Besi – Page 436 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Viva Glam! M.A.C Cosmetics volunteers support Lunch Positive

Posted on 28/04/2014 by Besi

M.A.C Cosmetics have a fund which supports HIV organisations.

This fund has helped Lunch Positive over the current year.

Since January a team of M.A.C staff have also helped Lunch Positive by volunteering regularly for one lunch club session each month. M.A.C volunteers are involved in every aspect of volunteering and travel far and wide throughout the South-East to get to Lunch Positive.

On Friday, April 25 the entire Lunch Positive team took part in food safety training and M.A.C volunteers stood in to ensure the lunch session could go ahead. A team of five prepared and cooked a fantastic meal from scratch which was shared by 55 service users and volunteers.

Gary Pargeter, Volunteer Project Manager: “It’s always a huge pleasure to have M.A.C volunteers with us. They have a sincere interest in what we do and go to huge lengths to help the session run smoothly. I know that many of our service users really enjoy meeting and talking with them. Our extra special thanks for their help last week when Sat, Emma, Emma, Rups and Suzie covered our kitchen and enabled our volunteers to attend training. They cooked a great meal, and there were loads of laughs in the kitchen! All proceeds of sales from M.A.C Viv Glam Lipstick and Lipgloss are donated to the AIDS Fund. I know from talking to the M.A.C Team that they go to huge lengths to support these sales in their paid work. It was great to hear from them how much it means to see where the funds raised are spent, and how much difference it makes to people with HIV.”

New Chair of trustees for Peer Action

Posted on 28/04/2014 by Besi

Peer Action, the HIV+ peer support and social group for people living with HIV has elected Michael Nelson as their chair of trustees.

Michael, a Consultant Engineer has a long history of voluntary work within the HIV sector in Brighton and Hove extending over two decades. This includes involvement over the years with St Peters House, Open Door, Lunch Positive and Peer Action.

Peer Action is a volunteer led charity with Peers setting up and running a variety of health related and social activities for those living with or affected by HIV.

Peer Action trustees are delighted Michael has been elected to this important role. He is already a trustee and steering group volunteer. Peer Actions trustee positions are reviewed periodically as laid out in their constitution.

Mike said: “Helping Peer Action move forward is an amazing opportunity. I am honoured to be offered this role; especially at this time of growth for Peer Actions activities. Although it may mean I have to step back from some other commitments, my plan is to build our support network and ensure the continued provision of services for the coming years.

“Being a volunteer-led organisation gives us great prospects to meet the demands of the future and I shall try my best to ensure we grow in a sustainable and user led manner. Naturally we always have vacancies for volunteers in all roles and I would ask anyone who is interested to consider joining our team.”

For more information, CLICK HERE:

Stonewall’s Youth Volunteers honoured for leading anti-homophobia campaigns

Posted on 28/04/2014 by Besi

Annual Youth Awards, supported by Lloyds Banking Group, recognise local campaigners.

Sir Ian McKellen joined more than 30 Stonewall Youth Volunteers on Friday April 25 to recognise their dedication to tackling homophobia in their local communities. The annual Youth Awards, supported by Lloyds Banking Group, saw Sir Ian presenting awards to individuals who have helped to promote equality right across Britain.

Youth Volunteers Alice McKee and Michael Young were named as Stonewall Young Campaigners of the Year 2014 for their work to improve the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people.

18-year-old Alice McKee from Kent impressed the judges with the breadth of her campaigning activities which included setting up a website that links local schools’ LGBTQ student societies.

Alice said: ‘Taking part in the Youth Volunteering Programme has enabled me to see how homophobia and transphobia affects a whole range of people, which has given me the motivation to make change happen faster. Stonewall has helped me to believe that this change can actually be achieved.”

21-year-old Michael Young from Newcastle was recognised for his commitment to highlighting the need for more work to be done in the fight against homophobic bullying in his local area. He carried out detailed research and spoke to over 100 school pupils and teachers before producing a report with recommendations to help a local school and college.

