Health Terrence Higgins Trust CEO responds to first clinical guidelines on the use of DoxyPEP Today (9 June 2025), new national clinical guidelines have been published on the use of DoxyPEP, which is a dose of antibiotics taken after sex that reduces the risk of acquiring syphilis and chlamydia. The guidelines, issued by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, make the UK one By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Health The Traitors UK’s first gay contestant Theo Mayne: “The recent heartbreak of losing my cousin to an asthma attack aged 49” Theo Mayne, the first gay contestant of The Traitors UK, is sharing an emotional and poignant tribute to his beloved cousin Saffron, who tragically passed away unexpectedly from an asthma attack last year, aged 49. Theo, who was the first ever gay contestant to appear on the hit BBC reality show, wa By Graham Robson • 4 min read
Health Recovering from disordered eating – Jake’s story of hope Jake Ferguson – a non-binary adult from Northern Ireland – has shared their story of recovery from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa through a powerful and emotional video in a bid to inspire others to seek help. In the UK, at least 1.25 million people are living with an eating disorder – at leas By Graham Robson • 3 min read
Health “A significant step forward in righting those historic wrongs.” Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, announced on Wednesday, October 30 that the government is setting aside more than £11.8 billion to pay compensation to the victims of the infected blood scandal. Reacting to the news, Richard Angell, Chief Executive of HIV / sexual health charity Terren By Graham Robson • 1 min read
News Healthwatch is asking members of trans, non-binary and gender-diverse communities to tell of their experiences when they visit the GP Healthwatch, which gathers the views of users of health and social care services, is asking members of trans, non-binary and gender-diverse communities to tell of their experiences when they visit the GP. According to Healthwatch: “GPs are the gateway to accessing other care, whether gender-related By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Health “PrEP means I can enjoy sex without thinking about HIV” PrEP is a pill taken by HIV negative people that protects you against HIV. It has been a life-changer for me because it gives me confidence and lets me just enjoy sex. It’s important that we take our sexual health seriously. Not everyone feels like this though. Especially in the Black queer communit By Contributor • 2 min read
Richard Angell Health “This must come as a wake-up call”! Richard Angell, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, responds to figures showing 5% increase in sexually transmitted infections Figures published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have shown there were 401,800 sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reported in England in 2023 – a 5% increase on the previous year. Key findings include: Number of gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnoses continue to be at record-breaking highs By Graham Robson • 3 min read
Health Brighton loneliness charity Together Co to launch Campaign for Social Health with Mr Motivator on Brighton Palace Pier Brighton-based loneliness charity Together Co will launch the Campaign for Social Health with the help of fitness guru Mr Motivator at an event promoting the benefits of community and connection at Horatio’s Bar, Brighton Palace Pier, on Friday, June 14. Together Co, which supports people who are lo By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Health New initiative from Grindr, in partnership with PrEPster at The Love Tank and Sexual Health London, to offer London users of the app free at-home STI self-sampling kits Grindr, in partnership with PrEPster at The Love Tank, a not-for-profit that promotes the health and wellbeing of under-served communities, and Sexual Health London (SHL), have announced the launch of a new initiative that will enable London-based users to order free at-home STI self-sampling kits d By Graham Robson • 3 min read
Health Support Services for LGBTQ+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence in the UK: A Spotlight on LGBTQ Charities For LGBTQ+ people who have experienced abuse or violence, accessing support from community embedded charities can be a crucial step towards healing and empowerment. By Contributor • 3 min read
Health Gay man from Worthing, diagnosed with Testicular Cancer, shares his story as part of new Macmillan Cancer Support partnership Thousands of people with cancer in the south east are ‘suffering in silence’ with concerns around sex and intimacy – facing ‘rock bottom’ self-confidence and serious worries about their sex lives or romantic relationship – a leading charity has warned. New figures released by Macmillan Cancer Suppor By Graham Robson • 3 min read
