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MP takes campaign for new Royal Sussex County Hospital to Tory conference

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Simon Kirby, MP
Simon Kirby, MP

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven is using the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester to continue his lobbying campaign for a new Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Simon met today with the Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt MP, to emphasise the importance of securing the £420million needed to build a new hospital for Sussex.

Concerns have been growing in Brighton and Hove following delays in an announcement of when the funds would be released by the government.

The Secretary of State was impressed with strength of local support, as demonstrated through Simon’s hospital petition. At present the petition has nearly 1,000 signatures and a large number of constituents have contacted Simon to make their support known.

Simon said:

“I will continue to lobby the highest levels of Government to secure the funding needed to build a new Royal Sussex County Hospital.

“I want to encourage everyone to sign my petition and make sure that the Government is aware of their support to provide the excellent staff of the Royal Sussex with a 21st Century hospital.”

To sign the petition, CLICK HERE:   

 

 

HIV charity receives small grant

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Lunch Positive

 

Lunch Positive the HIV charity that provides a healthy meal every Friday for people who are HIV positive has been awarded £2,000 from the Cooperative Community Fund to help towards the cost of venue hire to deliver the weekly HIV lunch club.

Gary Pargeter, Volunteer Project Manager:

“We’re delighted to have received this funding. We rely on funding from a range of trusts and foundations, all of which is awarded annually and increasingly often uncertain. The Cooperative has supported us since we started in 2009, and we’re proud that our service identifies with its core values of self-help, self-responsibility, equity and solidarity. Lunch Positive continues to see new and increasing numbers of people who make it a thriving social space. The lunch club is upstairs at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, every Friday between 12 noon – 3 p.m. Lunch is at  1 p.m. and costs £1.50.”

For more information, CLICK HERE:     www.lunchpositive.org

 

Brighton and Hove diners are tight tippers

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Giggling Squid Restaurant, Hove
Giggling Squid Restaurant, Hove

Giggling Squid reveals wide differential in tips across group

Giggling Squid the Thai restaurant chain has reaveled figures which show a marked contrast in the level of tips  left by customers at its different branches throughout the country.

Henley-on-Thames tops the table with an average tip of 9 percent, which is almost 3 times the typical gratuity left by Brighton customers at just 3.2 percent.  Brighton’s neighbour, Hove, is one place ahead with an average tip of 4 percent, confirming a distinct regional difference for the south coast.

The full break down in Giggling Squid restaurants is:

• Henley-on-Thames    9.0%

• Tunbridge Wells          6.7%

• Crawley                       6.5%

• Reigate                        5.7%

• Hove                             4.0%

• Brighton                       3.2%

Average spend per customer in Brighton at £22 is also lowest across the group, comparing to £30 in Henley, with identical menus.

The Giggling Squid has a group-wide policy of not adding a compulsory service charge to customers’ bills.

Giggling Squid owner, Andy Laurillard, said:

“We leave gratuities to the discretion of the customer which are shared between waiting and kitchen staff and should reflect the customer’s enjoyment of the entire experience.

“Personally I added around 10 percent to the bill when I dine out, but sometimes as high as 15 if the meal has been exceptionally good.” 

Compulsory service charges added automatically to bills are also subject to 20 percent VAT, whereas voluntary tips are exempt.

The chain will monitor the regional tipping differences around the country as it embarks on its quest to become the first national Thai chain in Britain with plans to open 70 restaurants.

 

New mental health support group for Hillingdon

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Mind HillingdonHillingdon Mind has employed a dedicated LGBT project coordinator whose sole role is to develop a support service for LGBT adults with mental health problems in the London Borough of Hillingdon.

Support services to be launched in early November will consist of a social group meeting once a week, trips and other activities decided by members on a quarterly basis.

There will also be a mentoring and buddying system that will aim to support those most in need.

LGBT Project Coordinator Lukasz, said:

“Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are more likely to suffer mental health problems due to social isolation and prejudice attached to those identities, if we add to it the stigma attached to mental health, we have a very vulnerable group. I am pleased that Hillingdon Mind recognises it.”

For more information EMAIL:  lgbt@hilligdonmind.org.uk

Or CLICK HERE:  www.hilligdonmind.org.uk/lgbt

Simon Seivewright – June 14, 1973 – September 13, 2013

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Simon Seivewright
Simon Seivewright

Simon Seivewright passed away on Friday, September 13, 2013 following an eleven month fight against an aggressive brain tumour. He was diagnosed with the tumour in October 2012 and despite undergoing painful chemotherapy Simon succumbed to its progression just eleven months later in September 2013.

Simon was born in the Malvern Hills in Worcester on June 14, 1973. He came to Brighton when he was 19 to study fashion at Brighton University where he graduated as ‘graduate student of the year’. Following his graduation he moved into teaching and became a course leader at Northbrook College in Worthing, West Sussex where he taught fashion and design. While at Northbrook College he became a published author with the publication of his two volume academic book Research and Design.

Simon met his partner Gary Boxell better know to many in Brighton as Grace in 1992 when he was in his first year at University. They had their partnership blessed with a ceremony at the Royal Pavilion in 2002 followed by a Civil Partnership in 2006. Grace’s wedding dress was designed by their friend the fashion designer Julien Macdonald, the ceremony was the social event of the year and the couple were very, very happy and content.

