Tuesday 29 May 2012

Did you miss Rant or Rave in Southsea this weekend?


The sun was shining in Southsea this weekend, and Palmerston Road was bustling with activity, rants and raves.

Portsmouth City Council and the local Neighbourhood Forums took over the precinct with stands representing local services and organisations, getting feedback on what people love about the area, and what they'd like to see changed.

If you missed the event, you can find information on all those that attended by clicking on their links below.  You can also add your Rants or Raves by emailing us, click here or by completing a Rant or Rave card, which you can find in local libraries and council offices across the city.  There will also be more events happening across the city in the coming months.
Your chance to win a pair of Kings Theatre Panto tickets.  Return your rant or rave card to us during May, June & July and you could be the lucky winner.*

We collected over 100 rants and raves on the day, and will be following up on these in the coming days.  We'll also be posting monthly reports here, which will give you a flavour of what other people are commenting on, and you'll be able to find responses to frequently asked questions. 


Find out more:
Click here to view more photos from the day here.

*Terms & Conditions for Panto Ticket Draw

The closing date for entries is Tuesday 31st July.
Entrants must provide some form of contact details to be entered.
The competition is not open to employees of Portsmouth City Council.  


Friday 25 May 2012

RANT or RAVE

Rant or Rave comes to Southsea 

Come along to Palmerston Road on Saturday 26th May between 11am & 3pm to meet people from local services and organisations that want to hear what YOU think.

The event will launch our new Rant or Rave campaign and as well as talking to people, you'll be able to complete one of our rant or rave cards, tear off the side you want to use (or both!) and post it in one of our rant or rave collection boxes, or post to the freepost address as found on the card. These will also be available across the city in the coming weeks.

Your chance to win a pair of Kings Theatre Panto tickets.  Return your rant or rave card to us during May and June and you could be the lucky winner.*

You can also click here to email us your rant or rave.  And we'll be reporting back on people's comments, so keep an eye on this page (http://portsmouthlocal.blogspot.co.uk/p/rant-rave.html).

The event is organised by Portsmouth City Council and the Neighbourhood Forums across Southsea.
 
So far those confirmed as attending the event are:
  • Meet Your Local Councillors
  • Find out about your local neighbourhood forum
  • Portsmouth City Council Waste & Recycling
  • Portsmouth City Council Drainage Team
  • Southern Water
  • Portsmouth Water
  • Environment Agency 
  • Police & Community Wardens
  • University of Portsmouth Students' Union
  • Parking Champions 
  • Portsmouth City Council Road Safety Team
  • Portsmouth & District Landlord Association
  • Southsea Rock Gardens
  • SouthseaShelter.co.uk
  • Southsea Greenhouse
  • No 6 Cinema
  • Kings Theatre
  • Albert Road Traders Association
Short presentations will be held throughout the event in Southsea Library, with 10 minute talks followed by 10 mins of open Question & Answer.  No need to book onto these, just turn up.

11.40 – 12.00       SouthseaShelter.co.uk
… Two unsheltered miles of our promenade…
… A beautiful Edwardian shelter rusts in council storage…
… Two problems – one solution and a £65,000 campaign

12.40 – 13.00       Kings Theatre
Find out how volunteers have played a key role in the theatre's existence

13.00 – 13.20       Southsea Greenhouse
Find out about the area's latest Community Co-Op, and find out how you can get involved

13.20 – 13.40       £1bn City
The £1bn regeneration of Portsmouth

13.40 – 14.00       No 6 Cinema
Come along and find out what’s on at the newly re-launched No 6 Cinema and how you can get involved in its success.

14.00 – 14.20       Southern Water
Find out more about the investment that’s been made to reduce the risk of flooding in the city.

They'll also be a performance by Southsea Community Choir between 1 & 1.40pm. 


So pop along, find out what's going on locally and have your say.

*Terms & Conditions for Panto Ticket Draw The closing date for entries is Tuesday 31st July.Entrants must provide some form of contact details to be entered.The competition is not open to employees of Portsmouth City Council.

Thursday 24 May 2012

Volunteering Information


Interested in Volunteering?
Come along to the Volunteer Drop In and discover the many opportunities in Portsmouth
North End Library 
 Thursday 21 June 2pm – 4pm

For more information contact Julie Killeen 

Monday 21 May 2012

Ward Councillors

Following the recent local elections Portsmouth City Council is now made up of 26 Libral Democrat, 12 Conservative and 4 Labour councillors.  Each of the 14 wards across the city has 3 representatives who are elected for a 4 year term.

The role of your local councillor is to represent the needs of your ward to Portsmouth City Council and other organisations.  Councillors have a duty to all their constituents, including those who did not vote for them. Your local councillors can influence the decisions that affect Portsmouth at council meetings and you can take part in this decision-making process by asking your councillors to represent your views.
 
