This summer, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching a new group for gay and bisexual men in Brighton who feel that drug or alcohol use is having an overwhelming and negative impact on their lives or sexual behaviour. The charity is asking men in the city to get in touch to register their interest in taking part in the group, which will run from the charity’s centre on Ship Street on Thursday evenings and will launch in July.
The addictions group will be open to local men irrespective of their HIV status and will provide a confidential and non-judgemental space where they can explore sexual behaviours within the wider context of other lifestyle choices, such as drug or alcohol use.
50 per cent of new HIV diagnoses in the South East of England in 2011 were among gay and bisexual men. Gay and bisexual men are also more likely to be diagnosed with other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea. Men who attend the new support group will learn strategies to take control and break cycles of behaviour that might make them unhappy or put them at increased risk of sexual ill health.
Ross Boseley, Health Promotion Co-ordinator for Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton, said:
“There is a wealth of information out there designed to support people to make positive decisions around alcohol, drug use and sexual behaviour. Even with all that information we can at times in our lives make decisions that don’t make us happy. If you find yourself struggling to make the right choices for you, it’s important to know that there is support out there. We hope that gay and bisexual men in the city will take advantage of this free, non-judgemental and confidential space where they can work through their behaviours and take control of their health.”
THT offers a comprehensive programme of groups for gay and bisexual men in Brighton, covering a range of issues including compulsive and chaotic behaviour around sex and drugs. Men who are diagnosed with HIV can also access one-to-one support and practical advice through the charity’s counselling and health training services.
For more information or to register your interest in taking part in the group, EMAIL:
Or telephone: 01273 764208
For more information about THT, CLICK HERE:
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