When you think of Simon you think of Grace, when you think of Grace you think of Simon. The couple were inseparable and Icons on the club scene in Brighton and London for twenty years.

For years Simon and Grace were Brighton’s ‘golden couple’. No opening would be complete if they were not there. They were glamorous and fabulous, everything Brighton lacks in 2013.

Simon was loved by many people. He had a wonderful ability to make you think you were the only person in the room when he talked to you. He was one of the ‘good guys’ and did not have a bad bone in his body. Simon was a gentleman and the gay clubbing scene will never be quite the same without him and Grace, out together.

Simon will be cremated at the Downs Crematorium, Bear Road, Brighton, Sussex, BN2 3PL on Thursday, October 3 at 2.15pm.

No flowers please donations to the the Martlets Hospice.

The service will be followed afterwards by a wake at Audio, Marine Parade, Brighton.

Grace and SImon
Grace and SImon

Canada’s LGBTQ youth at greater risk of suicide than straight youth

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Egale Human RightsLGBTQ youth in Canada are at significantly greater risk of suicide than their heterosexual and cisgender peers: 33% of LGB youth have attempted suicide in comparison to 7% of youth in general, and 47% of trans youth have thought about suicide in the past year alone.

ECHRT hosted experts from across Canada and the United States for the first ever LGBTQ Youth Suicide Prevention Summit in Canada. Participants included leading academics and researchers, educators, social service providers, medical professionals, coroners and medical examiners, LGBTQ and Aboriginal community leaders, and public policy developers.

The Summit culminated in the drafting of twenty recommendations for the prevention of suicide among LGBTQ youth in Canada, which are enumerated in the report.

Helen Kennedy, Executive Director of ECHRT, said:

“This reports represents a significant step toward ending the tragic and entirely unnecessary loss of so many precious lives. Today, we call on all levels of government to implement these recommendations as part of a critically needed national action plan to end youth suicide.”

Kennedy also announced the launch of a new campaign to provide education and resources on LGBTQ youth suicide prevention to parents and school communities.

Nancy Campana whose son Ricky committed suicide last year, said:

Ricky Campana
Ricky Campana

“As a family that has had to face one of the most excruciating losses any family can imagine, the death of our dear son Rocky, we are looking forward to being an integral part of sharing our story and making sure that both parents and youth have the knowledge and resources needed to help them in times of crisis.”

“Rocky was a shining star, an achiever and proud to be gay. He had everything in life to live for including a high profile new job and a family he adored and that supported him endlessly with great pride. It is now apparent that Rocky suffered from depression. We understand that if this scenario is possible in our family it is a risk for any family with an LGBTQ youth.”

The first recommendation of the report highlights the need to recognise and address the vast diversity of LGBTQ youth experiences across the country.

Jeremy Dutcher, co-chair of the Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance and an attendee of the Summit, said:

“This intersectional approach is vital in supporting the most at risk individuals.” 

“Egale has made working with Aboriginal and Two Spirit organisations on the challenge of LGBTQ youth suicide a major priority. Given the extremely high rates of suicide among Aboriginal people, especially those who are victimised and targeted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, the need for these recommendations to be implemented is paramount.”

 

Black History Month 2013

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Black History Month

Black History Month presents a programme of culturally diverse events throughout Brighton & Hove for all ages this autumn, many of which are free.

From Diwali celebrations (October 27) and a Day of the Dead themed festival (November 2-9) to the hugely popular Rum n Bass reggae night (October 26) and Black History Month Family Day (November 17), this year promises to give the city a taste of sizzling live music, visual arts, film, literature, photography, food, fashion, debates, workshops right on its doorstep.

Brighton & Hove Black History Month (BHM) happens every year in October and aims to educate, highlight and celebrate the achievements, history and culture of people of African, Caribbean and minority ethnic descent.

This year’s programme is dedicated to Brighton artist, poet, and dancer Irene Mensah, who passed away on April  12, 2013, short of her 50th birthday. Irene was a dedicated member of the Black History Month group. A special event (October 15) and exhibition of her art work (October 5-25)) have been organised to celebrate her rich artistic life and contribution to the city of Brighton & Hove.

A riotous musical explosion is in store for Brighton with Congolese soukous and rhumba band Congo Dia Ntotila at African Night Fever (September 29), 70s reggae legends Black Slate at Rum n Bass, West African singer songwriter Rokia Traore at Brighton Dome (November 6), West African Roots AfroManding band YIRI BAA plus Kora Maestro Jali Burama Mbye at Brunswick Pub (November 2), Mbira player Linos Wengara at Inner Visions (October 8) and Lady Matto at Nigerian Independence Celebration (October 12).

Every year, Black History Month provides the city with some of the best family-friendly activity and days, all for free. Explore the worlds of Burma, India, Africa, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America with these free events: Kachin Day of Solidarity & Celebration (September 28), Eid ul Azha October 15, BHM Family Activities (October 19), Diwali Celebrations (October 27), Latin Voices Live! Festival (November 2-9), and Brighton & Hove Black History Month Family Day (November 17).