Michael said: “To be recognised for my work as a Stonewall young volunteer is very rewarding, as not only is the work that Stonewall does very important to me, it is also very inspiring to know that I have been involved with other young people to change attitudes. I feel really proud of this achievement.”

The Stonewall Youth Awards marked the end of this year’s Stonewall Youth Volunteering Programme, supported by Lloyds Banking Group. The free six-month Programme launched in 2009 and has helped hundreds of young people develop and run campaigns to tackle homophobia.

Lloyds Banking Group Director for Retail, Alison Brittain said: “It was an inspiration to meet so many young volunteers who are passionate about eradicating homophobia in their communities. Lloyds Banking Group is extremely proud of our partnership with Stonewall. Supporting the Youth Volunteering Programme is very important to us as a responsible business as it works so closely with the communities across Britain.”

Stonewall Head of Education Luke Tryl said: “Over the past six months this group of Youth Volunteers have challenged the idea that homophobic bullying is a fact of school life. Across Britain they have run campaigns which have reached over 10,000 of their classmates and inspired a new wave of young people to take action against homophobia. We’ve been overwhelmed by their passion, drive and creativity and are hugely grateful for the support of Lloyds Banking Group who make their campaigns possible.”

The 2014-15 Stonewall Youth Volunteering Programme will be launched during Youth Pride in London on June 28.

Applications will open online at www.youngstonewall.org.uk in July.

Manchester Pride strengthens board with new appointments

Posted on 28/04/201429/04/2014 by Besi

Manchester Pride appoint prominent Canal Street business owners as newest trustees.

Manchester Pride, the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) charity, has made a raft of appointments to strengthen its existing board of trustees and directors. This follows public concerns over the reduction in money raised for local LGBT organisations in the last two years.

Following a thorough recruitment process, Tracey Walsh and Nick Curtis have joined the charity as Trustees.

Tracey is the owner of established village venue New York New York, located on Bloom Street. She is an active supporter of multiple charities, including Albert Kennedy Trust and George House Trust, and a longstanding fundraiser for Manchester Pride.

Owner of popular village venues The Eagle, The Lodge and Richmond Tea Rooms, Nick Curtis is an experienced entrepreneur and supporter of LGBT charities across Greater Manchester.

The duo have been appointed as Trustees to support the organisation and provide overall governance and strategic direction for the charity. Both Tracey and Nick are volunteers who will act as representatives of the Village Business Association, the organisation that works with the bars, restaurants and other businesses within the village.

The pair are joined by Becki Scott, Michael Stephens and Peter Edwin who will join the organisation’s trading subsidiary, Manchester Pride Events Limited, as directors.

Becki, an experienced marketeer and manager, has a passion for strategic communications and brand awareness. She works as a Marketing Director for The Lazy Camper, which provides camping kits and accommodation at festivals across the UK.

Senior Developer Michael Stephens works at award-winning, creative agency, Raw, and has managed the delivery of work for high profile clients, including Nandos, the BBC and the NHS. Michael co-founded Geek Pride – in honour of Alan Turing – which participated in the Manchester Pride parade and has been a Manchester Pride volunteer since 2011.

Peter E Allen MBE completes the new appointments. A retired prison manager and equality advisor, Peter is former National Chair of GALIPS – the LGBT Staff Support Network – and brings a wealth of experience to the organisation.

Vicken Couligian, Chair of Manchester Pride said: “We are delighted to announce the new appointments and to welcome such experienced individuals to the board each of whom come from very diverse parts of our community.

“We are confident that the volunteer trustees and directors’ wealth of experience will strengthen the existing board and their diverse skills will help to steer the organisation and ensure that we continue to meet our charitable aims.”

Also as part of Manchester Pride’s “Be Involved” campaign, the charity has invited a number of community representatives to take part in bi-monthly meetings that will discuss the future of the charity in the form of a “Community Collective”.

The Collective, which represents a wide range of organisations within the LGBT community, will meet every other month to discuss ideas and feedback on the charity. The panel will also act as facilitators to engage with the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities , before feeding back to the board of Trustees.

