Tuesday, 27th July 10

Pride in Brighton & Hove is one of Europe’s biggest celebrations of LGBT communities and lives. For many of us, the annual event in Preston Park is an exciting and happy experience. However, like any big public party, there are those of us that might have less positive experiences - ranging from a drug or alcohol overdose, an injury, getting lost or simply feeling overwhelmed by the noise and crowds.

In the park this year there will be even more on offer for people seeking help with problems, a listening ear or somewhere safe to chill out. Organisations from across the City, such as MindOut, Allsorts, Terrence Higgins Trust, CRI LGBT drug and alcohol services and the Samaritans, have worked together to ensure there’s a network of different services available to people in the park. There will also be a Safe Space tent adjacent to the dance tent and St John Ambulance.

Open between 12pm-8pm, the Safe Space tent will be a place of safety for people in the park who have become vulnerable, injured or distressed as a result of drinking or drug use or another reason. Workers from Sussex Central YMCA will be providing problem-solving support to help people deal with an immediate crisis. For the first time this year, experienced volunteers from Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard will also be on hand in the Safe Space tent to offer a listening ear to anyone who wants to speak in confidence to an LGBT person. All workers and volunteers in the Safe Space tent will help people to access other relevant services available on the day and in the longer-term.

You can find the Safe Space Tent next to the dance tent area, or simply ask for directions at one of the information points across the park. So if your day doesn’t go according to plan on 7th August you’ll find a helping hand in the Safe Space Tent.

If you have a question about the Safe Space Tent at Pride 2010 please contact:

Sussex Central YMCA Safe Space Coordinator, Gemma Doughty gemma.doughty@sussexcentralymca.org.uk or call 01273 828828

OR

Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard Services Manager, Elizabeth Noble brighton.manager@switchboard.org or 01273 207050.