Latest News
Trustees Meeting - 28th February 2012
Have Your Say !
The Board of Trustees would like to invite any service user who has an idea for a new initiative at Body Positive Dorset to attend a future meeting of the Trustees to present their ideas.
Dates of the next trustee meeting are displayed on our website and will also be shown on the front page of all future Newsletters.
The next meeting will be held at the Centre on Saturday 18th February starting at 11-30am. If you have an idea you would like to present please contact Richard who will be pleased to schedule a time for your presentation.
World AIDS Day 2011
Being our 25th year, World AIDS Day 2011 was even more special and we were determined to make it a bigger success. With your help, we succeeded. Businesses and schools across Bournemouth and Poole enthusiastically raised funds through various means from paying for parking, cake sales and selling ribbons.
We are grateful to everyone who supported us on World AIDS Day and would especially like to acknowledge outstanding contributions by the members of staff at Barclays Bank, Borough of Poole and Bournemouth Borough Council. We are also indebted to JP Morgan for their generous donation. In addition, The Space Youth Project and Porchester School made valuable contributions.
Our intrepid band of volunteers braved the cold to sell red ribbons to the general public on Old Christchurch Road, in the square and on Commercial Road. Thanks a million to all our fantastic volunteers.
In terms of education, we delivered HIV awareness training to nearly 200 students at Parkstone Grammar School and we have received excellent feedback from teachers and students at the school.
The day culminated in a deeply moving Celebration of Life Service at St Stephen?s Church, Bournemouth which was attended by a great many dignitaries and patrons including Co-founder of Body Positive Dorset, Mr. Philip Hawkins.
We are especially grateful to The Bourne Harmony Vocal Group, the Borough of Poole Band, the Wessex Choir and all those who assisted in making the 25th Celebration of Life event possible.
25 YEARS OF BODY POSITIVE DORSET!
Can you believe it? This year sees our silver Jubilee! It's 25 years since Philip Hawkins and his supporters founded Body Positive Dorset.
In that time, we have supported hundreds of people affected by HIV in Dorset, raised awareness and fought stigma. We are now the only HIV support centre in Dorset and an authority on HIV related matters. These are things of which we should all be proud.
Since the charity was formed in 1986, the reality of life with HIV has changed dramatically. Treatment has improved beyond recognition giving a much brighter outlook and quality of life to HIV+ people. There is still plenty to do if we want to reduce stigma and discrimination and we look forward to the next 25 years. Who knows... will we see a cure in that time?
To mark this occasion we are planning a great celebratory event. Details to follow!
The Passing of Dominic
We are sad to announce the passing of Dominic who died at home.
Dominic was unable to attend the Centre very much due to long spells of illness, however, he enjoyed the Service User?s lunches and the ones that I took him back as a ?carry out? and also the company of others around him. He loved good food and if any shopping was to be done it was always ?the best ham, and the best beef? ? no cheap version for Dominic would do! He accepted his illnesses and faced obstacles around him with dignity. He didn?t want friends or family to feel sorry for him ? he was more than prepared to get on with things his way. He was resilient. He loved holidays ? especially in Egypt, where he hoped to have returned this year. He will be sadly missed.
The Passing of Patrick
We are sad to announce the passing of Patrick who died of a massive heart attack. It is certain that this would have been very quick and Patrick would not have suffered.
Patrick was an asset to the Centre and put a lot of hard work into the garden in particular.
He will be greatly missed and our we offer our deepest sympathies to Patrick's family and friends.
AGM
The AGM was held on 27th January 2011 at the Centre.
Read Our Publications Online
Our newsletters can now be read, downloaded and printed online! Yes - we have joined the techno-generation!
To do this visit:
http://www.issuu.com/BodyPositiveDorset
...and select the publication you want to read. April?s newsletter is now available and we will be uploading back-issues in the near future. This link is also available on our 'links' web page.
Not only is this an improved service but will also help us reduce costs. The more people who get their info this way, the fewer man hours we will spend compiling email lists and the fewer hard copies we must produce. We will also be making other publications such as our leaflets available online.
New Trustees Appointed
We are pleased to announce that two new trustees have been voted onto the board. Congratulations to Dave Brown and Sam Dawson who will be a valuable asset to the charity. Their appointment is immediately effective.
Previous News
World Music Evening
Friday 27th May 2011, 7.30pm
at Verwood HUB
Following the great success of this event last year, we are doing it all again! All proceeds will go to Body Positive Dorset to help us continue our valuable work. You get to have fun AND you get to help!