Lead by another prominent Canal Street businessman, Manchester Pride Community Patron; Anthony Cooper, the group will provide a vital insight into the local community and give them the opportunity to present new and exciting ideas to the board. They will also play a vital role in reporting back to the wider community groups with initiatives and ideas that both the Manchester Pride team and the board of trustees look to implement, before gathering feedback on the idea they have presented from within the LGBT community.

Anthony Cooper is manager of Via on Canal Street, he has a long history of working with Manchester Pride, community organisations, fundraising and the village. Cooper is also actively involved with the Sparkle Transgender festival and also spearheaded the Trans Memorial, recently installed in Sackville Gardens.

Individuals who represent LGBT groups can still apply to join the collective via the charity’s website.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

Reported crime in Sussex falls by 13%

Posted on 27/04/2014 by Besi

Reported crime has fallen once again over the last twelve months in Sussex.

Latest figures from the independent Office for National Statistics show that since 2010 recorded crime in Sussex has fallen by 13%.

This trend of falling crime is supported by the independent Crime Survey of England and Wales and a fall in violent crime shown by fewer people going to hospital with injuries from violent incidents.

Simon Kirby MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven says the drop in local crime will mean safer streets in Sussex.

He said: “It is great news that crime has fallen in Sussex. Local police officers in Sussex can be rightly proud of their success in cutting crime.

“The Government has cut police red tape and given them one simple target: cut crime. And that’s what they are doing.

“This means people are safer on the streets, at home, and at work – helping to build better communities in Sussex.”

Brighton will be turned Blue at Pride

Posted on 27/04/201428/04/2014 by Besi

Global boy band Blue to appear on Pride main stage on August 2.

Get ready to scream, faint and behave like a loved–up teenager as Brighton Pride welcomes the multi-platinum selling, award winning and completely gorgeous boy band Blue to perform on the Pride Main Stage at Preston Park.

Anthony Costa, Lee Ryan, Simon Webbe and Duncan James will be strutting their glorious boy band selves for Pride and we can’t wait.

Blue have sold over 15 million records worldwide, enjoyed three No.1 albums, numerous Top Ten singles, sell out tours as well as performing live with the likes of Elton John and Stevie Wonder. While teenage heartthrobs and poster boys for so many in the 90s, they are a now older, wiser and stronger, stepping gracefully into manhood with charisma, style, charm and camaraderie.

After a break in 2005 which saw the boys pursue critically acclaimed solo projects, Blue are now reunited and delivering their trademark sound for fans around the globe. This Brighton Pride expect a perfect boy band mix of emotive ballads and energetic dance tracks from their new album Roulette alongside those much-loved Blue classics including their number one singles Too Close, If You Come Back and Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.

So whether you are dancing, admiring or singing along with your hands in the air, Blue’s Brighton Pride Main Stage performance promises to be one of the highlights of the days entertainment.

Artists announced to date include Disco Diva and original Weather Girl Martha Wash, former Pussy Cat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, local Diva and local actress and singer songwriter Heather Peace.

In order to build excitement for Pride 2014 the eagerly anticipated main stage artist announcements will be staggered over the next few months running up to Pride. With new extended hours and an after dark finale show, now is the time to get excited.

What: Pride Brighton & Hove 2014: Freedom To Live

Where: Pride Festival Preston Park 12noon – 10pm

When: Saturday, August 2

Time: 12 noon – 10pm

Tickets: £9 /£12.50 Early Bird tickets Sold out.

Discounted £15 advance (first release) until end of May. Then £17.50 in June /£20 in July and more on the day.

Why Pride Matters to Graham Munday and the Brighton Bear Weekenders

Posted on 27/04/2014 by Besi

Graham Munday explains why Pride Matters to him and Brighton Bear Weekend.

