John Welsman, who has died aged 79, was part of the community response in Brighton that helped lay the foundations for The Sussex Beacon during the early years of the AIDS crisis.
In the 1980s, as HIV began to impact communities across the city, John was among those who supported the development of grassroots initiatives such as the Sussex AIDS Centre and Helpline - early volunteer-led services providing information and care at a time of fear and stigma.
As these efforts evolved into the Sussex AIDS Trust, established in 1987, they created the pathway for the opening of The Sussex Beacon in the early 1990s—now one of the UK’s most respected HIV charities.
A university administrator by profession, John contributed practical skills and organisational support at a crucial time, helping transform community action into lasting services.
Though never a public figure, his contribution formed part of the collective effort that stood up to prejudice to ensure people living with HIV in Sussex could safely access care, dignity, and support. His legacy lives on in the work of The Sussex Beacon today.
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