Community Standing Strong: A Lesbian Survivor’s Plea for Inclusive Domestic Abuse Support “From the moment I walked through the doors of the LGBTQ+ support group, I felt a sense of belonging and acceptance,” Sarah shares. “For the first time, I was able to speak openly about my experiences as a lesbian survivor, knowing that I was surrounded by people who understood and supported me.” By Contributor • 2 min read
Community A Trans Survivor’s Call for Trans-Inclusive Domestic Violence Services: A Personal Perspective For me, accessing trans-inclusive support services was not just about finding refuge from the violence; it was about reclaiming my dignity, my identity, and my sense of worth as a transgender individual. By Contributor • 2 min read
Comment LGBTQ+ Specific Domestic Abuse Services in Brighton & Hove Is current provision fit for purpose or responsive to the clearly articulated needs of LGBTQ+ communities themselves. Communities frequently ask for ‘by and for’ services – and this has not been provided. By Contributor • 4 min read
Comment Addressing the Gap: The Urgent Need for Local LGBTQ Domestic Violence Support Services in Brighton & Hove In Brighton and Hove, a city known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, there’s a growing recognition of the need for dedicated support services tailored to the experiences of LGBTQ+ survivors. By Contributor • 2 min read
Health “You get what you pay for”. Terrence Higgins Trust responds to data showing sexual health services at ‘breaking point’ New data from the Local Government Association has shown that almost every council in England and Wales has seen a rise in gonorrhoea since 2017 while sexual health services face ‘unprecedented increases in demand’. With nearly three quarters (71%) of councils also seening increases in syphilis diag By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Health and Beauty NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: Exercise for the body and the mind Words by Kemptown-based health and fitness personal trainer PatDPersonalTrainer. I became a health and fitness personal trainer because of how good exercising made me feel. For as long as I can remember fitness and good mental health has always been and still is a very challenging and essential part By Contributor • 2 min read
Health “Concerning” rise in cases of extensively antibiotic-resistant Shigella sonnei infections, mainly in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced there has been a “concerning” rise in cases of extensively antibiotic-resistant Shigella sonnei infections, mainly in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Since the beginning of 2023, the number of extensively-antibiotic resi By Contributor • 2 min read
Health Menopause awareness session for LGBTQ+ communities at the Ledward Centre on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 Brighton & Hove City Council is inviting LGBTQ+ communities to attend its free menopause awareness session at the Ledward Centre, 14a Jubilee St, Brighton BN1 1GE on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 12pm. Book your FREE place here. This is an educational session that aims to help you gain an understan By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Health New polling data show almost nine out of ten Tory voters want to see compensation paid in Infected Blood scandal New polling, commissioned by leading HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust, shows that 87% of the British electorate believe that people infected and affected by the contaminated blood scandal should be entitled to compensation. In advance of a key vote in the House of Commons which would establish a n By Graham Robson • 3 min read
Health Emergency Department Opt-Out Testing a “triumph”. New report finds thousands tested and diagnosed with HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C A new report published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the University of Bristol has found that the NHSE Emergency Opt-Out testing Programme for bloodborne viruses has helped to diagnose thousands of people with serious infections. The report, commissioned by NHS England (NHSE), evaluat By Graham Robson • 4 min read
Community News HIV Chaplaincy, active within community Connecting and working with other people and with community groups is an enjoyable part of both my HIV Chaplain and HIV Pharmacist roles, and is essential to delivering an effective service (which I hope I do!). In both positions the needs of the person living with HIV and/or their loved one(s) are By Contributor • 2 min read
Health Leading the Charge: Herpes Cure Research Group aims for a better future In the realm of volunteer-driven advocacy, the Herpes Cure Research group has emerged as a powerful force dedicated to advancing the field of herpes simplex virus (HSV) research. By Contributor • 2 min read
Health University freshers urged to use condoms amid record levels of gonorrhoea UKHSA is urging all those heading to university to use a condom with any new or casual partners, and to get tested regularly, after gonorrhoea diagnoses rocketed to 82,592 in 2022, an increase of more than 50% compared to 2021. By Graham Robson • 1 min read