Other not-to-missed highlights include acclaimed poet Patience Agbabi (October 24), Caribbean writer Jacob Ross (November 30), Rwandan survivor and author Alex Mvuka Ntung (October 8) and Ink On My Lips book launch with Brighton publisher Waterloo Press (November 2).

There are many free workshops for all ages – creative writing with, drumming and dance workshop, children’s bilingual storytelling, and arts and crafts workshops and more.

Ebou Touray, Chair of Brighton and Hove Black History Month and promoter for African Night Fever, who’s coordinating the Rum n Bass launch and the Family Day event, says:

“I’m so happy that we have Brighton & Hove City Council’s, Brighton Dome’s and the local community support’s for this year’s Black History Month. There is so much rich talent and cultural diversity here in Brighton & Hove, it’s wonderful that our partners are recognising the skills, experience, and knowledge these communities offer the city.”

Cuthbert Williams MBE, Chair of Brighton Black History, member of Black History Month and Writing Our Legacy added: “It’s such a pleasure to see all of the different ethnic communities in the city taking part in this year’s programme. It’s a real testament to the hard work of the volunteers to make Black History Month as inclusive as possible, and I hope everyone in the city feels welcome to come to our events.”

This year’s Black History Month programme is supported by funding from Brighton & Hove City Council and several arts and cultural partners including Brighton Dome, Brighton Museum, and Brighton & Hove Library Services.

Brighton & Hove Black History Month programme takes place from September 18 to November 30 2013 in venues all across the city.

Brighton and Hove Black History Group is a small grass roots community organisation whose primary aim is to challenge racism by raising awareness of the multi-cultural history of Brighton and Hove.Black History Month has been celebrated in Brighton since 2003, where it was first held at the Old Market, organised by Bert Williams and Sarah Lee from Black History. Black History month has been celebrated in the UK since October 1987.

For more information and listings, CLICK HERE:  

Brighton Black History Month

 

New manager at Brighton Prowler

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Peter Booth
Peter Booth

Prowler in St James’ Street has a new manager. Peter Booth, from Doncaster in South Yorkshire, studied for a couple of years at college before he jumped into retail and has stayed with shop work ever since.

He arrived at Prowler via Comet, House of Fraser and Toys R Us. For a few years he had his own internet business which he says was great fun, but incredibly stressful and time consuming. It isn’t something he misses.

In 2009 he moved to London to work, falling in love with the city and the commercial gay scene, which he had never experienced up north. However, working just outside of London and having to travel with work, he felt isolated from central London and the gay scene.

After dropping off random CVs in Soho, he ended taking up a job offer with Prowler at their Soho branch in June last year. Peter said: “This was a huge boost to my career and social life. Through Prowler I have met a lot of great people and I even flat share with a Prowlette.”

In May this year he requested to be transferred to Prowler’s Brighton branch when a position became available. Working with the Brighton team he has revamped the shop with a fresh new look, introduced new product ranges and says the company have exciting plans for the shop over the next 12 months.

His ties to the north are still strong as his family is still living there. He currently lives in Croydon which keeps him nicely placed to enjoy both Brighton and London and he visits his family regularly. He admits to being a massive ‘geek’, loves Tudor history, David Lynch, Games of Thrones, which he is still catching up on, and says the hottest guy on the planet besides his boyfriend Marcel is the actor, Will Smith. The thing he likes most about working for Prowler is the charity support work they do. Prowler have six charity partners and last month they supported the HIV charity Positive East.

Peter added:

“One thing that is always strong here is the generosity of our customers who are the people who enable us to do our work with the charities.”

Lunch Positive features in FareShare video

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Lunch Positive

Lunch Positive is a weekly lunch club for people living with and affected by HIV. Every Friday the charity provides a safe social space for people to meet, share a freshly cooked healthy meal and find peer support.

Lunch Positive kitchen volunteers feature in a new short video to fundraise for FareShare – a charity which re-distributes food stocks from supermarkets and food suppliers, and which is essential to providing the service.

The video shows Lunch Positive volunteers preparing food and talking about food poverty and its effects.

The video can be viewed on the Lunch Positive website home page together with details of how to join the service.

For more information, CLICK HERE:  www.lunchpositive.org

For a version with subtitles CLICK HERE:  www.amara.org/en/videos/4DBCtK0sjLzl/info/fareshare-brighton/

Hove MP Weatherley to join parliamentary group on british jews

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Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, is joining a new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Jews.

The APPG on British Jews is set to launch when parliament returns from the conference recess in October. The Board of Deputies of British Jews – the sole Jewish organisation in the UK which is democratically representative of the Jewish community, with 285 elected representatives from various synagogues, organisations and charities across the religious and political spectrum – will serve as the secretariat for the new group.

Mike Weatherley, MP
Mike Weatherley, MP

Mike said:

“Given that Hove and Portslade has a significant Jewish population, I felt that it was important that I take part in this group which will help strengthen ties between parliamentarians and their Jewish constituents. I am an active member in a number of APPGs, which help to highlight important issues in Parliament for residents.”

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