I missed the first Pride in 1973 but went to the second in 1991 and every single one since. In those early days it feel like a protest; placards were waved, Outrage t-shirts were everywhere and speeches were political. We have come along way since then with new laws to protect our rights and this year the choice to get married (although not in a church!). Yet more still has to be done. We still have people attacked in the street for they sexuality, homophobic abuse shouted in the Amex stadium and in the school playground and teenagers who can’t face life being different. We need to protest for their rights and continue the fight for true equality – where everyone is treated the same, no matter the difference of their sexuality (or the colour of their skin, gender or faith).

It also is a celebration. Since 1991 so much has changed for the better and we should enjoy our freedoms and celebrate our difference. It is the one time of the year we can feel like a majority rather than a minority. We can be what we want to be.

Public Health England reminds travellers about the risks of malaria

Posted on 26/04/2014 by Besi

New figures published today for World Malaria Day, by Public Health England (PHE) show an overall increase in imported malaria infections reported in the UK.

Reports show an increase of 9% with infections rising to 1,501 in 2013 compared to 1,378 in 2012.

Malaria can be a life threatening disease, which is caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. 79 per cent of malaria cases in 2013 (compared with 73 per cent in 2012) were caused by the more severe Plasmodium falciparum. This high proportion of falciparum malaria reflects the fact that most malaria imported to the UK is acquired in AfricaAfter a rise in recent years the proportion due to vivax malaria has continued to fall back, with 179 cases reported in 2013, compared to 271 in 2012 and 416 in 2011. The highest proportion of cases, as in previous years, is in travellers who are non UK-born who have visited family in their country of origin.

Dr Jane Jones, head of the PHE’s Travel and Migrant Health Section, said: “The proportion of cases who have not taken appropriate antimalarials remains high. This implies that health messages about the importance of antimalarial prophylaxis are still not reaching groups who are at particular risk of acquiring malaria, predominantly those who are visiting family in their country of origin and particularly those of Black African ethnicity. It’s important to stress that any partial protection people may have gained from being brought up in a country where malaria is common is quickly lost when living in the UK.”

Professor Peter Chiodini, head of the PHE’s Malaria Reference Laboratory, added: “World Malaria Day provides a timely reminder to all travellers going to a country where malaria is present to seek pre-travel advice about the appropriate measures to take to protect themselves, including preventive medicines. If you have any symptoms (usually flu-like or a fever), either while you are away or for up to a year after you return home, you must seek urgent medical help; malaria may cause severe complications and can be fatal.”

Dr Dipti Patel, Joint Director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), concluded: “Travellers to countries where malaria is present should seek advice from their general practice, a specialist travel clinic or pharmacy about malaria prevention at least six to eight weeks before they travel, but even if travelling at short notice it is still possible to get protected. Travellers are also reminded to avoid mosquito bites by using bed nets, cover-up clothing and insect repellents, particularly for children. Information on insect bite avoidance and malaria prevention for specific countries is available on the NaTHNaC website.”

Malaria, an almost completely preventable but potentially fatal disease, remains an important issue for UK travellers. There is continuing evidence that those of African or Asian ethnicity who are non-UK born and going to visit family in their country of origin are at increased risk of malaria.

PHE recommends that those providing advice should engage with these population groups wherever possible, including using potential opportunities to talk about future travel plans outside a specific travel health consultation, such as during new patient checks or childhood immunisation appointments.

Former model and globetrotting benefits fraudster jailed

Posted on 26/04/201426/04/2014 by Besi

Tracy Johnson, the former model and author has been found guilty of fraud in a joint prosecution by Brighton & Hove City Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

She had been living the high life whilst claiming income support, disability living allowance, plus housing and council tax benefits.

On April 23, Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court handed Ms Johnson a 12 months jail sentence.

Ms Johnson, 52, dishonestly claimed £10,557.96 in housing benefit and £1,686.20 from the council over a two year period – over £12,000 in all. She said she was living at Flat 3, 30 Adelaide Crescent in Hove and was a house-bound agoraphobic who was chronically afraid of other people.

In fact, Ms Johnson was travelling the world, enjoying trips to Argentina, India, New York and Madrid.