The World Music Evening promises to showcase some of the best local talent in live music and dance with a multi-national flavour.
Headlining the Acts are the enormously talented 'Bournemouth Community Gospel Choir' who celebrate their tenth year in 2011.
Also rejoining us after rapturous applause last year, are the hugely entertaining 'Glow Globes' - cello bass & guitar duo making beautiful gentle sounds...
These two great acts are joined by a fresh selection of musical maestros who join us for their World Music Evening debut including...
Véronique Joly Latin Quartet - vocals, tenor sax, acoustic guitar and electric guitar
Beth & Gary - Mexican dance, didgeridoo, drums
Know One - 6piece reggae/ska band from Bournemouth Uni
TICKETS ON SALE NOW costing just £10.00
(£6.00 concession for OAPs & Under 16s)
Box Office: 01202 828740
or buy tickets online www.thehubverwood.co.uk
All ages welcome. Disabled access. Ample free parking. Modern Bar/bistro.
GETTING THERE:
By Bus from Bournemouth take Wilts & Dorset No.36
By Bus from Poole take Wilts & Dorset No. 37
By Bus from Wimborne take Wilts & Dorset No. 301
By Car, plan a route with (copy & paste this link into your browser): http://www.theaa.com/route-planner/index.jsp
Thank you for your valued support...
See you there!
HOW YOU CAN HELP MAKE THE EVENING A SUCCESS:
We all want to make this event a huge success so please get involved with marketing this event by:
1. talking about it to everyone you know about it!
2. joining Body Positive's facebook group so you can forward the event to all your facebook friends
3. distributing flyers & posters (just ask!)
4. directing any interest to the ticketsite or ticketline 01202 848740
5. buying a ticket!
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Pen-pals Wanted!
Are you HIV+ and looking to correspond with someone else who understands? It doesn't matter which country you live in or what your background is. If you would like to share your experiences with an HIV+ pen-pal in Dorset, England, please email, call or write to us so that we can put you in touch with your 'Body Positive Dorset Pen-Pal.' (contact details on our homepage)
If you are a Service User interested in becoming a 'Body Positive Dorset Pen-Pal' please let us know so we can put your name down. External pen-pals will write to you via Body Positive Dorset's address and you are free to use an alias if you wish so your confidentiality will be fully protected.
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Trustee's Meeting
The next trustees meeting will be held at Diana, Princess of Wales House at 11.30am on Saturday 19th March 2011.
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World Aids Day a Great Success
1st December saw freezing conditions for World Aids Day. This did not deter Staff and volunteers who were out in force this year selling red ribbons & raffle tickets to raise funds for Body Positive Dorset.
In all 24 different sites across Bournemouth & Poole staged events to help raise funds from cake & ribbon sales to car parking donations dress-down days.
We also mobilised an intrepid team of volunteers to brave the arctic conditions on the street collection. These activities directly involved over 25,000 residents raising a whopping £5000 and a considerable amount of awareness.
In the evening, The Mayors & Mayoresses of the Boroughs of Bournemouth, Wimborne and Weymouth & Portland attended The Celebration of Life Service which was held with characteristic dignity at St Stephen?s Church.
The centrepiece of the service, led by Reverend Robin C N Harger BTh and Father Cannon John Hyde ssb, was the unfolding of the Quilt of Remembrance and the lighting of the Candles of Hope.
Bournemouth Community Gospel Choir sang uplifting music with their usual aplomb and Body Positive Dorset Service Users produced visual displays and slides showcasing Body Positive Dorset.
We are particularly grateful to our patron, Susan Hampshire, who addressed the congregation at the service. We also thank Susan for her extremely generous donation to Body Positive Dorset.
A huge thank you from all of us at Body Positive Dorset to all those who took part in World Aids Day 2010 - Service Users, volunteers, staff, local businesses, schools, dignitaries and of course the generous public!
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Christmas Raffle Winners!!
Congratulations to the winners in our Christmas Raffle
Winning tickets are:
First Prize: 00491
...wins 2 nights at the Royal Bath Hotel, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast in a King Executive Sea View Room.
Second Prize: 00436
...wins 1 night at the Royal Bath Hotel, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast in a King Executive Sea View Room.
Third Prize: 00043
...wins 3 Course Dinner for 2 in Oscars Restaurant.
To claim your prize, please contact us on:
07768 897788 or
richard@bodypositivedorset.org
Thank you to everyone who bought a raffle ticket.
Your money will help us to continue our work helping all those affected by HIV in Dorset.
