The Sussex Beacon has made history by announcing its transformation into the UK’s first hospice dedicated specifically to the LGBTQ+ community. This development marks a refresh in the Brighton-based charity’s approach to palliative and end-of-life care, marrying inclusive healthcare with specialist HIV services to offer a uniquely tailored environment for LGBTQ+ patients.
Founded in 1994, The Sussex Beacon has long been a linchpin for the Brighton, Hove, and Greater Sussex areas, providing accessible and expert healthcare primarily focused on those living with HIV. Over the years, it has evolved alongside advancements in HIV treatment, shifting from its original role catering mainly to people dying from AIDS-related illnesses, to a broader emphasis on supporting diverse local communities with a wide spectrum of health needs.
Rachel Brett, the CEO of The Sussex Beacon, expressed a deep sense of continuity and renewal, reflecting on how the LGBTQ+ community was instrumental in building the charity: ‘The LGBTQ+ community built The Beacon, and now we will be giving it back, stronger and more inclusive than ever.’ Brett highlighted that this evolution will ensure the hospice remains a safe, accepting space while expanding its palliative care provision to cater to a wider range of needs within the community.
This pioneering hospice model will operate with valuable support from the NHS, particularly NHS Sussex, which has welcomed the initiative as an important step in enhancing community-based care. Dr Amy Dissanayake, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Sussex, emphasised the collaboration, noting the importance of shifting care from hospitals into community settings, including homes and local hubs. Dissanayake praised The Sussex Beacon’s specialist expertise in HIV care, positioning it as a vital resource to both the local population and as a model hospitable to other LGBTQ+ inclusive services on a national scale.
Sustaining this innovative hospice will, however, depend on ongoing charitable funding. The Sussex Beacon’s leadership has underscored the need for community support to ensure the project’s long-term viability, acknowledging the challenges ahead but also the potential to create something transformative for LGBTQ+ end-of-life care.
Aside from its new hospice services, The Sussex Beacon continues to provide comprehensive HIV support. Its facilities include a 10-bed inpatient unit, outpatient services, therapy rooms, and spaces for group activities—all grounded in a philosophy of person-centred care delivered within a warm, welcoming environment. The charity’s commitment to promoting independence and improving wellbeing for those living with HIV remains as strong as ever, building on decades of community trust.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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