The city council website has all the information on your current Councillors, MPs and MEPs at  http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/yourcouncil/23350.html 

The page contains contact information for Councillors sorted by Surname or Ward, the 'cabinet and group spokespersons' and 'appointments of the city council' links will be updated in the near future but in the meantime the details of each Councillor's appointments are included on their individual pages.

Olympic-inspired art exhibition


Thursday 17 May 2012

Trading Standards Presentation at Drayton and Farlington - follow up information


Thank you for having us at the Drayton and Farlington Neighbourhood Forum last night, We hope that the residents found our presentation useful.

We said that we would give you some information to pass on about how to set up a No Cold Calling Zone on their own, who to report scams to and the Telephone preference service and Mail preference service details. 

Please click "Read More >>" for all of this information:

Link for all information on No Cold Calling Zones:  
http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/living/14361.html

Specifically the No Cold Calling Tool Kit:  
http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/media/TDS_nccztoolkit.pdf

If you have any consumer related problem contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service which use to be Consumer Direct. They have the same telephone number 0845 04 05 06 :  
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e.htm

Action Fraud, online reporting tool: 
http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud

Telephone preference service:  
http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/index.html

Mail preference service: 
http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr


Online reporting form: Trading Standards have an online reporting form for residents wishing to make a complaint about a trader/business or a scam. The form can be found by following this link: 


Charity Bag project: Trading Standards are collecting charity bags which are delivered to your homes. Please drop/send them in to us at the Civic Offices Trading Standards department, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2PQ, Or Laura will be at Cosham Baptist Church on the 7th June for a community safety event between 2pm and 5pm and will be able to collect them from you there.

If there is any more information that you need please contact.

Laura Tambling
Community Trading Standards Officer
Cosham Sector
Portsmouth City Council
Civic Offices
Guildhall Square
Portsmouth
PO1 2PQ

T: 023 9283 4689
F: 023 9283 4244

Tuesday 15 May 2012

Rant or Rave for Portsmouth!

What would you rave about locally?  What about Portsmouth makes it better than the rest?  Or maybe something about your local area really winds you up?  Whether you are ranting or raving - Portsmouth City Council want to hear about it.

We're launching our Rant or Rave campaign between 11am and 3pm in Palmerston Road, Southsea on Saturday 26 May.  From water to waste, parks to parking, we want to hear your opinions.  You have a voice, and whether it's ranting or raving, we want to hear it!  Why not come along and share your thoughts on the city?

Simply come along and complete one of our rant and rave cards, tear off the side you want to use (or both!) and post in one of our rant or rave collection boxes, or post to the freepost address as found on the card.

The event is organised by Portsmouth City Council and the Neighbourhood Forums across Southsea. As well as ranting or raving, you'll also be able to find out how you might go about setting up an action group, starting a petition, joining a forum, contacting your councillor, and much much more.

Communities Engagement Manager, James Sandy says:
"We are keen to hear your Rants and Raves.  Everyone feels strongly about what they like or dislike about the city.  This event aims to get your views on how to make Portsmouth a better place, how to help make your opinions heard and explores some of the processes involved in bringing about change in the local area."

"We're using this first Rant or Rave event to help find out what residents think, provide information about local services and link people to community groups on the ground. Come along and tell us your views, we'd love to see you there!"

Find out more by clicking on the 'Rant or Rave' tab above.

Friday 11 May 2012

How does Parliament contribute to the debate on energy issues?

The Houses of Parliament Outreach Service and Dr Alan Whitehead MP are hosting an event on Monday 14th May, from 5-7pm at the Freemantle Community Centre in Southampton.

'Parliament Talks...Energy’ is the latest in a series of free events and promotional activities highlighting Parliament's role in debating and challenging Government policy on energy.  This event will bring together members of the public and parliamentarians to discuss how Parliament contributes to the debate on energy issues and scrutinises Government policy, particularly when it comes to consumer engagement with energy companies.

This event is hosted by the Houses of Parliament Outreach Service and the House of Commons Select Committee on Energy and Climate Change and will be part of the Committee’s upcoming inquiry into consumer engagement and will ask for the public’s views on their understanding of the energy industry.  It will start with an introduction and talk from the local MP, Dr Alan Whitehead, who is a member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee, followed by discussion groups on how energy companies engage with their customers and how much consumers know about their energy bills. 

How to attend

To find out more information or to register a place at this event, please contact the Houses of Parliament Outreach Service on:
Telephone: 020 7219 1650
Please include your name, the name of your organisation (if you will be representing one) your e-mail address and a contact telephone number.

How does Parliament contribute to the debate on energy issues?

The Houses of Parliament Outreach Service and Dr Alan Whitehead MP are hosting an event on Monday 14th May, from 5-7pm at the Freemantle Community Centre in Southampton.

'Parliament Talks...Energy’ is the latest in a series of free events and promotional activities highlighting Parliament's role in debating and challenging Government policy on energy.  This event will bring together members of the public and parliamentarians to discuss how Parliament contributes to the debate on energy issues and scrutinises Government policy, particularly when it comes to consumer engagement with energy companies.

