A Quick Look at Portsmouth Based Charities We Love
Posted on 21st June 2021
It’s been a tough year for many across the UK, and we are constantly thankful for the charities that work tirelessly to improve people’s lives.
Some charities are entirely specialised, focusing on giving the best support they can to a specific niche of the community. Others are more general, aiming to offer help and advice to anyone in a vulnerable position. All of them are a force for good in the world, and we think the country is a better place for it.
Whether you can donate to their fundraising efforts or perhaps even volunteer some time, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the charities that operate in and around Portsmouth, from local enterprises to branches of country-wide charities.This content will be shown in the summary on the main blog page. Click on this text to edit it.
Spark
Spark Community Space is a local Portsmouth charity, creating a community of support and a space to come together, to heal together and to “spark back into life”.
Those needing this support could be individuals who might feel pushed aside or overlooked by society, maybe as a result of long term illness, disability, redundancy, a lack of skills or qualifications, or even discrimination. Spark provides an inclusive, friendly and welcoming space to create a sense of belonging, healing and rebuilding. They aim to provide a platform for people to rediscover their value, self-worth and help to relight their enthusiasm for life.
Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, Spark plan to open a community shop and meeting space where people can come and grow together, gain skills through volunteering, and access training. A friendly welcome and a comfortable, non-judgmental environment is assured to all new visitors.
At this time, Spark are using a temporary space inside Sherlock's Bar, Clarendon Road PO5 2ED, every Tuesday and Wednesday from 11-2pm, and they would love to see both supporters and visitors there.
Registered charity Number: 1191751
The Elizabeth Foundation
The Elizabeth Foundation works to facilitate the diagnosis of deafness in young children and babies, and to support families after the diagnosis. Founded by parents Shirley and David Metherell 40 years ago, in response to a lack of support for deaf children and their carers, the charity has developed a unique working relationship with the Audiology Department of Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service to be able to provide wrap-around care for deaf children and their families. .
Offering in-person education that has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, and online access through their ‘Let’s Talk and Listen’ service, the charity supports families in a variety of ways. From advice for parents to speech and language therapy that is tailored to the child’s needs, the Elizabeth Foundation provides help and guidance. Their five-year plan includes goals to modernise as technology and diagnostic tools evolve, and build on their current strengths.
Registered charity no: 293835
Shaping Portsmouth
Shaping Portsmouth is a CIC - a Community Interest Company - whose goal is to make Portsmouth the UK’s top city in which to live, invest and work. The initiative spans three key programmes. The business programme aims to support new businesses to start and expand, bringing a diverse range of organisations to the city.
Their education programme focuses on ensuring Portsmouth has a well-trained and motivated workforce. Partnering with the City Council, local businesses, colleges, the university and more, Shaping is able to promote everything from apprenticeship schemes to online learning.
Lastly, the community programme initiative involves working with schemes such as the Armed Forces Covenant, Care Leavers Programme and Portsmouth Ambassadors, and aims to support the people of Portsmouth in their everyday lives.
Pompey in the Community
Affiliated with Portsmouth Football Club, Pompey in the Community uses the motivational power of movement to inspire participants to live healthily, as well as promoting education and sporting participation.
Boasting accolades like ‘Community Project of the Year 2019’, the organisation helped 35,000 people last season alone, and runs several programmes - one for every occasion! They have some powerful backing, too: the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner supports the project in deterring anti-social behaviour in those aged 8-18. Meanwhile, the ReFit programme aims to improve the quality of life for vulnerable people and even offers NVQ Health & Social Care levels alongside many other workplace training initiatives.
Registered charity no: 1126118
The Hive
The Hive works on the basis that a community should work together – you may have met their volunteers assisting with the Covid vaccination centres. They aim to connect people with the services that will help them the most, covering everything from domestic abuse to advice on re-entering the workforce. Their helpful directory page points people in the right direction!
Registered charity no: 1189067
The Armed Forces Covenant
A promise to those serving or who have served, the Armed Forces Covenant works to ensure that military personnel and their families have the same opportunities as civilians. This covers areas such as education and family wellbeing, starting a new career, and access to healthcare.
It is an excellent resource for those looking to stay up-to-date with news involving leaving the armed forces, and can help to point out useful and relevant pages, depending on which category you fall into.
The Girls Network
The Girls Network battles gender inequality, predominantly in the classroom. Founded in 2013, two teachers established a one-to-one mentoring scheme that aimed to fight low self-confidence, the pressure to conform to gender stereotypes, and a lack of professional female role models.
Eight years on, the charity helps more than 1,000 girls each year - with some impressive results! 96% of participants felt more positive about their future after taking part, while 93% said having a mentor had boosted their confidence.
Registered charity no: 1156517
Care for Veterans
Care for Veterans supports veterans with physical disabilities and complicated needs, offering a range of services encompassing end-of-life care and rehabilitation after an acquired brain injury, as well as many more.
Veterans are also offered help with IT services and wheelchairs, and can participate in wellbeing schemes designed to improve their quality of life.
Given that they’re a voluntary provider rather than a statutory one like the NHS, Care for Veterans are hopeful that their work could allow them to lead the way in disability care.
Registered charity no: 3646570
The Good Gym
You’ve likely seen adverts for The Good Gym over lockdown: the charity promotes the idea that those partaking stop off on their regular runs to help out in the community.
Some runners stop to chat with lonely or elderly folk, occasionally doing the odd task, whilst others complete physical tasks for local community organisations. You can even pick a group run if you don’t fancy striking out on your own. From helping out with COVID vaccine clinics to maintaining rock gardens, these runners are on quite a mission!
Registered charity no: 1160988
The You Trust (Advice Portsmouth)
The You Trust supports vulnerable people across the country, offering help and advice on issues from disability to domestic abuse and stalking.
Their Portsmouth chapter, Advice Portsmouth, specifically focuses on giving specialist advice on housing, welfare benefits, debt, employment, family issues and consumer problems.
Whether callers need help with filling in forms or challenging benefit decisions, Advice Portsmouth offers an easy way to get help. They have bookable face-to-face sessions, virtual meetings, webchats, social media and emails, if you don’t fancy calling!
Registered charity no: 291489
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