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Welcome to our December newsletter. A round up of great work that Renaissance is delivering across Lancashire.
November as always was a packed month across the service. As local activation partners for HIV Prevention England, we took part in National HIV Testing Week across the service. Healthier Living Practitioners Jane and David offered testing sessions at UCLan in both Preston and Burnley, as well as asylum seeker and refugee drop ins in both Blackburn and Darwen.
The Blackpool team took our “Big Sexy Bus” into both St Johns Square and Bickerstaffe Square to offer testing and information. It was a great week with some fantastic work achieved by everyone involved.
Our Blackpool LGB&T Service as part of HORIZON also recognised Transgender Day Of Remembrance on Tuesday the 20th of November with a photography exhibition at local art gallery “ICW”. The event was very well attended and feedback received was very positive.
Our HORIZON drug and alcohol assertive outreach team marked Alcohol awareness week with an event at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, supported by the HORIZON Communications Officer. Lots of awareness raising and promotion of service was offered to those in attendance at the event.
And lastly I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Mark Brine to Renaissance. Mark has joined us as HCV outreach worker, Mark has previously worked for Renaissance and we are so happy to welcome him home.
More information on each of our projects are featured further in this newsletter but please also keep in touch with us on social media. Search “Renaissance at Drugline” on both Facebook and Twitter, or follow the links at the end of this newsletter.
Please know that you are a valued member of our database and if you have any comments or anything that you would like to be considered for additions then please reply to this email.
Thank you and kind regards
S M Matthews
Service Manager
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www.RenaissanceTrainingSchool.co.uk
NOW BOOKING FOR 2019
Pubic Health priorities are a great concern amongst services in the UK. Renaissance has the tools and experience to train you and your team to the highest standard. Courses are updated regularly in line with new statistics and changing trends. We can train anywhere in the UK as well as in our training suite in Blackpool. in 2018 our trainers delivered to organisations such as Morecambe Bay Hospital Trust, The Ashley Foundation and Blackpool Fulfilling Lives.
Courses available are:
- DRUGS & ALCOHOL AWARENESS
- SEXUAL HEALTH AWARENESS 2018
- TRANS* AWARENESS
- LGB&T EDUCATION TRAINING
- PERSONAL SAFETY TRAINING
- DRUG RELATED LITTER
- CHEMSEX
- PreP and PeP
The beauty of booking Renaissance is that we have been delivering training in these areas for over a decade, all our trainers are still front line workers and therefore our knowledge and experience is as comprehensive as you can get.
Our training is endorsed by Public Health England and Blackpool Council in the promotion of health, well-being, equality and diversity.
For more information on training please email
enquiries@druglinelancs.co.uk
or call 01253 311431 |
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The Healthier Living Testing Team will be offering rapid result HIV testing throughout Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen at the following venues:
The Well, Morecambe
Monday 17th December 10am – 12pm
Wesley Hall in Blackburn
Second Tuesday of every month
11th December (during the ARC drop in) 12pm till 2pm
Emmanuel Community Centre (Preston)
Tuesday 4th December – 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 18th December – 10am -4pm
*Please note these sessions are appointment only. Call or text David on 07811 199844 to book.*
United Reformed Church, Duckworth St, Darwen
Third Wednesday of every month.
19th December – 11am – 1pm. |
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The HORIZON Testing Team will be offering Rapid Result HIV Testing at 102 Dickson Road Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm as well as
Wednesday 5th December – Acqua Sauna – 2pm – 4pm
Friday 7th December – Infusion Sauna – 2pm – 4pm
Thursday 27th December – W3 Sauna – 2pm – 4pm
There is also Dry Blood Spot Screening for HIV, Hep B and Hep C, available Monday to Friday at 102 Dickson Road 9am – 5pm through our Needle Exchange Hub. |
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Please note that the M2M Clinic will be closed on
Tuesday the 25th of December 2018 and
Tuesday the 1st of January 2019 due to bank holidays
The clinic will be back on Tuesday the 8th of January 2019
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HORIZON IS A FREE, CONFIDENTIAL AND PROFESSIONAL DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND SEXUAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICE. AT DICKSON ROAD YOU CAN RECEIVE A RANGE OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL HARM REDUCTION INTERVENTIONS AND OUR EXPERIENCED SEXUAL HEALTH TEAM OFFER NON JUDGEMENTAL GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT WITH ANY ISSUE RELATING TO SEXUAL HEALTH AND HEALTH AND WELLBEING.
- We recognise the issues facing those living with and affected by HIV.
- We see the impact on individuals and communities
- We understand the difficulties experienced by survivors of sexual violence
- We support the health and wellbeing needs of those within the LGB and T community
- We work with a range of vulnerable adults including sex workers and drug users
- We will complete an assessment with you to find out what your needs are
- We will work with you on a one-to-one basis to help you overcome your problems
- We will refer you to and connect with other people and services that can help you
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Alcohol Awareness Week 14th – 20th November 2018
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During alcohol awareness week. The HORIZON Drug and Alcohol Assertive Outreach Team attened an event at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Here are the team pictured above, with two of the alcohol liaison team at BVH.
