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Welcome to our October newsletter. A round up of great work that Renaissance is delivering across Lancashire.
As the nights draw in, our work has increased throughout September and we continue to support some of the most vulnerable people within our society in all of our locations across Lancashire.
With our success in the continuation of the delivery of the Healthier Living Contract across Lancashire, we have newly appointed a full time Sexual Health Outreach Worker. Michael joins us from Terrence Higgins Trust in Scotland. With the wealth of experience that Michael brings to the role, a new and innovating service is imminent. Michael has taken the role to lead the sexual heath outreach across the county and is already making strong links with service users and other organisations. In October Michael will be attending Lancashire University to support their student Union Welfare and Community Vice President during “Welcome Weeks”, with a view to supporting the vast number of students at the university with sexual health advice in the future. We will continue to offer advice in situ of public sex environments, male only sauna complexes and other sex on premises venues across Lancashire, promoting safer sex practices and working towards reducing the transmission of prolific STI’s and HIV.
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 UK” 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 Mullarkey
Chief Operating Director
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Renaissance UK –
Projects and Funding Update
We would like to take this opportunity to make you aware that our Sexual Violence Service (ISVA) service in Blackpool will soon be coming to an end.
Our funding with Children In Need for Blackpool’s first ever Child ISVA, completes in December. We were very proud to be the first organisation to hold this post in the area, and the work that has been completed has been invaluable to the users of the service. In addition to this, the Adult ISVA service here at Renaissance will cease to be commissioned in March 2020. As funding changes, the Police Crime Commissioner is responsible for the commissioning of all ISVA services and moving forward this crucial support will be delivered fully by the organisation, Victim Services. We have delivered ISVA service in Blackpool for a number of years now, originally with funding from the Home Office and in more recent years from Public Health and Blackpool Council. We have supported hundreds of clients throughout this time and are pleased that the service will continue to be delivered, now through Victim Services. Chief Operating Director, Shelley Mullarkey said “I must take this opportunity to thank Rachel Anderson, who has managed the project for many years now as both Adult ISVA and more recently seconded to the young persons project. Rachel has become so well respected by the team here and more importantly by the services that she has linked with. I have had countless messages and feedback from police officers that have worked with Rachel over the years and they cannot praise her work enough. So thank you Rachel.”
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We would like to say a huge congratulations to one of our longest serving volunteers at Renaissance UK. Over the years, Val has worked across the service with all of our teams in Blackpool, Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, supporting all of the projects we deliver.
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We are so proud that on the 16th of September, Val was recognised at The Blackpool Tower as one of the 125 Local Heros, celebrating 125 years of the world famous Blackpool Tower.
Never was anyone more deserving of this recognition. Val is one of the best, giving her time and support to the team, sometimes at very short notice.
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Chief Operating Director, Shelley Mullarkey said: “It was a very easy decision to nominate Val, without volunteers like her, our service would not be as strong as it is, Val is such an important part of our team and we value her contribution to the service hugely. I hope this award goes somewhere towards thanking her for all of the time she has given to the charity and the continued support she gives to all of us at Renaissance,
Well done Val” !!
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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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HORIZON Assertive Outreach team member Freddie, attended a Hepatitis C testing and awareness event, in conjunction with the Probation Service Blackpool, The Hep C Trust England and the Blackpool Lived Experience Team.
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The event was to promote awareness and information surrounding the topic of Hepatitis C, myth busting and general advice for people that may or may not be living with this virus. Also explaining new treatments available and support in the community from our dedicated Hep C worker Mark who can be contacted on 07860269660 for support to and from appointments.
The event was well supported by Probation staff and probation clients, and not to mention the endless supply of coffee and cake for all. Freddie managed to test and provide information to 12 probation clients and was considered to be a resounding success by all staff who attended this event.
