The Zhoosh! Brighton Blog
Update on LGBT HIP
LGBT HIP have some exciting news to share regarding developments with the project in 2012. Originally, they were just focused on consulting with LGBT people on health issues. However, Brighton and Hove City Council have become interested in their work and have decided to support the project too – hence the change of name. They’ll still be LGBT HIP but they’ll be the LGBT Health and Inclusion Project (instead of the LGBT Health Involvement Project). They will remain completely independent, but this gives them the opportunity to broaden their focus to look at a whole range of issues of interest to them as LGBT people in Brighton and Hove. They’ll also be updating their logo soon too to reflect the change – watch this space!
LGBT HIP's current logo
LGBT HIP have been involved in some exciting activities lately. They had a great visit to the local sexual health clinic, the Claude Nicol, when a group of trans people went to find out more about it and feed back to the staff how the clinic could be more trans friendly. Additionally, they had a lively meeting with LGBT people who wanted to talk in depth about the neighbourhood council’s idea (see below). There‘s lots more they’ll be involved in over the coming months- Zhoosh will keep you posted on this.
Moreover, there are three important consultation exercises happening in the city that many LGBT people will want to be involved in – as a reminder, the first one closes on the 16th of Jan so do make sure you get in quick!
What mental health services do you think the LGBT community needs?
The local NHS is running a consultation about mental health services in Brighton & Hove. This is your chance to have your say about what mental health services the local LGBT community needs and how the money gets spent. There is a consultation survey to complete but it doesn’t ask who should be providing the services, whether there should be LGBT services for LGBT people, and whether the current agencies providing LGBT services should carry on. If you think these issues are important you need to complete the consultation now! Whatever your view, make sure you have your say about mental health services in Brighton and Hove. Click here to complete the online form by 16th January.
What Do You Think About the Idea of Local Neighbourhood Councils?
Neighbourhood Councils are a flagship policy of the new Green administration. They are a mechanism whereby budgets and decision making are devolved from Local Authorities to a geographical area. The aim is to put budgets and decision-making in the hands of local people. Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) propose beginning pilot Neighbourhood Councils from April 2012 within the City to try out the idea. A brilliant way for LGBT people to get more involved in local democracy? Frightening rule by your neighbours? Or something in between? Let the council know what you think. Click here to complete the online form by 27th January.
How can Brighton and Hove City Council Promote Equality?
Brighton and Hove City Council states that it places promoting equality at the heart of what it does. There are two documents which currently summarise the Council’s commitments to equality and inclusion, and the actions it is taking to achieve this: ‘Working towards an Inclusive City’ and the ‘Single Equality Scheme.’ Both of these documents ended their lifespan in December 2011. The Council has set out the objectives that will inform their new action plan to promote equality. Have they got it right for LGBT people or should they go back to the drawing board? Make sure you have your say. Click here to complete the online form by 3rd February.
LGBT HIP Suicidal Distress Survey
Don’t forget, LGBT HIP’s survey on the issue of suicidal distress is still running but they’ll be closing it soon, so if you haven’t done it yet, please do. Click here to complete the online form, which needs to be completed asap.
This is YOUR chance to have YOUR say about LGBT services in Brighton & Hove. Please take the time to complete the survey(s) to help make our city a more inclusive, equal and safe place to live.
