November 2013

Newsletter

BRIGSTOWE OVER 2015 As we approach the end of one year and the beginning of another we look back over some of our challenges and successes and forward to the year

ahead. Brigstowe has had a great year in many respects. 2015 has seen the development and implementation of the Peer Support Service which has already seen 18 people trained as Peer Support Mentors and 13 HIV

positive people receiving the service. We are seeing more people accessing Brigstowe for advice and support. The number of clients we have seen is up 12% compared to the previous year. We're pleased that HIV positive people are asking for help when they need it but there is a sadder story also; the increase in referrals represents the hardships that people are experiencing in the face of benefit cuts, housing shortages and continued transmission of HIV resulting in new diagnoses. In 2016 we will endeavor to continue working hard to support

as many people as we can in the ways they need. We believe that user involvement in Brigstowe is an essential element of providing high quality services to meet the changing needs of people living with HIV. As ever, we are thankful to our clients for feeding in to Brigstowe's developments, attending our AGM and delighted that so many people are offering their time as peer mentors. Recently, we have also seen more of our clients volunteer their time and skills in supporting Brigstowe in other ways. We're really grateful for the time and energy they spend on

making Brigstowe better! Looking forward to 2016 we continue to apply further afield for funding so as to sustain the work we do. We are also going to be celebrating Brigstowe's 20th anniversary next year so will be putting on a few events

over the year that we hope you can join us for.

Winter 2015

FOLLOW BRIGSTOWE ON TWITTER. @BrigstoweInfo #Brigstowe #Bristol #HIV

March 2013

RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH HIV?

If you have recently been diagnosed with HIV or are struggling with an HIV

diagnosis Brigstowes Peer Support Service may be able to help you.

HIV positive Peer Support Mentors offer weekly or bi-monthly support

either on the phone, at our offices or in a public space.

All Peer Support Mentors are living well with HIV and have been trained with

the Brigstowe Project.

If you think you could benefit from this service, or would just like to learn a

bit more about it, please give us a call on 0117 955 5038 or email

info@brigstowe.org.

Developments and News Developments and News Developments and News Developments and News

BRIGSTOWE ARE RECRUITING

Are you organised? Good with IT and administration? Do you have people

skills? Would you like to volunteer your time a few hours a week?

Brigstowe Project are looking for a volunteer administrator to work

between 3 and 6 hours every week. The role includes providing a reception

service in person and over the phone, helping to organise events and

providing general administrative support.

If you would like to find out a little more about the position or would like

request to an application form please contact Polly on 01179555038 or

pollytheedom@brigstowe.org

Applications are particularly welcome from HIV positive people.

HIV IN THE MEDIA Over the past month weve seen HIV splashed across newspapers and the internet. Some in ways that we do not approve of and some brilliant HIV

positive voices coming to dispel the myths perpetrated. Were really inspired that more positive people are speaking out about their experiences of living with HIV and do believe this is a step towards tackling HIV-related stigma. In fact, you could see a few of Brigstowes own volunteers on the stage at World Aids Day on the 28th of this month talking about their experiences of stigma and what they think we can do to

stop it. However, we know it is not easy for everyone. Disclosure of an HIV status should always be a choice. We will support individuals whatever they

decide. If you would like support around disclosure, please contact us.

20th Anniversary

Next year Brigstowe will celebrate its

20th anniversary!

We have a few ideas of ways to mark the

occasion. Watch this space for news of a

party, a new look logo and more.

If you have any thoughts about how you

would like to celebrate - or even

fundraise for - Brigstowes 20th

anniversary please get in touch!

Brigstowe Project Pin board...Brigstowe Project Pin board...Brigstowe Project Pin board...Brigstowe Project Pin board... snippets of useful things from us to you snippets of useful things from us to you snippets of useful things from us to you snippets of useful things from us to you

REACT! Events Social events, trips and get togethers for Brigstowe.

5 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is required for ALL social events unless

otherwise stated.

Dinner and Pride Film showing Wednesday 20th January 69pm at Brigstowe

Join us for a home cooked Jamaican dinner and a showing of film Pride.

Bristol Aquarium Tuesday 9th February meet there at 10:30am

Great family event to Bristol Aquarium.

Hairspray at Bristol Hippodrome Wednesday 9th March meet at 6:30pm

This iconic musical has won more awards than we can count* and Meryl Streep was in the film adaptation which is always a good sign of quality.

PLEASE NOTE: We are now requesting a 10 deposit for this event, 5 of which we will return to you.

