Rainbow Forum Committee & AGM News

News from AGM held on Thursday 25 October.

Sadly, as there were no expressions of interest in any of the management committee positions and the current committee members are unable to continue, it is with regret that the Rainbow Forum will fold at the end of 2012.

This website will no longer be updated and will be taken offline.

The disbanding of the fourm is disappointing for those who have been involved and worked hard in the years spanning 2003-2012, giving their time, dedication and even money from their own pockets.  However, it is important to remember the great acheivements;

• The fantastic partnership working between the forum, public, private and third sector organisations
• The establishment of the Advice Line
• Five annual Out in the Sticks Festivals
• LGB&T people who met via forum events and have gone on to become great friends and form their own groups
• And of course, the civil partnership of two very special ladies who met at the first Spectrum evening!

Don't forget, the Equality, Integration and Partnership Team at the council are available for individuals and organisations in need of support, guidance and advice.  They can be contacted on 01432 260244 or email diversity@herefordshire.gov.uk

Changes to sexual health services in Herefordshire

Sexual Health Services have relocated to the ‘old’ Charles Renton Unit on the County Hospital site while building works take place at Gaol Street Health Centre. The service expects to return to Gaol Street Health Centre in March 2013 but the actual date will be communicated nearer the time.

Following an extensive review of service activity and user consultation exercise, a new clinic template has been introduced to reflect service user’s views and preferences.

The key changes to the opening times are:

• the introduction of open-access, walk-in sexually transmitted infection screening five mornings per week
• the introduction of a new lunchtime XpressCHECKOUT clinic offering screening for asymptomatic patients
• increased booked appointments in the afternoons for both sexually transmitted infection screening and contraception 
• the Saturday morning young peoples clinics have been stopped and the Tuesday afternoon clinic has been extended
• outreach clinics in Ross-on-Wye and Leominster are no longer operating

The sexual health team can be contacted on 01432 378986.