UK's only dedicated LGBTQ+ hospice for HIV+ patients to open in Sussex
It's been called a 'landmark development' for healthcare - and could become a blueprint for other homes across the country
Last updated 4th Aug 2025
In what's been dubbed as a 'landmark' development, The Sussex Beacon in Brighton is to become the UK's only dedicated hospice for LGBTQ+ people - combining inclusive care with expertise in specialist HIV care.
For over 30 years, they've been a 'trusted lifeline' for people living with the disease in the local community, with their mission being dedicated to enriching lives through compassionate care, tailored support, and a safe, welcoming space for everyone they help.
Now, bosses are refreshing their approach to palliative and end-of-life care services, expanding its offer to the wider LGBTQ+ community, regardless of HIV status.
They're doing this alongside NHS Sussex, and say they are 'enormously excited by what will become a new chapter' for the team.
It comes as the LGBTQ+ community built the Beacon, which was originally founded to offer care in a safe, accepting space for people dying with AIDS-related illnesses.
Their focus now has moved to ensure that people across local communities are getting the help and support they need.
'This is everybody's dream come true at The Sussex Beacon'
Speaking to Hits Radio Pride, CEO Rachel Brett told us: "We wanted to give back to the community, this amazing facility which we have here, but also still provide some of that clinical care and support for those who have HIV.
"As far as we're aware, there's nowhere else in the country which is a specialist LGBTQ+ hospice, and we are very conscious in the way people experience healthcare.
"Sometimes, people's identities aren't understood by healthcare professionals, so this is a place where you can come, and you will not be judged, your choices will be respected, and your identity will be understood.
"This is particularly important when you are vulnerable - this is a safe space for you to get the care and support when you need it."
She shared the recent experience of a patient, who had HIV, and came to the Beacon because of the experience at another healthcare setting.
Rachel said: "A service user recently came to us at the end of their life.
"Their partner felt as if they were very exposed.
"It's not always the case of the healthcare setting not supporting people's needs, it's often the visitors and other patients who may not be as sympathetic or accepting as we would like them to be.
"We also have lots of anecdotal settings of other people who receive excellent care in these healthcare settings with HIV, but sometimes when they go to care homes, the understanding of what it means now to live with the disease it not yet there.
"We've had people who've been told to stay in their rooms by staff who may think you can catch HIV off tableware and through touch, and these are people who are on anti-retroviral medication, so there really is no risk of that happening."
What's to come is very exciting.
"This is everybody's dream come true at the Sussex Beacon, because of our rich history, and we want to share that with the LGBTQ+ population who need us,", Rachel added.
"But we are at the beginning of this journey.
"We need significant investment in our building, so we are working with the NHS around that, and now we're looking at how to fund the project which will make it a place which is fit-for-purpose for the needs of our patients."
National research, including Hospice UK’s report “I Just Want To Be Me”, which examines access to care for trans & gender-diverse people and insights from LGBTQ+ organisations, reveals that many LGBTQ+ individuals find healthcare unwelcoming, often encountering insensitivity or a lack of understanding.
Bosses say that The Sussex Beacon is uniquely placed to change that.
'Delighted to be working with The Sussex Beacon'
Dr Amy Dissanayake, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Sussex, said: “We are delighted to be working with The Sussex Beacon as they make this step to enhance the high-quality service they can provide the local community.
“In addition to the hospice care, their experience in providing specialist community care for people living with HIV is invaluable and fully supports our ambition to bring care out of hospitals where possible, and into communities, either in people’s homes directly or in their local neighbourhood at community hubs. We look forward to continuing to work with the team at The Sussex Beacon to make this a reality for our population.”
'The Beacon has a proud place in the heart of the local community'
Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, added: “The Beacon has a proud place in the heart of the local community, and this announcement shows it has a bright future too.
"I’ve spoken with so many service users who said they owed everything to the Beacon, so I’m delighted that this new service model means it can continue to provide excellent HIV services and hospice care across Sussex”.