About Us
News
September - Sickle Cell awareness month
Sickle cell disorder affects around 12,500 people in England, making it the most common inherited disease in the country. It evolved thousands of years ago in areas of the world where malaria was common.
Sickle cell disorder is a group of conditions. The most serious (and common) of them is sickle cell anaemia. Most people affected by sickle cell anaemia are either of African or Caribbean origin. It can also affect people from Mediterranean, Middle Eastern or Asian origin.
Find out more information about Sickle cell disorders by following the links below.
If you have concerns or questions about your health and are from African, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern or Asian origin you can talk to our BME worker by calling 0800 075 1057 or visit SHEA
We are not responsible for content of external web sites and only offer links to other sites as an alternative source of information.
Posted: September 2 by Pete (updated September 2) 
Syphilis - Outbreak
Syphilis Outbreak
It has been announced this week that there is a significant number of syphilis cases in residents of East Dorset and Hampshire.
GUM have indicated that most cases are in gay men and men who have sex with men (MSM) and suggest that anyone that may have come in to contact with the infection through unprotected sex of any kind, should get a sexual health check-up as soon as possible.
Syphilis can be treated, and you will be given free antibiotics to clear the infection. If it is not treated it can lead to blindness, heart problems and even death.
You may not have any symptoms, so the best way to check that you don't have it is to get tested.
For more details, or to ask where your local GUM clinic is, please call 0300 123 9117 or 0845 643 9399
Posted: July 27 by Pete (updated July 27)
August is International Psoriasis awareness month
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales.
The condition is not infectious and most people are affected only in small patches on their body.
It affects around 2% of people in the UK. It can start at any age, but most often develops between the ages of 11 and 45.
The severity of psoriasis varies greatly from person to person. For some people it is just a minor irritation, but for others it has a major impact on their quality of life.
For more information about Psoriasis, please visit the NHS website.
We are not responsible for content of external web sites and only offer links to other sites as an alternative source of information.
Posted: August 3 by Pete (updated September 2)
South Africa: an expensive goal
South African flag
Have you been on holiday or to watch the world cup in South Africa?
Have you had unsafe sex while in South Africa?
Are you aware that there are higher numbers of HIV positive people in South Africa?
If you are unsure about the risks that you may have taken you can contact us; we are a confidential service and do not need to know who you are. We can arrange a confidential HIV test at your local GUM service.
Check out this link on the FIFA website about protecting yourself from HIV
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/footballforhealth/11forhealth/session3.html
Posted: June 21 by Pete (updated July 23)
NEW GAY NIGHT IN BASINGSTOKE
Basingstoke
A new gay night has opened it's doors on Thursday nights in Basingstoke. Poison Bar, on Old Reading Road (just off the Churchill Roundabout towards Basings View). The town centre venue is very close to the train station and is tastefully decorated.
It's opening night last week included pole dancers, party food on the tables, dancing and a friendly crowd of locals, we hope that it can attract more people and yet again Basingstoke can have a poular gay night.
You can check out pictures of the night on their facebook page ("Poison " The Bar) and see what events will be happening in the coming weeks.
Healthy Gay Hampshire will be supporting this night and we hope to have an opportunity to do some outreach sessions here very soon. As always we will keep you informed of any developments.
Posted: June 9 by Andrew (updated June 30)
Homophic Incident - Odiham A287 Layby (Broad Oak)
It has come to our attention that there has been an increase in homophobic incidents on this cruising ground.
This resulted in a serious incident on Sunday 16th May at approx 1.30 am. If you have seen or heard anything at this layby that you would describe as homophobic over the past few weeks please could you contact Andrew at Healthy Gay Hampshire (Andrew.smith@hchc.nhs.uk or 07785223722) or Claire Chandler at Fleet Police Station (Public Protection Unit) (0845 045 4545).
Any information you give will be treated in confidence. We are particularly interested if you have seen cars driving through or stopping in the layby and shouting Homophobic comments.
Posted: May 17 by Andrew (updated June 30)
May is Cystic Fibrosis month
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a common inherited disease that affects over 8,500 children and young adults in the UK where five babies are born with the condition every week.
Cystic fibrosis affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, by clogging them with thick, sticky mucus. It is caused by a faulty gene that controls the movement of salt and water in and out of cells in the body. When cystic fibrosis occurs, too much salt and not enough water passes into the cells and turns the body's secretions, which normally act as a lubricant, into a thick mucus. This mucus clogs up many of the body's tubes, ducts and passageways so they cannot work properly and in the lungs leads to frequent and severe infections.
