New Date Announced for Brighton Half Marathon 2021

October 22, 2020

We are sorry to announce that the Brighton Half Marathon is postponed from 28thFebruary 2021 to Sunday 27th June 2021 following the recent escalation of Covid-19 cases and change in Public Health guidance.

We opened the 2021 event in July in a mood of optimism following the relaxing of three months of national lockdown. With restrictions...

One day at The Beacon – Oisín, Operations Manager

September 18, 2020September 16, 2020

Before Oisín managed our facilities and operations teams here at The Beacon, he was a professional bathroom fitter and tiler. His first contact with The Beacon was when we was commissioned to complete a bathroom in the Brighton facility. The job went so well that he was asked about ‘one more quick job’ installing a...

One day at The Beacon – Hattie, Senior Project Coordinator

September 16, 2020August 28, 2020

Hattie Yanaghas – Senior Project Coordinator at Sussex Beacon pictured.

Hattie has worked for various charities in different roles before coming to work for The Beacon and was a self-employed massage therapist. Hattie started working for The Beacon as a volunteer massage therapist and had in interest in therapy and long-term health conditions.

Creative Christina – Our Mask Maker and Volunteer

September 16, 2020August 28, 2020

Meet Christina, one of our amazing volunteers here at The Sussex Beacon!

Christina has volunteered for 4 years at our St James’ Shop, which was her favourite charity shop in Brighton before becoming a volunteer.

Because of COVID-19 she has been unable to visit and volunteer in our shops. Christina decided to start making and donating masks...

G Scene Interview with Executive Director Bill Puddicombe

August 7, 2020

CEO Bill Puddicombe at Brighton Pride Parade

Bill gave this revealing and inspiring interview to James Ledward of Gscene magazine six months after joining the Sussex Beacon:

Trustee Fungai Murau discusses HIV and Wellbeing during COVID-19 on YouTube

August 4, 2020June 11, 2020

Trustee speaks

One of our trustees, Fungai Murau, took part in a recorded video chat focused on the emotional wellbeing of women with HIV during COVID-19 – a tough time for many.

Fungai’s comments in conversation with host Susan Cole can be heard from the 30 second mark.

Look and listen at the YouTube link below.

About aidsmap

The brilliant aidsmap project is dedicated to spreading accurate information, providing resources and debunking myths around HIV and the people who live with HIV.

With experience-led information portals and up to date resources, their stated aim is to positively affect the lives of communities and individuals living with HIV.

Join in the conversation on Twitter

One of our amazing trustees, @JorjaPublishing, is featured in this great three part video series led by @susancolehaley discussing Emotional Wellbeing for women with HIV.

The particular focus is on the specific need for wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak. Take a look! ☑️📻 https://t.co/9vpJN86NOg
— The Sussex Beacon (@sussexbeacon) June 11, 2020

Enjoyed having a conversation on this panel, @SWIFT_women @4Mproject @BeyondStigma_ @sussexbeacon @chivaprojects @BritishHIVAssoc @Positively_UK @ukcab please share widely. https://t.co/86rJwN9mSX
— Fungai Murau (@JorjaPublishing) June 11, 2020

Scott’s Short Cut – a sponsored hair cut fundraiser for our patients

June 8, 2020June 8, 2020

Scott Ford is a patient and service user with The Sussex Beacon, who has been the recipient of help and support from the team here since his HIV diagnosis 22 years ago at the age of just 25.

Scott has been a great supporter of the Beacon and has attended numerous events run by the team here.

He recently set up a fundraiser GoFundMe page to help raise money for The Sussex Beacon and our activities in Brighton and across Sussex. It involved cutting his stylish hair short – for which he’s already raised more than £350!

We chatted to Scott on Facebook and over email and he shared his story below.

“I was diagnosed with HIV back in 1998. I was about 25.

At the time there wasn’t a lot of support – there was a place called the Red Door I knew about.

Over the years I got a lot of support from the Lawson Unit and about 15 years back I was told about this place called the Sussex Beacon where I could go for support.

I took part in some classes during the day time which were a great support to me.

I started getting more involved with the Sussex Beacon about 5 years ago, when I went to their first Halloween charity ball.”

“I was overwhelmed with the support and care from the Sussex Beacon. For the last 5 years I have helped the Beacon to raise as much money as I can.

In 2018 I needed the support of the Sussex Beacon for a drinking problem I had. I was in the unit for 2 weeks.

The support I got in there was overwhelming. Everyone from the nurses, doctors, volunteers and other people was amazing. The Sussex Beacon is a massive part of of my life.”

“We need a place like the Beacon. There’s nothing else out there like it. Having the Sussex Beacon helps so many people living with HIV. It’s very important we have support in Brighton and all over the country.

Without the support over the years, especially after I was diagnosed, things would have been a lot harder. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the support I’ve had in Brighton.

I want to thank the people that have donated to my Sussex Beacon GoFundMe page. Every morning people like me have to take medication. It’s a constant reminder of being HIV positive.

There are many people out there that live on their own and don’t have the support they need. This is why the Sussex Beacon is so important.

It give people a chance to be around those who can help and give them the strength and support they need. Taking medication is one thing but to have a place to come to for support, which opens its arms with love is vital to so many people living with HIV.

Please just give £5 to my Sussex beacon GoFundMe page – it will make a big difference.”

Celebrating Volunteer’s Week 2020

June 8, 2020June 3, 2020

Thank you to ALL of our volunteers

That’s everyone who contributes their time helping us provide care for people living with HIV.

You’re superstars and it’s thanks to YOUR contribution that The Sussex Beacon can help so many people.

Retail volunteers

Patient drivers

Receptionists

Voluntary medical team

Peer Mentors

Van drivers

Events supporters

Trustees

Admin volunteers

Chaplains

Ambassadors

Service User Forum volunteers

Finance volunteers

Gardeners

Makeup volunteers

Meal serving volunteers

Tin organiser

Money counters

Volunteer chefs

and MANY, MANY more.

So, however you’re helping…

THANK YOU!

Discover more resources about Volunteer’s Week 2020 at the official organising website.

https://volunteersweek.org/

Volunteer driver

July 2, 2020June 3, 2020

Volunteer Driver

Main Purpose:

To Provide transport for clients coming to stay from outside the area from their home address and return. To when necessary provide transport for inpatients and outpatients to and from The Sussex Beacon for medical appointments within the Brighton and Hove area, both accompanied by a member of staff...