The HORIZON outreach team act on referrals daily from BVH to reduce alcohol readmission to hospital. There were many stalls at the hospital including our own, offering harm reduction advice and information about HORIZON support services.
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Sex Workers Outreach & Support Service
Charleen would like to offer help and support to anyone that is working in the Sex industry in Blackpool that is over the age of 18
She can provide you with a weekly supply of condoms regular /flavoured/ lube
Support is available for
- Female, Male & Trans* workers
- Massage parlour workers
- Lone Workers from home
- Street Sex Workers
- Online Escorts
Contact Charleen : 07811 192517 ckitchen@druglinelancs.co.uk |
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The Sex Workers Support Project invites you to a meeting held upstairs at
102 Dickson Road, BLACKPOOL, FY1 2BU
Monday the 17th December 2018
between 12-2pm
There will be coffee & mince pies, to support
“International Day to End Violence against Sex Workers”
December the 17th is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
was created in to call attention to hate crimes committed against sex workers all over the globe. Inaugurated by Dr Annie Sprinkle and started by the Sex Workers Outreach Project USA, the first annual day was in 2003 and was held as a memorial and vigil for the victims of the Green River Killer in Seattle Washington. International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers has empowered workers from over cities around the world to come together and organise against discrimination and remember victims of violence.
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Our Blackpool HIV Support Service under the HORIZON Partnership offers:
- Flexible person centred approach which tailors support to the needs of the individual and circumstances.
- Information, advice and support relating to HIV.
- Advocacy.
- Counselling.
- Signposting or referral on to other appropriate services.
- Emotional one to one support.
- Befriending.
- Complementary Therapies.
- Peer Support Groups.
- HIV testing.
- Safer sex pack distribution.
- Provide support and information to carers and family members.
- Condom distribution.
- Service awareness.
- Education and awareness events.
For information on our Blackpool HIV Support Service contact Jo on 01253 311431 |
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World AIDS Day
Our HORIZON HIV Support worker Jo, along with service volunteers, were at Blackpool North Railway Station on Saturday the 1st of December from 10am until 4pm.
The team were there to raise money for our hardship fund which supports those living with and affected by HIV in Blackpool during times of crisis by selling Red Ribbons, as well as raising awareness of the services provided by the HORIZON Project at Renaissance. |
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During National HIV Testing Week we were thrilled to launch our “BIG SEXY BUS”
The bus is now complete and kitted out with a private testing room, Running water, sink, fridge, Wifi, tea and coffee facilities and televisions.
We have great plans for the future with the bus and we could not have done this without the help of John and his team at Blackpool Design Coach builders https://bdc-uk.co.uk/ . The guys there have been amazing and are still supporting us with storage and tweaks here and there. |
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So keep your eyes peeled for our BIG SEXY BUS coming to an event near you soon. And if you are interested in hiring the bus for your own event then please contact Shelley at smmatthews@druglinelancs.co.uk for more information and hire prices. |
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Needle Exchange Hub
The needle exchange at 102 Dickson Road is available for FREE needles, syringes and injecting paraphernalia including spoons, citric, vit c, filters, swabs and sharps bins. Used works can also be returned to the needle exchange for safe disposal. Dry blood spot testing for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV is also available as a drop in, and Hepatitis B vaccination can be arranged via appointment. Harm Reduction advice is available in a confidential, non-judgemental environment. FREE safer sex packs are also available. |
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The Pins and Needles Pro website ( www.pinsandneedlespro.co.uk) for people to buy needles for steroid, tanning and botox use, also now has a Facebook page Search @pinsneedlespro or click F to follow the link…
As well as an online shop, people can also buy their equipment from 102 Dickson Road and use either our cash or Paypal card reader facility. |
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AT HORIZON LGB&T WE OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND TRAINING GROUPS TO THE LGBQ & T COMMUNITY. GROUPS ARE COORDINATED BY OUR LGB&T DEVELOPMENT LEADS ANTHONY AND LEAH, PEER MENTORS AND VOLUNTEERS.
The service provides:
- General health and wellbeing support
- Group work programmes
- Peer support networks
- Counselling services
- One to one and web based support around sexuality and gender identity
- Chem Sex support
- Targeted sexual health clinics (MSM, Trans*, LGB)
- Community and venue outreach
- Safer sex packs
- Web based condom distribution scheme
- Access to 60 second rapid HIV testing
- Lead for campaigns & sexual health messages across all media
- Providing education and training
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Some of our amazing Blackpool LGB&T and Supporting venues held fundraisers over the weekend of the 1st of December to raise money for the services we provide here at HORIZON LGB&T and our Hardship Fund. The team were out in force at these events over the weekend and fundraising totals will be released on our social media pages soon.
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LGB&T Support Groups available from Horizon in Blackpool
A Social Group for anyone that identifies as LGB or T*,
Variations thereof & their supporters.
“You don’t have to identify as LGB or T* to be an Ally.”