The faulty gene that causes cystic fibrosis is recessive, which means you need two faulty genes (one from each parent) to inherit the disease. Around 1 in 25 people in the UK are carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene; carriers do not have the disease but their children may inherit it
More information can be found at the Cyctic Fibrosis Trust website below..
and at NHS Choices http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cystic-fibrosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
We are not responsible for content of external web sites and only offer links to other sites as an alternative source of information.
Posted: May 5 by Pete (updated May 14)
Murder inquiry launched
Murder inquiry launched after man dies four months after he was attacked on Southampton Common
Nigel Price, aged 58, was discovered on The Common just after 7.30am on Saturday November 14.
He suffered a head injury which left him in a critical condition. He had been in a semi-coma like state for the past few months. Unfortunately he died on Tuesday 23 March, in hospital.
The police are appealing for witnesses to come forward so they can try and piece together exactly what happened and find whoever is responsible.
Nigel was white with a slim build and was wearing a checked shirt, blue jeans, a dark jacket with a lighter collar and dark shoes. (See Picture) It is known that he was at the nearby Cowherds Pub until about 8.20pm on the Friday.
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Snuggs has asked us to help with the appeal and would like to know the following:
- Were you on the Common that evening? It was a stormy, wet and windy night.
- Did you see Nigel that evening?
- Do you know him anyway and, if so, can you tell us what he was doing during the course of that evening?
- Did you see or hear an altercation, raised voices or anything which you would consider out of the ordinary? The smallest detail may help.
- We need to locate anyone who was in the Cemetery Road area who may have been involved in an argument with someone.
- We also need to trace two men who were seen at about 7.15am on Saturday 14 November. They were running towards the reservoir on the eastern side of the Common. Both men were white and in their early 30’s. One was 6ft tall with a slight build but muscular and short, light coloured hair. The other about 5ft 8” tall with darker hair. Both men were wearing lightweight dark coloured anoraks over dark jeans.
Nigel was found in the lower part of the Common near to Hill Lane and Cemetery Road.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Operation on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Your call will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Alternatively you can contact Gay Community Health Service (GCHS) on 023 8051 5238 or 07827 254 873. The Police are NOT interested in why people were on the common they just want to know what happened. GCHS can help facilitate this on your behalf and support you should the police need to talk to you directly.
Posted: March 31 by Pete (updated May 5)
April is IBS Awareness month - Don't suffer in silence
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
If you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you are not alone
IBS is common with worldwide prevalence estimated at 9% to 23%. Although the condition is associated with heavy economic and social burdens, many people remain undiagnosed and unaware that their symptoms indicate a medically recognised disorder.
In order to bring attention to the symptoms and issues associated with irritable bowel syndrome, in 1997 an organisation in the USA called IFFGD designated April as IBS Awareness Month. During this time, they work to focus attention on important health messages about IBS diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues.
For more information see the websites below..
http://www.aboutibs.org/site/about-ibs/april-ibs-awareness-month
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx
We are not responsible for content of external web sites and only offer links to other sites as an alternative source of information.
Posted: March 25 by Pete (updated May 5)
Don't let Prostate Cancer hide - March is Prostate Cancer Awareness month
The Prostate Cancer Charity
This month is Prostate Cancer Awareness. Prostate Cancer is also known as the hidden cancer as studies have shown that it is the most common cancer in men, and one man dies every hour.
'Don't let prostate cancer hide' is this year's campaign to help get prostate cancer out in the open. It's a hidden cancer because not enough people talk about it. We can't see the prostate, and many people don't even know what it is or what it does.
Prostate cancer awareness month is all about changing that. The more we talk openly about prostate cancer, the more lives can be saved.
But we can't do it alone. People like you can help spread the word and help raise the profile of prostate cancer.
The Prostate Cancer Charity says, "We want men, the general public, and health professionals, to be more aware of prostate cancer. Our awareness month helps raise vital funds for much needed support and information for men who have been diagnosed and their families. It also allows us to lobby the UK's key decision makers because it is high time that the issue of prostate cancer is brought out into the open."
To read more, or get involved in raising awareness please go to http://www.hiddencancer.org.uk
Posted: March 13 by Pete (updated April 7)
Have YOU got it??
Chlamydia
Healthy Gay Hampshire are having a push on Chlamydia Screening and are working with our friends at the local Chlamydia Screening Programme to provide you with a free and easy way of testing.
As you may know Chlamydia is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) in young people under 25 and is dead easy to pick up but also dead easy to treat as well.
