The Sussex Beacon to become UK’s first LGBTQ+ hospice with HIV specialism

The Sussex Beacon has announced it will become the United Kingdom’s first hospice specifically dedicated to LGBTQ+ individuals, with a unique focus on HIV-specialist care. The decision marks a transformative chapter for the organization, long respected for its inclusive and compassionate support for people living with HIV.

Founded during the height of the AIDS crisis, The Sussex Beacon was originally established as a safe, supportive place for those facing AIDS-related illnesses. Now, with medical advances extending the lives of people living with HIV, the charity is broadening its mission to serve the wider LGBTQ+ community – regardless of HIV status – while retaining its vital role in specialist HIV care.

“We are enormously excited by what will become a new chapter for The Sussex Beacon,” said CEO Rachel Brett. “The LGBTQ+ community built The Beacon, and now we will be giving it back, stronger and more inclusive than ever.”

The revamped hospice model comes as The Sussex Beacon continues its close collaboration with NHS Sussex to enhance community-based care for people living with HIV. The expansion is aimed at addressing the significant gaps in palliative and end-of-life care experienced by LGBTQ+ people in the UK, who often face stigma, discrimination, and a lack of understanding within mainstream healthcare systems.

National reports – including Hospice UK’s "I Just Want To Be Me" – have highlighted the barriers transgender and gender-diverse individuals encounter when seeking end-of-life care. Drawing on decades of experience supporting people with HIV, The Sussex Beacon is poised to become a national leader in inclusive palliative care.

“The Sussex Beacon is uniquely placed to change that,” Brett added. “We will not only provide inclusive palliative care, but also act as a national resource, helping other hospices improve their services for LGBTQ+ patients.”

The organization’s vision will be supported by the NHS, but achieving long-term sustainability will also depend on charitable donations and community backing. “It’s fair to say we need our community behind us now more than ever,” said Brett. “The next few years will be challenging as we make this transition, but with collective support, we’ll create something truly transformative.”

Dr. Amy Dissanayake, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Sussex, praised the initiative: “We are delighted to be working with The Sussex Beacon as they take this step to enhance the high-quality service they provide. Their expertise in delivering community-based HIV care fully aligns with our goal of bringing care closer to people’s homes and communities.”

Local MP Chris Ward (Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven) also welcomed the development, calling The Sussex Beacon a "pillar" of the local community. “This announcement shows it has a bright future too,” Ward said. “I’ve spoken with so many service users who said they owed everything to the Beacon. I’m delighted that this new service model means it can continue to provide excellent HIV services and hospice care across Sussex.”

As The Sussex Beacon steps into this new role, it hopes to not only improve end-of-life care for LGBTQ+ people but also inspire a national movement toward greater inclusivity in healthcare.