This event is hosted by the Houses of Parliament Outreach Service and the House of Commons Select Committee on Energy and Climate Change and will be part of the Committee’s upcoming inquiry into consumer engagement and will ask for the public’s views on their understanding of the energy industry.  It will start with an introduction and talk from the local MP, Dr Alan Whitehead, who is a member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee, followed by discussion groups on how energy companies engage with their customers and how much consumers know about their energy bills. 

How to attend

To find out more information or to register a place at this event, please contact the Houses of Parliament Outreach Service on:
Telephone: 020 7219 1650
Please include your name, the name of your organisation (if you will be representing one) your e-mail address and a contact telephone number.

Wednesday 9 May 2012

Autism Information & Consultation Day

On 28th June 2012 at the OASIS Centre there will be an opportunity to learn more about what help and support might be available for people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition and their family Carers. Information and advice will be available from services and support groups in the City. 


The NHS and Portsmouth City Council have produced a local strategic plan for improving opportunities for people with autistic spectrum conditions and want to hear your views about the plan.  You can drop in any time or you can book in for discussions about the local plan.


Refreshments will be available throughout the day and a buffet lunch will be available.   


Please let us know if you will be attending. You can book here: http://portsmouthautismevent.eventbrite.co.uk or ring 023 9268 8374.

Autism Information & Consultation Day

On 28th June 2012 at the OASIS Centre there will be an opportunity to learn more about what help and support might be available for people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition and their family Carers. Information and advice will be available from services and support groups in the City. 

The NHS and Portsmouth City Council have produced a local strategic plan for improving opportunities for people with autistic spectrum conditions and want to hear your views about the plan.  You can drop in any time or you can book in for discussions about the local plan.

Refreshments will be available throughout the day and a buffet lunch will be available.   

Please let us know if you will be attending. You can book here: http://portsmouthautismevent.eventbrite.co.uk or ring 023 9268 8374.

Friday 4 May 2012

Ministry of Justice warn of scam calls

Portsmouth residents are being targeted by a new scam which the Ministry of Justice has issued a warning to the public about, after a recent increase in scams where consumers are telephoned or emailed by people falsely claiming to be from the Ministry of Justice.


Remember if it sounds too good to be true it probably is, if you haven't entered why have you won, and if you need to give a payment to receive the cash - something is probably wrong!   

Have an idea to make Fratton a better place to live?

Fratton is one of 150 areas in England receiving Big Lottery funding over the next 10 years.  The £1 million is to help make it a better place to live in, now and in the future.

Fratton Big Local have unveiled two new initiatives to provide funding for local people with ideas on how to make Fratton a better place to live.


Do you have any idea for how to make Fratton a better place to live?
Do you want to apply for some money to kick start your idea?
Do you have what it takes to pitch your idea to a panel of Fratton Dragons?

You can apply for between £50 and £500 to help deliver a project that benefits Fratton.  To request your application pack, email frattonbiglocal@yahoo.co.uk or pop into Fratton Community Centre.

Mentoring support from Highbury College and the University of Portsmouth will be available at drop-in session during May, visit their website for more information.



60 loans are available to those who live, work or study in Fratton, to put towards positive change.

Do you have an idea?

The Challenge:
  • Come up with a business plan which will make money and benefit people in Fratton.
  • Apply for your £10 loan; request an application pack from frattonbiglocal@yahoo.co.uk 
  • Award catagories are: Innovation, Community Benefit and Profit.

Thursday 3 May 2012

Update on the PEOPPLE consultation

This newsletter provides an update on the PEOPPLE consultation (Putting Evidence for Older People into Practice in Living Environments) being undertaken by the University of Portsmouth.

The newsletter also invites individuals and organisations to take part in the next stage of the project which is a consultation process about how to take some of the areas forward.

If you wish to get involved please complete the form included in the newsletter at http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/yourcouncil/24527.html

Wednesday 2 May 2012

A Share of £1 million a year for Hampshire's Social Entrepreneurs

The Hampshire School for Social Entrepreneurs is looking to find it's next exciting and innovative students!

The Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs Programme has just been announced.

Successful applicants will receive a place on the UK’s leading specialist learning programme plus awards of £4,000 and £15,000, to help them start up and scale their business ideas for maximum success and social impact.

"What we’re looking for is people with passion, people who want to make life better – not just for themselves, but for their communities as well."— Conroy Williams, HSSE Programme Manager

"Inspiring, uplifting... since attending the course, things are really starting to move ." - Christie Breen, HSSE Student 2012

For more information on how to apply please click For more information on how to apply please click here.

All Fora meeting - June 2012

This is a call for agenda items for the next All Fora meeting, to be held on Tuesday June19th 2012 from 6pm in conference room A on the 2nd floor of the Civic Offices.

The meeting is open to all committee members (please liaise with your chairman so we are not inundated, thank you.)

Could you confirm your attendance and/or any items for the agenda to neighbourhood.forums@portsmouthcc.gov.uk by June 5th.