It is a naughty little STI as more often than not there are no symptons so you might not even know you have got it! It hangs around in your bits and can increase your chances of picking up another STI such as HIV; it can cause a thing called epididymitis, which is where your balls swell up like citrus fruit!! In women it can cause eptopic pregnancy and infertility.
We are trying to screen as many young people between the age of 16 and 25 so if you are in this age group please go to our condom ordering page and order a test online or check out www.haveyougotit.nhs.uk. We will even provide you with a funky pair of Chlamydia pants if you order through our website.
If you are over 25 you can access a Chlamydia test from your local sexual health service where you can also screen for other sexually transmitted infections including HIV.
Posted: February 22 by Andrew (updated April 7)
February is LGBT History Month
LGBT History Month
Healthy Gay Hampshire is supporting events across Hampshire's colleges. Information can be downloaded from the links below
http://www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk
Posted: February 10 by Pete (updated April 7)
Portraying the LGB community on the BBC
BBC
The BBC are carrying out research into the portrayal of LGB people on the BBC.
The BBC announced that it has commissioned a piece of research to help them gain a deeper understanding into how the lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) community are portrayed across all of their services.
Read this and take part: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/2010/01/portraying-the-lgb-community-o.shtml
09:37 UK time, Friday, 22 January 2010
Posted: January 28 by Pete (updated January 28)
ALERT - Syphilis Outbreak
Syphilis Outbreak
We have recently been advised that GU Medicine are treating an increasing number of people for infectious Syphilis in the Portsmouth, South East Hampshire and Winchester areas.
You can get syphilis by having oral, vaginal or anal sex with someone who already has it. A simple blood test can determine if you are infectious. Ask at your local GU Medicine clinic or your GP.
If you have Syphilis, you (and your partner) will be treated with free antibiotics, and you will receive help to contact any previous partners so that they can also get tested.
- You may not have any symptoms, but if you do they may include; a rash or ulcer.
- It can affect men and women
- If untreated can lead to blindness, heart problems, dementia and death, and can also increase the risk of HIV transmission.
If you live in Portsmouth or South East Hampshire please call 023 9286 6796 for more details.
If you live in Winchester please call 01962 828372 for more details.
Posted: January 15 by Pete (updated May 14)
Good news for travel to America
USA
The US has lifted a 22-year immigration ban which has stopped anyone with HIV/Aids from entering the country.
President Obama said the ban was not compatible with US plans to be a leader in the fight against the disease.
Check out the full story on this link http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8438865.stm
Posted: January 4 by Andrew (updated April 7)
World AIDS Day - What did you do?
December 1st is always a busy time for the HIV Prevention team. Our work takes us far and wide across the county and into bordering areas where we work with partner agencies talking with groups and the public passing on details and information about HIV and to encourage people to use condoms and to get tested.
This year we are asking 'What did you do?' this World AIDS Day. We would be happy to hear from you if you did something to help us or an organisation get the message out there about HIV and how it affects us all. We would also like to hear from you if you have any ideas or suggestions on what you would like to see for World AIDS Day 2010.
Please email hivprevention@hchc.nhs.uk
All email will be treated in the strictest confidence and never shared outside of the HIV Prevention team without prior consent of the sender.
Posted: December 15, 2009 by Pete (updated December 15, 2009)
Celebrate World Mental Health Day – Open your Mind!
Mental Health Day
10/10/09 - World Mental Health Day. This global awareness campaign addresses the continuing need to “make mental health issues a global priority.” Mental illnesses do not discriminate according to culture or age, and an individual’s mental health is an integral aspect of overall health and wellbeing.
Millions of people from across the globe celebrate World Mental Health Day each year, raising awareness for mental health causes.
Every year, on 10 October, the Mental Health Foundation marks the event by raising awareness of the mental health issues that matter.
Everyone knows that sharing your cares and hopes with someone else can be great for your own mental health and wellbeing. http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/world-mental-health-day-2009/
Stress and anxiety about Sexuality or health concerns can make problems seem worse. If you have questions about health or sexuality you can call a Healthy Gay Hampshire worker in confidence on 0845 643 9399 or 0300 123 9117
Posted: September 8, 2009 by Pete (updated December 14, 2009)
Am I number 12?: Hepatitis C Awareness Day
1 in 12 have Hep C
01/10/09 - Hepatitis Awareness Day. Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that predominantly infects the cells of the liver. This can cause inflammation of and sometimes significant damage to the liver and affect its ability to perform its many, varied and essential functions.
