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Welcome to our first newsletter of 2019. A round up of great work that Renaissance is delivering across Lancashire.
May I begin by wishing you all a Happy New Year and I hope you have enjoyed a break over the holiday period.
We bring the new year with a new addition to our team. In November last year our Child ISVA left us for a new post within the police service. Rachel Anderson, who has been working as an adult ISVA with Renaissance sine 2011 has moved into this role and we welcome Jess Dodd who is joining our team in January in the post of Adult ISVA.
A new year brings a wave of new and exciting partnership working and employment opportunities within Renaissance across the county. More information will be available on our website under recruitment very soon.
Our HIV Projects across Lancashire came together in December for their Christmas Party. Held in Blackpool at our Dickson Road offices, all our HIV were invited and we had an excellent turn out of 35 service users. The evening was full of games, carols, and laughter. Everyone had a fabulous time and each attendee was given a small gift to celebrate the festive period. I must take this opportunity to thank the Changing Futures Project team for supporting this event.
Early this year, partnership work is being undertake with the NHS and Public Health to widen our service offer in Blackpool through HORIZON. Staff at Renaissance who provide assertive outreach and sexual health support as part of the HORIZON partnership will soon be able to offer screening for COPD to clients that are at risk.
COPD has been recently highlighted as a health priority in Blackpool and all client facing staff within the wider HORIZON partnership will be receiving training in COPD interventions. The majority of this work will be carried out by the team that deliver the Drug and Alcohol service for the partnership, Delphi Medical. However our team will also be involved in the implementation of the addition service to sexual health clients.
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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| We were very pleased to be featured in the Coalition of Small Charities Christmas Advert for 2018. If you haven’t seen it yet then take a look here. |
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www.RenaissanceTrainingSchool.co.uk
Current Public Health strategies and awareness are high on any organisations agenda. Health and Wellbeing of your workforce is paramount. It is important to remember that a good knowledge of key Public Health principles is crucial when applying for funding and attaining any quality mark.
Renaissance training is not only public health and Blackpool council approved but it is recognised nationally by leading funding streams and higher European Organisations.
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 10 years, 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:
Wesley Hall in Blackburn
Second Tuesday of every month
8th January (during the ARC drop in) 12pm till 2pm
Plungington Community Centre,
Brook St, Preston PR1 7NB
Tuesday 15th January – 3pm – 7pm
Tuesday 29th January – 3pm – 7pm
United Reformed Church, Duckworth St, Darwen
Third Wednesday of every month.
16th January – 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 6th February – Acqua Sauna – 2pm – 4pm
Full sexual health screening is now available by appointment only at 102 Dickson Road, Monday to Thursday 9am – 8pm.
To receive a full sexual health screen an appointment must be made in advance by calling 01253 311431.
The team will also be offering full sexual health screening int eh community on
Thursday 31st January – W3 Sauna – 2pm – 4pm
Friday 1st February – Infusion 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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Our M2M Clinic continues to run it’s drop in clinic every Tuesday evening 5.30pm – 8pm.
In addition the the M2M Clinc, men that have sex with men can now also receive a full sexual health screen Monday to Thursday at HORIZON 102 Dickson Road by appointment only. Call 01253 311431 to make an appointment.
Please note we cannot offer full sexual health screens as a drop in apart from the designated Tuesday clinic.
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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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| 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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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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Good news
During December the HIV Team together with Changing Futures held a Christmas Party at Horizion. All our clients were invited and we had an excellent turn out of 35 clients. The evening was full of games, carols, and laughter. Everyone had a fabulous time and each attendee was given a small gift to celebrate the festive period. Thank you to the Changing Futures Project for supporting this event. |
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The Red Ribbon Group continues to be held on alternate Wednesdays between 10-12. Our fantastic volunteer Val has returned to help Dominic facilitate the group and also cover Dominic’s holiday period in January. The Group recommences on Wednesday 9th January.
During January the HIV Workers are producing a new calendar of events for the clients, which will include specific events such as Dinner with the Doctor, walking group commencing in Spring, quarterly gatherings for the clients with a specific theme i.e. wellbeing, finances etc
May we take this opportunity from all the HIV Team across HORIZON and Healthier living (Jo, Yvonne, David and Jane) to wish each and everyone a Peaceful New Year.
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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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| 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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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.”
Twice a 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 every 2 weeks, 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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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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Healthier Living in Lancashire
Please note there is now a NEW email address for HIV social support referrals:
- Do you know someone who is HIV positive or who is affected by HIV?
- Do they live in Lancashire or Blackburn with Darwen?
- Do they need any social care support?
- If yes please complete the referral form and email it to:
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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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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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