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      News From The Eddystone Trust

      Get Set for Summer with testing, condoms and PrEP

      Get Set for Summer with testing, condoms and PrEP

      Summer is fast approaching! Whilst you might be thinking about dusting off the swimwear, digging out your sunglasses ready to take in the unique aroma of sun cream, we’re launching our Get Set For Summer campaign.
       
      Summer is undoubtedly a time for fun, and we all need a bit of that after the last couple of years, but it is also a time when sexual infections can be on the rise, we've already seen higher numbers of Syphilis and Gonorrhea in the Southwest over the last few months.
      Whilst now is the time to enjoy yourself, we want to empower you have fun safely!


      Things you can do to Get Set for Summer:
      Get tested: The only way to know you have an STI is to get tested.  A sexual health screen doesn't have to be a big, scary experience but if you have never done one it's understandable that you might feel this way. The tests are painless, and these days it's normal for a test kit to be sent out to you so you can do it where you feel comfortable. If you do test positive , try not to worry as it happens to nearly all of us at some point and most STI’s are treatable.  The only way to know is to test, to find your local test center click here.
      Get your condoms: Condoms are still the most effective form of protection against STI’s and are 98% effective, when used correctly.  You can sign up to our condoms direct service by clicking here or you could get access to condoms via your local C-card service if aged under 25
      Get PrEP’d: PrEP is available for people who feel they may be at risk of acquiring HIV.  PrEP works by stopping the HIV virus multiplying in your body if you are exposed to it. It is extremely effective in preventing the transmission of HIV.
      So what are you waiting for? Follow our tips to Get Set For Summer and do more of the things you enjoy without the worry!
      If you have any questions about your sexual health or  Get Set For Summer then feel free to reach out to us on social media or via info@eddystone.co.uk

      We've added our name to the Ban Conversion Therapy Alliance

      We've added our name to the Ban Conversion Therapy Alliance

      We have added our name to the list of LGBT organisations supporting Stonewall's boycotting of the Safe To Be Me conference, in protest at our government's exclusion of trans people from the conversion therapy ban. The governments inability to include trans people is outrageous and we, like other other parts of the community feel that a proper ban on conversion therapy must include everyone!

      You can read Stonewall's statement below and find out more about the Ban Conversion Therapy Alliance by clicking here:

      Stonewall's Statement

      Due to the Prime Minister’s broken promise on protecting trans people from the harms of Conversion Therapy, we regret that we are withdrawing Stonewall’s support for the UK Government’s Safe To Be Me conference. We will only be able to participate if the Prime Minister reverts to his promise for a trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy.

      This is a decision we take with a heavy heart. As the UK’s first global LGBT+ conference, Safe To Be Me should be a moment for redoubling efforts globally to improve LGBTQ+ people’s rights and experiences. This is why we have worked hard with government and civil society organisations over the last few months to try to make the conference work.

      However, last week’s leaked plans, which revealed Number 10 planned to scrap the conversion therapy ban, has left us with no choice but to withdraw our support. That the Prime Minister would so casually walk away from four years of promises to the LGBTQ+ community is appalling, and we cannot in good conscience back Safe To Be Me at a time when our community’s trust in the UK Government is shattered.

      We recognise that in response to outrage from the LGBTQ+ community and our allies, the Prime Minister’s position has shifted.  He now proposes a partial ban, one that protects lesbian, gay and bi cis people, but leaves trans people, including trans children, at continued risk of abuse. This is out of step with every other nation that has recently introduced a ban conversion therapy, and ignores all credible international research that is available, including the position of the UN Independent Expert.

      It is apparent that trans people have once again been sacrificed for political gain. Commissioning a separate body of work to unpick something that has already been resolved many times the world over, can only be read as an attempt to kick the issue of protecting trans people into the long grass. This is callous and unacceptable.

      Conversion therapy is happening to LGBTQ+ people in the UK right now, and every day without a ban is a day where LGBTQ+ people remain at risk of lifelong harm.  Trans people are amongst the highest risk groups in our community - the latest research from Galop shows that 11% of trans people have been subjected to conversion practices by their own families.

