212 pdf - Cheshire Cheese

News & Information for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans people in Cheshire
212 April/May 2015
www.cheshirecheese.org.uk
Come and see Body Positive’s staff across events
taking place in Cheshire. Charlotte and
Christopher (pictured below) were at Crewe
Town Centre for a local event raising awareness
about sexual health and LGBT support in the
Cheshire East area recently. We’d like to thank
everyone who came along and met us at our stand.
A special thanks to those of you who shared your
memories of what it was like growing up as an
LGBT person in Cheshire East and your kind
words of support. Our new travelling coffee
group will be meeting in locations across Cheshire.
If you’re a gay and bisexual man or a gay or bisexual
woman we have the Men With Mugs and For
Women coffee/tea groups coming to a cafe in your
area soon. You can check out our website
www.bpcnw.co.uk or contact us for future
locations. You’ll find the most recent dates listed
below this article. Just drop by, no need to ask
before hand!
Out’n’About
Gay & Bisexual Men (Mondays)
20 April, Starbucks, Holmes Chapel 5pm- 7pm
18 May, Society Rooms, Macclesfield 7pm - 9pm
29 June, Young Pretenders, Congleton 7pm - 9pm
Lesbian & Bisexual Women (Saturdays)
11 April, Drinks & Bites, Middlewich 2pm - 4pm
16 May, Costa, Macclesfield 2pm - 4pm
13 June, Delamere Forest Walk plus cake and coffee at
Delamere Station. Starts 2pm.
Chester Pride 2015
The annual Chester Pride festival, a celebration of equality
and diversity and support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender community, will take place on Saturday 3rd
October at Castle Square. The organising committee have
revealed that the move to Castle Square is due to fears of
potential poor weather resulting in cancellation of the
festival.
David Redpath-Smith, Chair and Director of Chester Pride
said ‘We are happy to announce that Chester Pride will be
back in 2015, this year taking place in the new location of
Castle Square. Last year, the festival in Grosvenor Park was
almost cancelled due to overnight torrential rain and food
vendors having to be towed through mud onto the event
space. This would have been heartbreaking for the Pride
committee who are all volunteers and had planned Pride for
months, as well as everyone who was attending. The hard
weather surface means that Pride will go ahead rain or shine
and we are planning a fantastic day.’
Last year an estimated 8,000 people attended the Pride
festival. Sponsorship packages for businesses, companies
and organisations will be released shortly. Anyone who would
like to register their interest in sponsoring Chester Pride
please email info@chesterpride.co.uk. Further information
can be found at www.chesterpride.co.uk or follow Chester
Pride UK on facebook, or via twitter @chesterpride
Send your news of up and coming events, or indeed anything you think may
interest the Cheese readers to Chris at: Cheshire Cheese, Bridgewater House,
230 Edleston Road, Crewe CW2 7EH. Tel 01270 653150. Or email us at
info@cheshirecheese.org.uk
Free Condoms & Lube
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send it to: Cheshire Cheese, Bridgewater House, 230 Edleston Road, Crewe
CW2 7EH. Or Email: info@cheshirecheese.org.uk Tel 01270 653150
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Charity aids Cheshire farming community
A chaplaincy service which aids Cheshire farmers facing
difficult times has received much-needed help with
running costs. Cheshire Community Foundation has
awarded a £5,000 grant to the Agricultural Chaplaincy
which supports isolated and vulnerable members of the
farming community in rural areas.
Agricultural Chaplaincy Lead Keith
Ineson said: "Farming is top of the at-risk
occupations for suicides, with gay
farmers under even greater threat. One
in four gay men will attempt suicide at
some time in their lives so if you add in
the farming factor, the risk is even
worse. We also run a specialist helpline
Keith Ineson
for gay farmers. We're grateful for the
assistance from Cheshire Community Foundation
because its grant will help keep us going. We provide
emotional and practical support for the farming
community who've historically faced problems with
isolation and finances.”
