Thursday 23 May 2013

Portsmouth Voluntary & Community Power Hour

The Portsmouth Voluntary & Community Power Hour brings together the wide variety of community groups and organisations working in Portsmouth to share, network and find out what’s going on in the city. If you haven’t yet been to one of our monthly Power Hour sessions, then here are a few dates for your diary… 

Tuesday, 11 June - 1.15pm 
Baffins Community Centre, Westover Road, Copnor, PO3 6NS 

Monday, 15 July - 11.00am 
The Drayton Centre, 238 Havant Road, Drayton, PO6 1PA 

Wednesday, 14 August - 6.15pm 
Milton Village Hall, 182 Milton Road, Southsea, PO4 8PR 

There is NO need to book, just turn up on the day… but be prepared to talk about your group’s work for a maximum of 3 minutes. 

If you have any questions please contact Jacky Charman:
T: 023 9282 2795 
M: 07801 379 669

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Southern Water - Water resources plan

Southern Water has published their Draft Water Resources Management Plan for 2015-2040 and now want to hear your views on their plans to secure your water.

The plans and the feedback form are available on the website at - http://swhaveyoursay.co.uk/wrmp/


Workshops for stakeholders and interested parties will be taking place as follows:

  • Tuesday 4 June, Hilton Hotel, Maidstone, Kent
  • Thursday 6 June, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Crawley, West Sussex
  • Tuesday 11 June, De Vere Grand Harbour, Southampton 
  • Thursday 13 June, The Royal Hotel, Ventnor, Isle of Wight
If you wish to attend one of the workshops please register by emailing - southernwater@springboard-marketing.co.uk

Tuesday 21 May 2013

Volunteering Opportunities newsletter updated

Volunteering in Portsmouth 

Volunteering opportunities encompass a huge variety of options. From helping an elderly neighbour with their shopping to providing legal advice for a local charity, volunteers make a vital contribution to all aspects of community life. 

Volunteering can improve your life in countless ways - helping you make new friends, boosting your confidence and improving your CV - not to mention making a real difference to your community. 

Download the city council's 'Volunteering Opportunities Bulletin' in PDF format to find out about opportunities to volunteer for Portsmouth City Council, other public bodies and Voluntary Sector organisations. 

Becoming a volunteer 
Before apply for a volunteering opportunity, think about when you are available to volunteer and how much time you want to commit. What are you good at and what new skills would you like to learn? 

The document below lists opportunities under the following categories: 
  • Conservation projects and the environment
  • volunteering to work with children
  • working with adults including people with disabilities & the elderly 
  • the arts, music, museums and libraries
  • helping your community

If you have any problems please contact the Voluntary Sector Team on 023 9284 1451 or email voluntary.sector@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Alternatively, if you are interested in a work placement with the council, visit the work placements page.  

Also the University of Portsmouth's Careers & Recruitment service, Purple Door, provides volunteering opportunities and a programme of career-related events for students and graduates. 

Friday 17 May 2013

Forthcoming Community Events

There are several local community events that have come to our notice, some are well established and some are new, if you have a community event that you would like people to know about please send us details. 

June 8th 'Picnic on the Green' @ St. James Field, Locksway Road 2pm - 5pmGardeners Question Time with Brian Kidd, Punch & Judy show, Dog show, Tombola, Face Painting, Marching Band, Bouncy Castle, Fun races and football competitions, Kevin Reilly fencing roadshow, Local community stalls, Refreshments & Ice creams, bring a picnic and enjoy the family fun.

June 22nd Paulsgrove Carnival @ Hempsted Green, Allaway Avenue 10am - 4pm
The carnival procession forms up at King Richard School and leaves at 10.30am to process around the estate ending up on Hempsted Green. From 10am on the green there are table top sales and community information stands. A stage area where local bands will be playing, refreshments and a small fun fair will also be on site. 