The fraud came to light when Brighton & Hove’s officers received a housing benefit claim from a third party claiming to rent Ms Johnson’s flat from her as she had gone travelling.

Ms Johnson subsequently moved to Wales but continued to live abroad while claiming benefits in the UK. The combined overpayments to her were more than £50,000, with offences continuing up until 2012.

Penny Wood, senior benefits fraud investigator with Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “This was a blatant attempt to gain a number of benefits to fund a luxury lifestyle. This money belongs to taxpayers and is there to help those in need. We will continue to track down those who are abusing the system and work with partner organisations to make sure fraud is exposed and those who take money in this way are prosecuted.”

Hove MP Weatherley backs ‘Interlectual Property Day’

Posted on 26/04/201426/04/2014 by Besi

Mike Weatherley, Interlectual Property (IP) Advisor to the Prime Minister backs todays 14th annual IP Day.

Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove and Portslade

World IP Day was established in 2000 by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and is held every year on April 26. The purpose of the day is to promote discussion of the role of Intellectual Property in encouraging innovation and creativity.

For more information on WIPD, CLICK HERE:

Mike recently wrote to the Prime Minister to praise the excellent work of the newly-formed national Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), which tackles IP crime around the country.

In his statement, the Prime Minister said: “Helping UK business develop its IP has been a top priority for the Government and we have made some good progress with new funding, new tax incentives and improved enforcement when things do go wrong. I want us to continue that journey.”

Mike said: “Intellectual Property is so important to our country. The creative industries alone add over £70 billion to our economy, which is why we must protect that asset. I am pleased that the Prime Minister has marked the importance of Intellectual Property on World IP Day and will continue to champion the significance of IP in my role as his adviser.”

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Author: Besi

Viva Glam! M.A.C Cosmetics volunteers support Lunch Positive

M.A.C Cosmetics have a fund which supports HIV organisations.

New Chair of trustees for Peer Action

Peer Action, the HIV+ peer support and social group for people living with HIV has elected Michael Nelson as their chair of trustees.

Stonewall’s Youth Volunteers honoured for leading anti-homophobia campaigns

Annual Youth Awards, supported by Lloyds Banking Group, recognise local campaigners.

Manchester Pride strengthens board with new appointments

Manchester Pride appoint prominent Canal Street business owners as newest trustees.

Reported crime in Sussex falls by 13%

Reported crime has fallen once again over the last twelve months in Sussex.

Brighton will be turned Blue at Pride

Global boy band Blue to appear on Pride main stage on August 2.

Why Pride Matters to Graham Munday and the Brighton Bear Weekenders

Graham Munday explains why Pride Matters to him and Brighton Bear Weekend.

Public Health England reminds travellers about the risks of malaria

New figures published today for World Malaria Day, by Public Health England (PHE) show an overall increase in imported malaria infections reported in the UK.

Former model and globetrotting benefits fraudster jailed

Tracy Johnson, the former model and author has been found guilty of fraud in a joint prosecution by Brighton & Hove City Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Hove MP Weatherley backs ‘Interlectual Property Day’

Mike Weatherley, Interlectual Property (IP) Advisor to the Prime Minister backs todays 14th annual IP Day.

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M.A.C Cosmetics have a fund which supports HIV organisations.

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Peer Action, the HIV+ peer support and social group for people living with HIV has elected Michael Nelson as their chair of trustees.

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Annual Youth Awards, supported by Lloyds Banking Group, recognise local campaigners.

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Manchester Pride appoint prominent Canal Street business owners as newest trustees.

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Reported crime has fallen once again over the last twelve months in Sussex.

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Global boy band Blue to appear on Pride main stage on August 2.

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Graham Munday explains why Pride Matters to him and Brighton Bear Weekend.

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New figures published today for World Malaria Day, by Public Health England (PHE) show an overall increase in imported malaria infections reported in the UK.

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Tracy Johnson, the former model and author has been found guilty of fraud in a joint prosecution by Brighton & Hove City Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

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Mike Weatherley, Interlectual Property (IP) Advisor to the Prime Minister backs todays 14th annual IP Day.

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