Cheshire's Agricultural Chaplaincy is the largest such team
in the country with a 14-strong staff, 11 of whom are
volunteers. It was set up by Churches Together in
Cheshire 15 years ago. Cheshire Community Foundation
has awarded almost £1.5m to more than 400 organisations
in the three years since it was set up. Chief Executive
Helen O'Donnell said: "We're a charitable business
working to change the face of philanthropy across
Cheshire and Warrington. We're doing this by helping
philanthropists invest strategically in the community
where they live so their social investment has the most
impact in areas of greatest need. By making giving easy,
enjoyable and engaging we're inspiring these local people
and businesses to engage with voluntary organisations
which are addressing local need and solving local
problems.”
The Foundation, which has an endowment of £4m
allowing it to award grants in perpetuity, helps not-forprofit organisations such as charities, community groups
and social enterprises. To find out more call Cheshire
Community Foundation on 01606 330607 or email
grants@cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk.
To contact the Agricultural Chaplaincy go to
www.agchap.co.uk
Visit the Gay Farmer helpline website at
www.gayfarmer.co.uk or call 07837 931894.
Cheshire Police has over 60 LGBT Liaison Officers covering all the Force area. This is to ensure that people from the LGB&T
communities who live, work and socialise in Cheshire have confidence in the Force. We want people to be confident that they
will be treated fairly and with respect and have a clear understanding that they can report homophobic and transphobic hate
crime and incidents directly to Cheshire Police, knowing that there are staff adequately trained to deal with them.
If you need to speak to an LGBT Liaison Officer ring your local police number and ask for an officers details, or, between 8am –
5pm ring 01606 362003 and speak to a member of the Force Diversity Team who will be able to give you advice and contact
details.
CheshireCheese
Brine Leas Bravely
Gets Students
Clued-Up
Body Positive’s Claire and Charlotte with students at Reaseheath
Reasehealth LGBT Pub Night
Reaseheath recognises the need for all students to be treated and
respected equally regardless of their sexual orientation or gender
identity. Body Positive supported a new event bringing together over
120 students across the college to show their support for LGBT
people and promote safer-sex. Over 105 condom and lubricant
packets were distributed and people who felt isolated and alone
found where they could have a voice and be out as LGBT. Take Pride
In Freedom was the theme. Proud to be out and supporting other
LGBT people to live healthy, happy lives.
Biphobia
A question for all other bisexual people reading this.
Have any of you encountered Biphobia? Not from
heterosexual people, but from people within the
gay community, or am I unique?
I am well used to it from many women I have dated
or attempted to date over the years, however it is
comments from gay men that have taken me by
surprise. It is almost like I pose some type of threat
because I have a 'foot in both camps' so to speak. It
is truly hard to define but being at the receiving end
of it is as unpleasant as any type of rejection, maybe
more so coming from the one group I probably feel
more affinity to.
Colleges have long taken on board
the need for expert sexual health
programmes to give students
better options and brighter futures.
Students fed back that the training
“kept me engaged/interested
throughout” [sic] and learned key
facts “Drugs + Alcohol increase
chances of getting HIV/STIs”, “the
warmth of a condom in a wallet
may damage it” and “Blue waffle
isn't real”. We’d like to extend a
special thanks to Brine Leas for
taking the step needed to protect
their students and help Body
Positive to get to Zero. Getting to
Zero is the global campaign to
reduce the rate of new HIV
transmissions to zero.
I have had gay men turn their back on me when I
have disclosed my bisexuality in a social setting. I
have also had gay men decline a physical encounter
very abruptly indeed, again upon my divulging that I
am bi.
Now I do understand some heterosexual women
treating me with some trepidation. Some because
they feel another man may be a possible threat
should they embark upon a relationship with me
and others because they have no idea whatsoever
what a bisexual man expects between the sheets, I
kid you not. However, to be on the receiving end of
it from gay men really does concern me. Do they
think I am lesser than them, or not worthy of their
attention because I may leave any possible partner
for a woman? I do not know.
So may I ask any others that have felt any biphobia
to get in touch with the Cheshire Cheese editor and
hopefully I will either feel some support on this
issue, or I will understand that I have some serious
character flaws that need sorting out.