Karaoke & Bowling at the Lanes Thursday 21st April

6:30pm10pmish, meet at the Lanes This night will be FUN. Weve booked out a private karaoke room and 3

bowling lanes. That says it all.

Stourhead Thursday 5th May

Meet 9:30am at Brigstowe, return 5:30pm Beautiful National Trust property in Wiltshire.

Westonbirt Arboretum Wednesday 1st June

Meet at Brigstowe at 10am return by 4pm Arboretum literally means Tree Museum. This place is beautiful.

Full of hidden paths and wonderful views.

The Castle Friday 1st July meet at Brigstowe 10am return by 5pm

This is an incredibly special event. We have access to the grounds of a private castle, swimming pool and hot tub. There have also been rumours of a

BBQ this year*

Please get in touch for more info on events or to book a place.

Brigstowe Calendar Brigstowe Calendar Brigstowe Calendar Brigstowe Calendar

CLIENT

ONLY

CLIENT

ONLY

FAMILY & PARTNERS

FAMILY & PARTNERS

CLIENT

ONLY

CLIENT

ONLY

CLIENT

ONLY

REACT! Workshops and Information Sessions

For more information please get in touch. There is no deposit required for these workshops, but you will need

to book your place. Unless otherwise stated all workshops will take place at Brigstowe.

All REACT! Workshops are client only events.

IT Workshop Part 1: Wednesday 2nd December 10am- 12pm Part 2: Wednesday 24th February 10am - 12pm

at Talking Money, Old Market Bring your IT questions and queries. This workshop aims to give you confidence

with IT.

Sleep Workshop Tuesday 22nd March, Brigstowe 6pm8pm

Fantastic feedback last time we ran this session. Heres another chance to refresh or learn how best to get a good nights sleep.

Social Planning Meeting Thursday 14th April

12pm 3pm at Brigstowe, includes lunch What would you like to see in the REACT! diary? Somewhere you want to go?

Something you would like to learn? Come and have your say.

Introduction to Mindfulness Friday 20th May

2pm4pm, Easton Community Centre Mindfulness can help with stress, anxiety, physical health and general wellbeing.

Equality & Diversity Focus Group Tuesday 21st June, 12pm3pm at Brigstowe

Were a diverse crowd at Brigstowe and thought it would be great to have a session celebrating that. We will look at different experiences, what diversity

means to you & how Brigstowe can be more inclusive. Lunch included!

ACCESSIBILITY We endeavour to make as many events as possible fully accessible, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee all are. Please check with us if this is something that affects you. All workshop and information sessions are

completely accessible.

Brigstowe Calendar Brigstowe Calendar Brigstowe Calendar Brigstowe Calendar

WORLD AIDS DAY

WHEN: Saturday 28th November

WHERE: Armada House, Telephone Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4BQ

TIME: 1pm - 6pm

WHAT: A variety of speakers, entertainment and food.

Terrence Higgins Trust - with support from us at the Brigstowe Project

- are organising this years World Aids Day event on the theme of

stigma. There will be talks from positive people and professionals on

the theme, as well as entertainment, activities and a candlelight vigil

remembering those we have lost. Please come along to this special

and important event.

1st December at Brigstowe

The main event for World Aids Day will be on Saturday 28th

Nov but as a nod to the original WAD on 1st December we

thought wed have a small celebration of our own on the day.

Please join us on Tuesday 1st December from 1pm for some

tea and cake at the Brigstowe Offices

Volume 1, Issue 1

Brigstowe

Christmas

Party

Partners & Children Welcome!

Monday 21st December, 12 - 2pm,

Silai Caf (below Brigstowe Offices)

Food, entertainment, festivity, mulled apple juice and loads and

loads more. Please RSVP by calling us on 01179555038.

From Monday 4th January Brigstowe will be open as usual.

Please note that Southmead hospital may have different opening times

to usual so we advise you make sure you have enough medication for

the Christmas period.

We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for some people. If

you do need some out of hours support the Samaritans offer free,

confidential emotional support over the phone. You can contact them

on: 116 123.

Brigstowe Christmas Opening Brigstowe Christmas Opening Brigstowe Christmas Opening Brigstowe Christmas Opening

Christmas Eve Thursday 24th December

Open until 4pm

Christmas Day Friday 25th

CLOSED

Bank Holiday Monday 28th December

CLOSED

Tuesday 29th December

Open as usual

Wednesday 30th December

Open as usual

Thursday 31st December

Open until 4pm

Friday 1st January 2016

CLOSED