Because of the common absence of symptoms, many people are unaware that they have a hepatitis C infection until some time after infection. Another reason so many people with hepatitis C remain undiagnosed is that many of the symptoms are subjective. http://www.hepctrust.org.uk/hepatitis-c/
Getting tested at the GUM clinic is the only way that you will know for sure. You can find out where your local services are by using the easy postcode locator function at http://www.condomessentialwear.co.uk/
Posted: September 8, 2009 by Pete (updated December 14, 2009)
Reaching out: Rural Health Week
Rural Health Week
27/09/09 - 03/10/09 Rural Health Week. The aim of the week is to raise the profile of rural health issues locally, regionally and nationally.
The Institute of Rural Health and the Forum run a number of national events and target the national press to raise awareness of rural health issues. http://www.rural-health.ac.uk/rural-health-week/
If you live in rural Hampshire and would like more information on services and support for the gay community, please contact Pete Lovegrove on 0845 643 9399
Posted: September 8, 2009 by Pete (updated October 14, 2009)
The more you drink the smaller the risk appears.
One too many
'One too Many' is the new campaign for 18–30 year olds on alcohol and sexual health. Enjoy sex responsibly!
People have had unprotected sex or have taken risks with their sexual health after drinking alcohol. Many of us have either been in that situation – or know someone who has.
We usually see campaigns all about; how many alcohol units it’s safe to drink a week, how alcohol affects our health, binge drinking and anti social behaviour. There isn’t so much research on alcohol and sexual health though. That’s why this campaign is called One too Many – examining the relationship between alcohol and sexual health. http://www.fpa.org.uk/News/Campaigns
If you have recently had unprotected sex, or a change of sexual partner, or if it's been six months or more since your last check up, why not book into your local GUM clinic for a full sexual health screen. You can find out where your local services are by using the easy postcode locator function at http://www.condomessentialwear.co.uk/
Posted: September 8, 2009 by Pete (updated January 5)
Itching to Help?
Eczema Awareness Week
09/09/09 - 17/09/09 National Eczema awareness week. Having the right level of knowledge and information about eczema is key to treating and managing the condition. The About Eczema pages on the link below provides you with practical information on eczema and how to treat and manage it. In addition you will find information on where to find additional sources of support for people who have to live with eczema on a day to day basis.
Stress and anxiety about Sexuality or health concerns can make eczema flare up. If you have questions about health or sexuality you can call a Healthy Gay Hampshire worker in confidence on 0845 643 9399 or 0300 123 9117
We are not responsible for content of external web sites and only offer links to other sites as an alternative source of information.
Posted: September 8, 2009 by Pete (updated September 2)
What do you know about migraines?
Migraine headache
06/09/09 - 12/09/09 Migraine Awareness Week, find out about headaches, migraines, what triggers them and how to control them. Visit the link below for all the details.
More than 10 million people in the UK get headaches, making them one of the most common health complaints.
The good news is that most headaches aren’t serious and can be treated with pharmacy remedies and lifestyle changes, such as getting more rest and drinking enough fluids. http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/headaches/Pages/headacheshome.aspx
It's not just stress and nasty colds that cause headaches. Cleaning your home or sleeping in late can cause them too. We reveal 10 headache triggers and how to fix them. http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/headaches/Pages/Headachetriggers.aspx
Stress makes headaches worse and can even make you develop a headache in the first place. Learning how to relax can help you to keep headaches under control.
There are many different ways to relax or reduce stress. The following are seven relaxation techniques that headache sufferers have found useful. Try to do one each day: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/headaches/Pages/Relaxandcureyourheadaches.aspx
Stress and anxiety about Sexuality or health concerns can make headaches and migraines feel worse. If you have questions about health or sexuality you can call a Healthy Gay Hampshire worker in confidence on 0845 643 9399 or 0300 123 9117
Posted: September 8, 2009 by Pete (updated October 5, 2009)
People with HIV included in Swine Flu Vaccine Program
Friday, 14 August 2009 12:13
The Department of Health has explained that the most at risk will be given vaccine priority, this includes people living with HIV.
For more details see http://tinyurl.com/meu2wv
Posted: August 14, 2009 by Pete (updated September 2, 2009)
Alert: Important information about swine flu
Last updated 5:08 PM Tuesday 26 January 2010
Swine flu has diminished in the UK. However, it remains important that you know how to protect yourself, your family and others.