CheshireCheese
CheeseBoard
What’s happening
this month in
Cheshire
Switchboards & Helplines
LESBIAN, GAY & BISEXUAL
Cheshire LGBT Helpline
01270 653150 (Mon 5.00pm - 9.30pm)
Chester Sexual Abuse Support Service
07583 879464
Email: info@cass.org.uk
Therapeutic counselling and telephone support
for men and women 18+ who have experienced
sexual abuse or violence
Gay Farmer Helpline
07837 931894 (Telephone calls can be
expensive so we will call you back)
Email: info@gayfarmer.co.uk
Website: www.gayfarmer.co.uk
Gay Farmer? Need to talk? Need information?
Talk with someone who understands. Complete
confidentiality assured.
Mersey HIV Helpline
0151 237 3990 (Mon/Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm)
Warrington
01925 241994 (Tuesday 5.30 - 8.30pm)
National (LLGS)
0300 330 0630 (National rate even from
mobiles phones)
Instant messaging via www.llgs.org.uk
Email: chris@llgs.org.uk
(10am - 11pm 7 days a week)
Liverpool Armistead Centre
0151 227 1931
Email: info@armisteadcentre.co.uk
(Mon, Wed, Fri – 12.00am - 6.00pm. Tues,
Thurs 2.00pm - 9.0pm. Sat 1.00pm - 7.00pm )
Manchester Lesbian & Gay Foundation
0845 3 303030 (6-10pm) Automated service
(10 - 6pm)
North Wales LGBTQ Helpline
01248 371367 (Tuesday 7.00-9.00pm)
www.mesmac.com
OTHER HELPLINES
AMICUS - LGBT Group
Helpline 08457 413092 (Local rates)
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender rights at
work (confidential helpline)
Domestic Violence
National: 0808 2000 247
Specialist Men's Helpline: 0808 801 0327
Arch 01270 253957 (Crewe)
Broken Rainbow (national): 08452 604480
Cheshire East Team: 01244 613531
Cheshire West Team: 01244 614234
Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre:
01925 221546
National AIDS Helpline
0800 567 123 (24 Hours)
Cheshire Cheese
Bridgewater House
230 Edleston Road
Crewe
CW2 7EH
Telephone
01270 653150
Fax
01270 653158
Email
info@cheshirecheese.org.uk
Website
www.cheshirecheese.org.uk
Editorial Contact
Chris Flewitt
Deadline 213
22 May 2015
BODYPOSITIVE
©2015
Body Positive
Cheshire & North Wales
Registered Charity 1009850
Samaritans
08457 90 90 90 (24 Hours)
Confidential, emotional support
Triangle
0808 801 0306 (10am to 6pm confidential)
Housing helpline advice and support service
for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered
people in Wales
Pubs & Clubs etc.
CHESTER
Bar Six T Nine
1 Boughton
Friday & Saturday 11pm - 4am. Thursday &
Sunday 11pm - 3am
"Genderblender”
12-14 Northgate Street
01244 372 141
www.myspace.com/ladywandaofficial
Every Tuesday @ Reflex, Chester, 10pm - 3am
Liverpool Arms (The LA)
79 Northgate Street
Website: www.liverpool-arms.com
NORTHWICH
Northwich Sauna
Winnington Lane, CW8 4GX
01606 784881
Website: www.sauna-sauna.info
Gay sauna open midday to 11am every day
Youth Groups
CONGLETON
Utopia
01260 290000
For LGBT youth aged 16 -21 years. Tuesdays
5.30-7.30pm
CREWE
Men With Mugs
01270 653150
www.bpcnw.co.uk
Gay & Bisexual men’s drop in. 7.00 - 9.00pm
Every other Monday
CREWE
Utopia
01270 253633
Email: rachel.lawton@cheshireeast.gov.uk
For lesbian, gay & bisexual people up to 19
years. Wednesday 6.30pm - 9.00pm
ELLESMERE PORT
Utopia
Email:debbie.lightfoot@cheshirewestandch
ester.gov.uk
For gay, lesbian & bisexual people up to 25
years. Tuesday 6.30pm - 9.00pm
HALTON
Halton G Space
0151 422 5503 or 0778 933 2880
Email: haltongspace@hotmail.co.uk
Weekly Halton Youth Service project offering
information and advice for young people aged
13 19 who identify as LGB in Halton
MACCLESFIELD
Utopia
33 Great King Street, Macclesfield
Jennifer Duggan: 0779 443 7234
Jennifer.Duggan@CheshireEast.gov.uk
For gay, lesbian & bisexual people up to 25
years. Monday 6.30pm - 8.30pm
WARRINGTON
GLYSS (Gay & Lesbian Youth Support
Service)
Call/ text Jane 07747 473 829
Website: www.freewebs.com/glyss
Weekly youth group meets Tuesdays 4.30pm 7.30pm, Wednesdays 6.30pm - 9.30pm,
Thursdays 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Social Groups
ALL CHESHIRE
Gay Outdoor Club
08448 770462 (National number)
07928 179688 (Clive, North Wales)
Website: www.goc.org.uk
walking/climbing/swimming/cycling/and lots more
LGB Travelling Social Groups
01270 653150
Monthly groups for gay and bisexual men and
lesbian and bisexual women in locations around
Cheshire. See front page for upcoming groups.