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1 Dec: World Aids Day Celebration of Life Service
Body Positive Dorset & St Stephen's Church Bournemouth welcome you to join in The Celebration of Life Service for World Aids Day, 1st December 2010.
The theme this year is 'Universal Access & Human Rights' & as such there will be representatives from several major faiths. Bournemouth Community Gospel Choir will sing inspiring songs & lead us in hymns. Our newest patron, Susan Hampshire, will be in attendance.
There will be the traditional laying of the 'Body Positive Dorset Memorial Quilt' & the lighting of 'The Candles of Remembrance.'
Join us afterwards at the church for refreshments and to enjoy the displays & slideshow which will showcase Body Positive Dorset.
You are also invited to attend DAMSET's Inauguration of the Bournemouth Aids Memorial beforehand at 5.15pm.
This will take place at Pier Approach - Lower Gardens
near the new Pavilion Dance Theatre at 5.15pm.
if you would like to attend please visit www.damset.co.uk
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Fundraise for BPD by recycling printer cartridges
If you recycle inkjet printer cartrideges, you are fundraising for Body Positive Dorset!
Body Positive Dorset has teamed up with Wise Recycling:
Send your used inkjet printer cartridges in the postage?paid bags supplied by Body Positive Dorset and 20% of their value will be donated to Body Positive Dorset.
By buying your printer cartridges from Wise Recycling, 10% of their value will be donated to Body Positive Dorset.
Simply ask Body Positive Dorset for a postage-paid bag to begin recycling and fundraising at the same time!
Thank you for your support.
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Susan Hampshire is new Body Positive Dorset patron
Actress Susan Hampshire OBE has agreed to join Body Positive Dorset as a patron.
Speaking about the new appointment Richard said ?we are naturally delighted and honoured that Susan has agreed to become a patron of Body Positive Dorset. She is a very sensitive person who is exceedingly generous with her time in support of good causes.
Susan?s association with Body Positive Dorset will certainly raise our profile and will support our campaigning and advocacy on behalf of local people living with HIV."
The award-winning actress has won three American Emmy awards for her roles in The Forsyte Saga, The First Churchills and Vanity Fair.
Most recently she starred in the BBC TV series Monarch of the Glen.
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World AIDS Day Collections
Thanks to the generosity of several of our supporters including, the Borough Councils of both Bournemouth and Poole, JP Morgan and bar Beyond we collected in excess of £ 2,000-00 this year.
Many thanks to everyone who contributed
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Christmas Lunch
39 Service Users and Staff enjoyed an outstanding Christmas Lunch at the Centre on Friday 18th December. Thanks to everyone involved but perhaps especially to Chef Dan and Organiser in Chief Bex.
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Happy Christmas
We would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful 2010
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World AIDS Day Service
There was an excellent attendance at the Service this year, including the Mayors of Bournemouth and of Poole. The service was moving without being morbid and the Bournemouth Community Gospel Choir sang beautifully. After the service there was an opportunity for the congregation to mingle and to enjoy some refreshment before leaving the church.
We are extremely grateful to Rev Robin Harger and St Stephen's Church for allowing our service to be held at the church again this year.
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World AIDS Day in The Triangle
To be opened by Mayor of Bournemouth and featuring Live Bands, Information about HIV, Comedy and much, much more.
Something for everyone live at The Triangle 12 noon till 6pm
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Keytek Support Body Positive
Keytek Locksmiths of Poole are supporting Body Positive Dorset. Hot on the heels of the Tour de France, Keytek staff are dusting off their best cycling gear ready to undertake the awesome challenge of cycling right around the entire country from the comfort of their office.
Find out more and sponsor the participants at http://www.justgiving.com/Keytek-Locksmiths5/
Learn more about Keytek at http://www.keytek.co.uk
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Fun Run Thank You
Thanks to everyone who took part in the fun run at Canford School on 20th September 2009 and to those who sponsored our Runners & Walkers. We exceeded expectations and although not all sponsorship money has been collected as yet, we have raised more than £400.00. We also signed up a considerable number of new supporters through their Gift Aid forms.
Congratulations and thanks to all those who supported this event.