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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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The HORIZON Testing Team will be offering Rapid Result HIV Testing at 102 Dickson Road Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm
The team are also offering full sexual health screen by appointment as well as at the following venues within the community:
Friday 4th October – Infusion Sauna – 2pm – 4pm
Thursday 31st October – 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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AT HORIZON LGB&T WE OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND TRAINING GROUPS TO THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY OF BLACKPOOL. GROUPS ARE COORDINATED BY OUR LGBT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LEAD ANTHONY AND GROUP FACILITATOR SARA
The service provides:
- General health and well being 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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LGBTQ+ 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 LGBTQ 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 the Trans Community that either already have or are thinking about a referral to Leeds NHS Gender Identity Services
Monthly – 6pm – 8pm at 102 Dickson Road
Luncheon Group
A Mature LGBTQ 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
For any more group information or to attend please call 01253 311431 or contact
Sara on 07811 732344 spenswick@Ren-UK.com
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Blackpool’s Transinclusion Group
In the past Transinclusion was specifically for trans women. The relaunched peer support & social group is open to anyone over 18 who identifies as trans or non-binary on the Leeds GIS waiting list. The group will also welcome current clients of Leeds GIS, or people thinking about being referred.
The group takes place on the last Tuesday of the month between 6-8pm at Renaissance, 102 Dickson Road Blackpool, FY1 2BU. Please call Leah on 01253 311431 for more information
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(Please note Leah’s working days are Tuesday & Wednesday.
If enquiring outside of these days, a message will be taken and she will return your call as soon as she is available)
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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@Ren-UK.com
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Hire Our “Big Sexy Bus”
The newly refurbished Renaissance Big Sexy Bus is available to hire for your event.
Looking for a mobile events vehicle for your event? Then look no further, very competitive rates from a charity and non profit organisation.
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The Bus offers:
- Driver to and from your event location
- Full powered Generator
- Interior Lights
- Plug Sockets
- 2 Flat Screen Televisions
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
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- Sink with water
- Secure Lockers
- Communal seating area
- Private seating Area
- WiFi
- Vehicle Branding available
To discuss your requirements please call Shelley Mullarkey on 01253 311431 or email Shelley at smullarkey@Ren-UK.com
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We thank the team at Blackpool Design Coachbuilders for all of their hard work and support with our Big Sexy Bus Project.
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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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UCLan Pride 2019
On Friday the 27th of September, Healthier Living HIV Support Worker Jane, along with Sexual Health Outreach Worker Michael and our volunteer of the year Austin, were in attendance at this years UCLan Pride event in Preston. The team offered sexual health and LGBTQ advice and information as well as instant result HIV testing to those students that identified at risk. This is the second of such events that have been asked to be a part of.
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Preston Pride 2019
Our HIV and Changing Futures Practitioners had an information stall at this years Preston Pride on Saturday the 28th of September. We have a great link with Pride in Preston and continue to get great engagement from the attendees at the event. A chance to promote the services that we deliver in Lancashire, including HIV Support as well as Sexual Health Outreach
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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:
Lancaster University Student Union
Wednesday 2nd October 2019
11.00 – 14.00
Plungington Community Centre
Every Tuesday by appointment
Call Jane on 07537 16880
United Reformed Church, Duckworth St, Darwen
Third Wednesday of every month.
16th October – 11am – 1pm.
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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…
This is an online service only. Purchases can no longer be made in person at Dickson Road.
Once your order is ready we will email you to collect. We also have a delivery service (Royal Mail) |
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Renaissance UK 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@Ren-UK.com |
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Hate Crime Third Party Reporting
Renaissance UK 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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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
- 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@Ren-uk.com
or call 01253 311431
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Have you previously completed ASIST training with Nicki Da Costa & Debbie Tucker?
If the answer is yes, then this training is for you!
Tune up – ASIST Refresher
What is it?
Tune up is LivingWorks ½ day refresher workshop for people who have completed an ASIST workshop previously
Goals
By completing Tune Up, participants can reconfirm their ability to be a willing, ready, and able caregiver who recognises: –
- Attitudes impact interventions.
- Pathway for Assisting Life (PAL) meets the needs of a person at risk.
- Persons at risk are uncertain about suicide and have connections to life and can choose suicide, life—or safety-for-now.
- The need to explore invitations talking openly, honestly and directly about suicide to hear their story
- A turning point and its connection to life and turning to safety-for-now.
- The need to develop a safe plan using PAL’s safety framework with the person at risk.
- Local resources and how to access them
Dates: 28th October 2019
Time: 9.30- 12.30
Venue: Solaris Centre
Cost: £55 pp
How to book: Search: TuneUp ASIST refresher @ www.eventbrite.co.uk
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