July 26th Communities Day @ Commercial Road 10am - 4pm 
A one stop shop for advice and information on areas of Healthy Body, Healthy Mind and Healthy Community and to promote services and raise awareness within the community and the city. The Healthy Mind and Community sections will additionally have sectors within them promoting community involvement, partnerships, volunteers' services and the general ethos of building stronger, more open and approachable communities and encouraging people to get involved. 

August 2nd Communities Day @ Cosham High Street 10am - 4pm 
A one stop shop for advice and information on areas of Healthy Body, Healthy Mind and Healthy Community and to promote services and raise awareness within the community and the city. The Healthy Mind and Community sections will additionally have sectors within them promoting community involvement, partnerships, volunteers' services and the general ethos of building stronger, more open and approachable communities and encouraging people to get involved.

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Events to Mark Adult Learners Week in Portsmouth Libraries

Book a free place at any of the following events at any Portsmouth City Library.

Saturday 18 May
1pm to 2pm or 2pm to 3pm Central Library.  Beginner's ceramics:  Join Kelly Loves for an introduction to basic pottery making techniques. Your crafted items will be fired for later collection. Please bring £5 to cover the cost of materials.

Monday 20 May
10am to 12 noon Paulsgrove Library.  Learn to crochet:  Learn to crochet in these informal drop-ins. For further information, please call 023 9237 7818 or email paulsgrove.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
11am to 12.30pm Central Library. Let's talk about Sex - Macmillan:  If you're recovering from the treatment of cancer join this free workshop on body image and sexuality. For further information, please call Suzanne Phillips 023 9268 8259 or email macmillan@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Tuesday 21 May
9.30am to 10.30am Beddow Library. The art of book binding:  Learn how to bind beautiful books in the free taster.
9.30am to 12.30pm Southsea Library. Facebook for beginners:  This free taster will introduce you to Facebook.
10am to 11am North End Library. The new Mary Rose Museum:  Join Trevor Sapey for an entertaining free talk about the new Mary Rose Museum which opens this spring. He will also be bringing along some artifacts from the museum.
2.30pm to 3.30pm Portsmouth History Centre, Central Library. Tracing your family history:  Michael Gunton, Senior Archivist for the Museum Service, will walk you through the basics of researching your family tree in this free talk.

Wednesday 22 May
9.30am to 12.30pm Central Library.  Introduction to word processing:  This free taster is suitable for beginners.
2pm to 3pm Central Library.  Beginner's Chinese:  A free introduction to some key phrases plus the chance to try Chinese calligraphy.
2pm to 3.30pm Central Library.  Visually impaired computer drop-in:  Are you visually impaired and struggle to use a computer? Pop along to our drop-in to get some advice. For further information call Julie on 023 9282 9923 or email libraries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Thursday 23 May
10am to 12 noon Paulsgrove Library.  Learn to crochet:  Learn to crochet in these informal drop-ins. For further information, please call 023 9237 7818 or email paulsgrove.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
1pm to 4pm Beddow Library.  Understanding your digital camera:  Learn how to get the most out of your digital camera in this free workshop. Bring your camera and manual with you.
2pm to 3pm Southsea Library. Portsmouth - home of great writing:  Portsmouth has always been a city of great stories and great characters. Sherlock Holmes was conceived here, Charles Dickens was born here and everyday some of the best tales are told here. 'Portsmouth: Home of Great Writing' will introduce you to some of these stories and characters. This talk will be led by Laura Weston.
2.30pm to 3.30pm Portsmouth History Centre, Central Library. Tracing the history of your house:  John Stedman, Archivist for the Museum Service, will show you how you can track the history of your property.