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Body Positive joins Twitter
We have made yet another leap into the technological world and have joined Twitter. Follow us at www.twitter.com/BPDorset
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Bourne Free 2009
Body Positive Dorset will be taking part in this years Bourne Free Pride Parade. The theme is CIRCUS and we are looking for anyone who can walk on stilts, juggle or perform any other circus related activity whilst walking in the parade. We would also like as many of you as possible to come and take part in the parade and to help carry the Body Positive Banner. This year there will also be stalls in the Triangle and Body Positive have booked one. The most exciting part of the event will be a 12 HOUR STREET PARTY in the Triangle from 11am to 11pm on Saturday 11th July. Roads will be closed and traffic diverted to accommodate the party which will feature a top quality sound stage, massive bar, food and market stalls. Entry to the party is by wrist band only and these can be purchased securely on www.bournefree.co.uk. The price in advance is £7 or £10 in the week before the event.
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Funding Results
We are well on the way towards raising sufficient funds to do some external repairs to the fabric of the building and also to install disabled facilities at the Centre. This will include ramp access, new flooring, disabled toilets and modifications to our kitchen area. In our continuing quest to obtain a decent supply of free condoms for Service Users I am delighted to announce that one of our Trustees, Joy Craddock, has kindly made a donation of 250 condoms. This is in part a straight forward donation to Body Positive and partly in recognition of fellow Trustee and past Chairman Tim Watts 60th Birthday. I am sure all Service Users will join me in thanking Joy for her generous contribution. Funding has been secured from The Learning Curve and the EU to enable us to train four service users to become Trainers. These people will then be in a position to earn an income delivering our HIV Awareness & Prevention Training to local schools/colleges and other institutions. If you are interested in learning more please contact Dave England at the centre.
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Dental Patient Information - For Service Users
Since April 2006, the general dental contract has changed, and people with HIV and blood-borne viruses can access the general dental service. The Community Dental Service at Canford Heath Dental Clinic only have a remit for people with HIV if they are severely immune-compromised and need special care, or if they have another disability or medical problem which prevents them from accessing care in the general dental services.
Service users at Body Positive Dorset should seek dental care from general dental practitioners. This can be done in a variety of ways:
- NHS Direct 0845 4647
- www.nhs.uk use the site search in the top right corner choosing Dentist and entering a postcode
- Dorset Dental Helpline 01202 854 443
Service Users can also obtain dental advice from the British Dental Health Foundation on 0845 063 1188 to include information on procedures. Their website address is www.dentalhealth.org.uk
It is recommended that Service Users should make an appointment for initial consultation with a dentist conveniently located for them, without mentioning any medical condition. At the appointment, it can be disclosed as part of the medical history.
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Students at Work
Two students currently studying for a BA (Hons) Community Work degree with Bournemouth University have joined Body Positive Dorset on placement. Becca Minter, a 1st year student, is working on a service user involvement project while Carly Joseph, a 2nd year student, is developing our new volunteering programme. Both Carly and Becca will be with us until late June and have already settled into the team well. Linking in with Bournemouth University provides benefits for both organisations and will also assist our aim to raise awareness of HIV and reduce stigma.
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Body Positive Dorset - New Website Launched
We are proud to launch our new website which is a key milestone in our communications strategy. Designed by Juice who are located in Ferndown, the website provides visitors with a facility to acquaint themselves with the charity, increase their awareness of HIV/AIDS and have current, relevant and appropriate information at their fingertips. In addition to this, visitors can subscribe to our regular e-newsletter, apply for volunteer positions and request information on our education programmes. Our forthcoming events, mission statement and a history of the charity can all be accessed online at our website. We can also be contacted through the site and our 24 hour helpline is readily available.
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Body Positive Dorset Links with Angelwish
Angelwish is a charity that helps children living with HIV/AIDS. Our Receptionist, Julie, is the Local Co-ordinator. This Christmas Angelwish have sent us 22 gifts for children, ranging from Shaun the Sheep trolleys to Dr Who Dalek sets, dolls and giant puzzles. We have distributed 20 of these gifts and all have been gratefully and joyfully received. One Service User gave a Sequin Art set to his daughter, she stayed up late so she could finish it. His son also had a kite given to him and apparently it is one of his most precious possessions. Millions of children who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS have no idea what childhood should be. Angelwish was created to make it easy for you to change that. Anyone can become an Angelwish Digital Angel by visiting www.angelwish.org
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New Garden Furniture
We have been awarded a Grant from 'Awards for All' to enable us to replace our rather broken garden furniture and to add some heating in the garden area. The intention is to buy four benches, six chairs and three tables. We will also have sufficient money to buy an electrically operated patio heater. With the patio awaiting repair the furniture will probably not be purchased until March or April but, whenever it is ordered, it will be here in plenty of time for you to enjoy relaxing the summer.