For Women
01270 653150
www.bpcnw.co.uk
Lesbian & Bisexual women’s drop in. 7.00 9.00pm
2nd and 4th Monday of the month in Crewe
NESTON
Lesbian Badminton Group
07810 788040
Play every other Friday between 7 - 8pm.
Call/Text for details
Health, Support, Information & Advice
Body Positive Cheshire & North Wales
Bridgewater House, 230 Edleston Road,
Crewe, CW2 7EH
Tel: 01270 653150 Fax: 01270 653158
E mail: contact@bpcnw.co.uk
Website: www.bpcnw.co.uk
Support, information and advice for people
with sexual health/sexuality issues (including
LGBT people) and people living with or
affected by HIV
Relate Cheshire & Merseyside
03003305793
Email: Enquiries@relate-cheshiremerseyside.org.uk
Providing Counselling, Sex therapy,
Information & Advice about healthy
relationships.
Sexual Health Clinics
Free confidential advice and treatment on
sexually transmitted infections/HIV testing
CHESHIRE
Chester 01244 363091
Crewe 01270 612255
Macclesfield 01625 663400
Northwich (VIN) 01606 564198
Runcorn 01928 753101
Warrington 01925 644202 Option 1
WIRRAL & MERSEYSIDE
Liverpool 0151 706 2620
Southport & Formby 01704 513303
St Helens 01744 646473
Wirral 0151 604 7339
CHESTER
STAFFORDSHIRE
Mersey & Dee Women
07946 231877
Email: merseyanddeewomen@yahoo.co.uk
Informal, lively social group providing a safe,
friendly atmosphere where lesbians (and nonlesbian women) of all ages can meet new and
old friends, and take part in the various events
and activities organised by members. Meets
monthly in the centre of Chester
Stoke-on-Trent 0300 7900 165
Stafford 01785 230260
NORTH WALES
Holyhead 01407 766026
Bangor 01248 384054
Rhyl 01745 534455
Wrexham 01978 727197
Pride in P3
P3,1 York Street, Chester, CH1 3LR
01244 405930
Email: lee.byrne@p3charity.org
Informal social group providing a safe friendly
atmosphere for mature LBGT to meet new
friends, take part in events and activities
organised by the group. Meet alternative
Mondays, contact for details.
Clwyd & Cheshire Gay Group
Nigel 01978 291008
Meets alternate Tuesdays
CONGLETON
Out in Cong
E-mail: outincong@hotmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/outincong
Closed Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/outincong
Twitter: www.twitter.com/OutInCong
Weekly meet-up for lesbian, gay, bisexual,
trans*, intersex, asexual, queer and nonbinary folk in and around Congleton. Every
Tuesday at The Young Pretender, Lawton
Street, Congleton, from 8.30pm
DISCLAIMER: The inclusion of any
service agency or individual in the
Cheshire Cheese Newsletter does
not indicate a recommendation.