Key messages
If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu:
- Read up on swine flu symptoms
- Stay at home and check your condition at the National Pandemic Flu Service
- You should call your GP directly if:
- you have a serious underlying illness
- you are pregnant
- you have a sick child under one year old
- your condition suddenly gets much worse
- your condition is still getting worse after seven days (or five days for a child)
Note: The National Pandemic Flu Service is a self-care service that will asses your symptoms and, if required, provide an authorisation number which can be used to collect antiviral medication from a local collection point. For those who do not have internet access, the same service can be accessed by telephone on:
- Telephone: 0800 1 513 100
- Minicom: 0800 1 513 200
For more information on the National Pandemic Flu Service go to Flu Service – Q&A
Key actions
Swine flu remains a threat in the UK. Prepare now by:
- Learning to recognise the symptoms of swine flu
- Establishing ‘flu friends’ - friends and relatives who can help if you fall ill
- Keeping paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house
- Having a thermometer available so you can check your temperature if needed
Note: If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours please check on them. They may need your help but be reluctant to ask for it. It is important you do what you can.
Key reading
- For an explanation of swine flu, its symptoms and treatment, go to Swine flu A-Z
- For quick questions and answers go to Swine flu Q&A
- For information on pregnancy go to Swine flu - pregnant women
- For information on other high-risk groups go to Swine flu - high-risk groups
- For information in other languages and formats, including British Sign Language video, go to Swine flu - other languages.
Note: To order a Braille copy of the swine flu information leaflet, call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513
Good hygiene
Preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu. You should always:
- Ensure everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water
- Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs
- Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
Further information
Go to Directgov for essential cross-government information on swine flu, including latest advice on travel, schools and other public services
Go to BusinessLink for essential information to help businesses deal with the effects of swine flu
Find out all about swine flu, including symptoms, vaccination, pregnancy, high-risk groups, and what you can do to protect yourself and others.
Find out all about swine flu, including symptoms, vaccination, pregnancy, high-risk groups, and what you can do to protect yourself and others.
http://www.nhs.uk/AlertsEmergencies/Pages/Pandemicflualert.aspx
The Department of Health urge people to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, throw them away and wash their hands. Catch it, Bin it, Kill it!
Posted: May 11, 2009 by Pete (updated February 8)
Serious Sexual Assault
Between 2.30am and 5.00am on the morning of Saturday 11th October a male teenager was sexually assaulted on Southampton Common.
The victim is a 19yr old white male, of slim build with short brown hair. He was wearing a black top, blue jeans and brown shoes.
Hampshire Constabulary Major Crime Team are anxious to speak to anyone who was in this area at the time or has been in this area before or after this incident and has any information that may assist the enquiry.
Please ring Hampshire Constabulary on 0845 045 45 45 and quote "OPERATION LERRAN". All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Alternatively if you would prefer not to speak to the police you can ring and speak to someone from the Community Health Service (GCHS) on 07827 254873. Or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Posted: October 18, 2008 by Lee (updated November 23, 2008)
Attempted Robbery
On the 10th October at approximately 9.20pm in the car park situated on Southampton Road opposite Salisbury College, a male was parked in his car adjacent to the public toilets.
Whilst sat there a man approached the passenger side of the vehicle, smashed in the window with an axe and demanded money from the sole occupant in a highly aggressive manner. Luckily the occupant of the car was able make his escape via his car with no serious injury occurring.
The man in the offence is described as a white male, approximately 5ft 8 of average build in his late 20's to mid 30's, with brown shoulder length hair tied in a pony tail with a full facial beard. The offender was wearing an oversized fluorescent jacket with dark coloured trousers and a dark coloured baseball cap, also with the male was a cocker spaniel believed to be white and brown in colour wearing a flourescent harness.
Police are aware that the car park itself is known to be frequented by boy racers and used as a cruising site, and are concerned that this offence could possibly be homophobic related.
If any person have information regarding this offence please contact Pc 1807 WILLIS at Salisbury Police station on 0845 408 7000.
Posted: October 18, 2008 by Lee (updated November 18, 2008)
Cruising Ground Attack
A serious assault took place on cruising ground in Arlesford, just outside Winchester late Sunday night / early Monday morning (12/13th October) between the hours of 12.30am and 1.30am.
The police are looking for any information about this incident and would like to speak to anyone that uses the site which may link to this incident.
The police are interested in a silver/blue hatchback type car that was seen at the site around the time of the attack.
You can speak to the police about this incident by calling 0845 045 45 45 and asking to speak to a PC Becky Roberts at North Walls Police Station (Winchester). Information can also be passed on through Healthy Gay Hampshire by contacting Andrew in the Basingstoke Office - 0300 123 9117 or 07785 22 37 22
Thanks for all your help.
Posted: October 16, 2008 by Lee (updated November 18, 2008)