      Trans people are no less worth of respect, care and protection than cis lesbian, gay and bi people. If the UK Government cannot stand behind and respect all LGBTQ+ people’s fundamental human rights, it should not be convening an LGBTQ+ rights conference on the global stage.

      Stonewall remains a civil society co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition, and we continue to engage with ERC processes and events. This includes the upcoming ERC conference, which is separate from the UK government’s ‘Safe to be Me’ event, and which we will continue to be a part of. Our commitment to this mechanism, and to progressing global LGBTQI+ rights, remains unchanged.

      Be You in 22

      Be You in 22

      This year The Eddystone Trust have decided to focus our efforts towards helping people 'be you in 22'.  This isn’t just a one sentence line that ryhmes and sounds cute (honestly), this is our ethos for this year and beyond. 

      We want to help people connect with aspects of themselves that otherwise might be neglected or forgotten.  By doing this we hope enable our community to make steps that are easily applicable in everyday life to enrich their sexual health.

      We’ll be focussing on:

      • Condom use and how you can sign up to our innovative condoms by post service (Condoms Direct) to take away the hassle of remembering to buy condoms face to face
      • How HIV testing is easy, pain free and part of your regular sexual health routine
      • Engaging the community about PrEP and how the medication can help prevent HIV transmission, with reinforcement of the U=U message
      • Are you using chems?  Have you forgotten what sober sex feels like?  We’re running our new Chemsex support service this 2022 and help people look at their relationship with chems 

      If you want to know more about chemsex, PrEP, Condoms Direct or HIV testing then click the words in this sentence to be taken to the relevant pages on our website.

      Also follow us on social media to be kept up to date with the latest news and information on sexual health in the UK to help you ‘Be You in 22’.

       

       

      Christmas Opening Times 2021

      Christmas Opening Times 2021

      Christmas is upon us once again and we hope you’re all getting ready to spend some much needed time with the people you care about (in a covid safe way of course). As we all slow down and put the Baileys on ice we understand that sometimes Christmas means a crisis. That’s why we’re publishing our opening times over the festive period so that you know you can call us on 0800 328 3508 and someone will be on hand to take your call on the dates/times below.

      Everyone associated with The Eddystone Trust wishes you all a Happy Christmas, no matter where you are or what you’re doing this year.x

      World AIDS Day Cookie Recipe

      World AIDS Day Cookie Recipe

      World AIDS Day is on December 1st each year and is an opportunity for people to join together to show support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from an A illness

      Mark World AIDS Day with red ribbon cookies…

      Ingredients for the cookies:

      200g dairy-free butter
      1 tsp vanilla paste
      100g caster sugar
      300g plain flour, sifted

      For the icing:

      125g icing sugar
      15ml warm water
      Red food colouring

      Ready, steady, bake!

      Step 1: cream the butter, vanilla and sugar together.  Stir in the flour and mix into a dough.  Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up

      Step 2: meanwhile, preheat the oven to 160C/140C (fan)/320F and line a baking tray with parchment paper

      Step 3: once the dough is chilled, roll out to approximately1/2cm thickness and cut with your red ribbon cutter.  Place on the baking sheet, sprinkle with a little extra sugar and bake for 12/15 minutes until golden brown at the edges, turning halfway through to ensure even baking

      Step 4: leave to cool for at least 10 mins before serving or decorations

      Step 5: sift the icing sugar into a bowl and gradually add the warm water until the icing becomes thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.  If necessary, add a drop of water or the icing sugar to adjust the consistency.  Add drops of red food colouring until you get a lovely dark red colour then ice your cookies 

      Share your cookies online and tag us in!!!


      Chemsex Support Service Launch, Sept 30th, 2021

      Chemsex Support Service Launch, Sept 30th, 2021

      Join The Eddystone Trust on the 30th of September as we launch our Chemsex Support Service. The event will showcase our new service, which provides both one to one and group support for men who have sex with other men, who want to take control of their relationship with chems and sex. The event will provide an introduction to chemsex and staff can answer any questions you may have.

      Please join us for an interactive and engaging session.

      The Chemsex service will support individuals who are using drugs within a sexualised setting offering harm reduction advice and information, psychosocial interventions, and signposting and onward referral to other support services.

      If you have any questions about the service or the event please contact cs@eddytsone.org.uk for more information.