First and Third Tuesday of Every Month 6pm – 8pm at 102 Dickson Road
Lancashire Lads
A Social & Support Group Exclusively For Trans* Males
Monthly – 6pm – 8pm at 102 Dickson Road
Trans-Inclusion
A Social & Support Group Exclusively For Trans* Females
Monthly – 6pm – 8pm at 102 Dickson Road
Luncheon Group
A Mature Gay Gentlemen’s Group Meeting for Lunch Weekly
Weekly at Various Locations
“Gents”
A Social & Support Group for Gay & Bisexual Men over 25
Fortnightly at 102 Dickson Road
Red Ribbon Group
A Social & Support Group for those living with & affected by HIV
Meeting weekly, for details on the next meeting call 01253 311431
Parents and Partners
A social and support group for parents, partners and carers of those living with HIV in the local community
For any more group information or to express an interest to attend please call 01253 311431 or contact
Leah on 07811 732344 / lemerson@druglinelancs.co.uk or
Anthony on 07875 355390 awest@druglinelancs.co.uk
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Transgender Day Of Remembrance
On Tuesday the 20th of November we marked Transgender Day of Remembrance at the ICW Gallery in Blackpool.
In conjunction with Blackpool Fulfilling Lives, LGB&T Community Development Lead Anthony West arranged for an exhibition by photographer Allie Crewe to visit Blackpool. |
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This ground breaking photography of Trans Women was commissioned by Sparkle, the Transgender Charity, in Manchester. We were very pleased to welcome it to Blackpool and to the ICW gallery, where it was on display for 10 days.
During the event staff from HORIZON spoke about the day of remembrance and invited those in attendance to light a candle, sign the book of remembrance and to view the slideshow of the list of names of those sadly lost from the transgender community over the last year to acts of violence. |
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One attendee said how “Sobering the list of 308 names was”.
It was a well attended event welcoming all ages and backgrounds, including group members from UrPotential’s LGB&T Groups, our own Blackpool Allies group members, representatives from Lancashire Police and the fire service and management from the equality and diversity department of the Blackpool and Lancashire CSU. |
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Healthier Living aims to provide HIV specialist advice, support and information to all residents of Lancashire living with HIV or affected by HIV.
The service provides:
- Flexible person centred approach which tailors support to the needs of the individual and circumstances.
- Information, advice and support relating to HIV.
- Advocacy.
- Counselling.
- Signposting or referral on to other appropriate services.
- Emotional one to one support.
- Befriending.
- Complementary Therapies.
- Peer Support Groups.
- HIV testing.
- Safer sex pack distribution.
- Provide support and information to carers and family members.
- Condom distribution.
- Service awareness.
- Education and awareness events.
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More information is available at our website and you can contact an HIV Support Worker on 01253 311431
For a calendar of Healthier living events
DOWNLOAD HERE
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Healthier Living and Lancashire Voice teamed up to create an instant HIV testing session at the UCLan Burnley Campus on Monday 19th November. Both services worked collaboratively with St Peter’s Sexual health and family planning clinic (to screen for Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia) and the Students Union who supported to get the event approved. Two Renaissance volunteers also heavily supported the event. |
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100 brief interventions were carried out with students who received 246 condoms and 246 packs of lube. Due to the success of the event, St Peter’s clinic, Lancashire Voice and Healthier Living will be teaming up to create a sexual health mela where stalls will include information on the morning after pill, HIV testing, STI screening, abortion advice and drug and alcohol misuse services. We would also like to include services that represent clinical indicators for HIV such as T.B, C.O.P.D. and Diabetes. A date will be confirmed in January 2019. |
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During November, Healthier Living supported an event held in collaboration with Blackburn Rovers Community Trust at DARE – Darwen Asylum and Refugee Enterprise, to form a display of anti-discrimination messages.
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World AIDS DAY
On Saturday 1st December a World Aid’s day vigil took place at the Plungington Community Centre 6pm-7pm. The location of the building is Brook St Preston PR1 7NB. A raffle was also drawn from which funds will pay for the service users Xmas party on Wednesday 12th December. |
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Renaissance is a delivery partner in the new Changing Futures project in Lancashire which is part of the nationwide Building Better Opportunities scheme which brings together funding from the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund (ESF) to help tackle the poverty and social exclusion faced by the most disadvantaged people in England.
The project aims to transform the futures of people of all ages (over 15) who have issues in their lives that are getting in the way of them finding employment or participating in training or education. It will focus on participants with mental or physical health difficulties, who are homeless, have disabilities or may be full-time carers.
For more information about the Changing Futures project please contact:
Zoey Barlow: zbarlow@druglinelancs.co.uk |
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Lancashire Voice is a project funded by The Big Lottery, administered by Renaissance @ Drugline & facilitated by David Williams.
Stay in touch with Lancashire Voice:
Mobile- 07811199844
Facebook- Lancashire Voice
Twitter- @lancashirevoice
Instagram- Lancashire Voice |
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Hate Crime Third Party Reporting
Renaissance is a third party reporting centre. This means if you have been a victim of hate crime, you can come to the office to report the incident, and we will tell the police on your behalf.
Renaissance is proud to be a third party reporting centre. If you would like to report a hate crime/incident or speak to someone in a confidential and friendly environment; call 01253 311431 or call into 102 Dickson Road, Blackpool, FY1 2BU. |
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