield, said: “The skills needed to become a foster carer are not exclusive to any group of people. Many members of the LGBT community will have what it takes to provide a loving and supportive home for vulnerable children and young people.

“People needn’t worry about coming forward to foster. It doesn’t matter if you are married, in a civil partnership, how old you are, whether you have children or whether you have a job or own your own house. What matters is that you have the skills and experience to look after children separated from their own families, who have often been abused or neglected.

“Fostering is a challenging but really rewarding job. We need more people to come forward and say yes to fostering and to making a real difference to the lives of the 63,000 fostered children across the UK.”

Richard Field, a single gay foster carer from London, said of his journey into fostering: “After working as a teacher, I trained as an educational psychologist. Fostering came to mind after working with some amazing foster carers and school staff who supported looked after children. But I had a large mortgage and I didn’t know if there were any gay foster carers. I was anxious about how I would be perceived as a gay man.

“I took the plunge and applied to foster. I attended training, safety-proofed the house, went through the assessment and was approved. I then went part-time at work to cope with domestic commitments and I’ve been fostering ever since.”

This year’s theme for Foster Care Fortnight is Guess who fosters, with the aim of smashing stereotypes about who can and can’t foster, and highlighting the skills and qualities actually needed to become a foster carer.

There are currently 52,500 foster families looking after 63,000 children across the UK every day. The Fostering Network estimates that a further 8,600 families are needed this year alone, particularly to look after teenagers and children with disabilities, as well as providing homes to groups of brothers and sisters.

Unless the right foster carers can be found, children too often have to live a long way from family, friends and school, are moved from home to home, and are split up from their brothers and sisters. Finding the right foster carer can lead to stability and a positive experience of childhood.

To find out more about fostering and becoming a foster carer, CLICK HERE:

Or contact your local fostering service.

To read skills checklist, CLICK HERE:

Syphilis on the increase in Brighton & Hove

Posted on 18/05/2014 by Besi

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) launches campaign to make Brighton & Hove men aware of the symptoms of syphilis.

Gay and bisexual men in Brighton & Hove are being warned to be aware of the symptoms of syphilis, following an increase in the number of men contracting the infection in the city.

Between January and March 2014, there were 54 new cases of syphilis diagnosed among gay and bisexual men in Brighton and Hove, more than four times the number of diagnoses during the same period in 2013. Syphilis is a serious bacterial infection that is easily spread, and – if left untreated – can cause serious damage to the heart, brain and nervous system.

HIV and sexual health charity THT is working in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust to launch a new campaign making local men aware of the symptoms of syphilis.

Symptons include:

• A rash anywhere on the body, but particularly the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

• Painless ulcers on the genitals, mouth or anus

• Headache, fever, and fatigue

As syphilis is not always symptomatic, the partnership is encouraging men who may have been at risk of infection to attend a local testing service for a free and confidential test. Testing is available at the Claude Nicol Centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, and at THT’s centre on Ship Street. It involves a simple blood test, and the results are available within 2 – 3 weeks.

Stephen Nicholson, Lead Commissioner for Sexual Health at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “Brighton and Hove has high rates of sexually transmitted infections and men who have sex with men are at particular risk. In order to protect themselves against syphilis and other infection we recommend that men always adhere to safer sex practices and get tested regularly.”

Dr Gillian Dean from Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust added: “It’s important to find out whether you’ve been exposed (or re-exposed) to syphilis, either recently or in the past. The blood test will tell you this. As well as visiting local sexual health services, you can also request the blood test from your GP. Remember, syphilis is completely curable with antibiotics, but if left untreated can lead to many complications.”

Ross Boseley, Health Promotion Coordinator at Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton & Hove, concluded saying: “It’s concerning to see such a marked increase in the number of new infections locally. Syphilis doesn’t always have symptoms, and because it can be spread through oral sex, condoms don’t always offer protection. That’s why we’re advising men who may have been at risk to book a clinic appointment, test, and get peace of mind.”

Tests are available at the Claude Nicol Centre (Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 5BE) without an appointment from 8.30am – 10.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

THT also runs a weekly testing service from 6.00pm – 8.00pm on Monday evenings.

For further information, or to book an appointment, CLICK HERE:

Or EMAIL:

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Author: Besi

Two YMCAs merge to create a stronger organisation

The merger of two YMCAs will create a stronger charitable organisation delivering services across Sussex and Surrey to over 10,000 young people.

Indian Summer to host masquerade charity ball

EIPC Cancer and HIV related diseases are the leading cause of death in India.

Hundreds to cycle naked through Brighton

Throughout June, thousands of people in over 60 cities around the world will be stripping off and cycling to celebrate bikes, bodies and low impact living for the annual World Naked Bike Ride.

Green MEP says: “UKIP shouldn’t be trusted to represent people”

“UKIP candidate’s outburst shows their fear of the Greens” says Keith Taylor MEP.

PREVIEW: Luke Frost debuts ‘Chroma Volts’ art exhibit at Zimmer Stewart

Minimalist artist luke Frost will debut his first exhibition for the Zimmer Stewart Gallery, Chroma Volts from May 30 to June 21.

Cocktail competition is the toast of Manchester

Manchester Pride challenges city bars to mix things up for Pride!

City business leader says Britain leaving the EU is ‘a nonsense’

Tony Mernagh, Executive Director of the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership and Managing Director of Brighton and Hove Business Forum, has issued an unequivocal statement in favour of Britain’s membership of the European Union.

Brighthelm Church says “No more fossil fuels!”

Brighthelm Church and Community Centre, in North Road, Brighton, is pulling out of supporting fossil fuels.

New poll shows lesbian and gay fostering misconceptions remain

Lesbians and men are more likely to consider fostering, but less likely to think they would be accepted as foster carers, according to the results of a new poll published today by the Fostering Network.

Syphilis on the increase in Brighton & Hove

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) launches campaign to make Brighton & Hove men aware of the symptoms of syphilis.

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The merger of two YMCAs will create a stronger charitable organisation delivering services across Sussex and Surrey to over 10,000 young people.

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EIPC Cancer and HIV related diseases are the leading cause of death in India.

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Throughout June, thousands of people in over 60 cities around the world will be stripping off and cycling to celebrate bikes, bodies and low impact living for the annual World Naked Bike Ride.

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“UKIP candidate’s outburst shows their fear of the Greens” says Keith Taylor MEP.

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Minimalist artist luke Frost will debut his first exhibition for the Zimmer Stewart Gallery, Chroma Volts from May 30 to June 21.

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Manchester Pride challenges city bars to mix things up for Pride!

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Tony Mernagh, Executive Director of the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership and Managing Director of Brighton and Hove Business Forum, has issued an unequivocal statement in favour of Britain’s membership of the European Union.

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Brighthelm Church and Community Centre, in North Road, Brighton, is pulling out of supporting fossil fuels.

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Lesbians and men are more likely to consider fostering, but less likely to think they would be accepted as foster carers, according to the results of a new poll published today by the Fostering Network.

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Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) launches campaign to make Brighton & Hove men aware of the symptoms of syphilis.

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