Friday 24 May
9.30am to 12.30pm Central Library.  Organising your photos online:  A free taster on how and where to store and organise your photos online. A must for anyone who owns a digital camera!
10am to 11am Cosham Library.  The new Mary Rose Museum:  Join Trevor Sapey for an entertaining free talk about the new Mary Rose Museum which opens this spring. He will also be bringing along some artifacts from the museum.
10am to 11am Portsmouth History Centre, Central Library:  Tour of the Portsmouth History Centre. A fascinating free tour of the Portsmouth History Centre; home to Portsmouth’s local studies archives plus the Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens collections.
10am to 12 noon Paulsgrove Library.  Learn to crochet:  Learn to crochet in these informal drop-ins. For further information, please call 023 9237 7818 or email paulsgrove.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
2pm to 3pm at Southsea Library.  Kings Theatre talk:  Join Ron Hasker, Chairman of the Kings Theatre Trust, for a talk on the early history, restoration and future of this marvellous theatre.


Monday 13 May 2013

Well-being and Physical Health Open Day

Friday 17th May 2013
from
12:00 - 4:00pm
at
Friendship Centre, Elm Grove, Portsmouth, PO5  1JT

Pop in and see how you can maintain your Mental Health Wellbeing and Physical Health. 

Lots of free stalls and information as well as entertainment. Indian Dancing, Tai Chi, and others..

Free weight, BMI & Blood pressure checks. Take the stress test.

Buy refreshments. 

Find out about local activities and support available … and much more!

Organised by Community Development Workers team - contact 023 9275 5485 for more details

Friday 10 May 2013

Healthwatch Portsmouth is looking for organisational board members - come along to our first interim board meeting.

Healthwatch Portsmouth is a new local body being created to help people get the best out of their local health and social care services. Whether it’s improving them today or helping shape them for tomorrow, Healthwatch is intended to act as the local watchdog; enabling a  community voice, influencing the design and delivery of local services where appropriate, providing challenge and enabling choice. It forms part of a number of changes introduced under last year's Health & Social Care Act and will take over some of the previous responsibilities of the Portsmouth Local Involvement Network (LINk).

We are currently recruiting the Healthwatch Portsmouth Interim Board and are seeking expressions of interest from relevant organisations who could serve as co-opted board members.

Thursday 9 May 2013

Neighbourhood Planning support and grants

What is Neighbourhood Planning? 

The Localism Act 2011 introduces statutory Neighbourhood Planning in England. It enables communities to draw up a Neighbourhood Plan for their area and is intended to give communities more of a say in the development of their local area (within certain limits and parameters). 

These plans will be used to decide the future of the places where you live and work giving opportunities to: 
   ■  choose where you want new homes, shops and offices to be built 
   ■  have your say on what new buildings should look like 
   ■  grant planning permission for the new buildings you want to see go ahead. 

Neighbourhood Planning support 

The Supporting Communities in Neighbourhood Planning programme will support groups developing neighbourhood plans in two ways: 
   ■  direct support – advice and support, tailored to meet the needs of supported neighbourhoods 
   ■  grant payments – up to £7,000 per neighbourhood area, to contribute to costs incurred by the group preparing a neighbourhood plan or order. 

The programme is underpinned by activities and resources to share learning, promote good practice, and encourage networking for groups developing neighbourhood plans. 

Before you apply make sure you talk to your local authority about the support they may be offering and what additional needs you might have.

Click here for Neighbourhood Planning support and grant information

If you have any queries about neighbourhood planning in Portsmouth, please email planningpolicy@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 023 9268 8633.

Events to Mark Adult Learners Week in Portsmouth Libraries


Book a free place at any of the following events at any Portsmouth City Library. 

Wednesday 15 May
6pm North End Library.  HMS Alliance talk:  Launched in 1945, HMS Alliance was one of fourteen ‘A’ class submarines built for service in the Far East during World War 2. The Alliance is the centrepiece of the Royal Navy Submarine Museum - this fascinating free talk will cover its history.

Saturday 18 May
1pm to 2pm or 2pm to 3pm Central Library.  Beginner's ceramics:  Join Kelly Loves for an introduction to basic pottery making techniques. Your crafted items will be fired for later collection. Please bring £5 to cover the cost of materials.

Wednesday 8 May 2013

May is European Month of the Brain

The University of Portsmouth Ageing Network is hosting a series of free events this month as part of the European Month of the Brain.

Spaces are limited so book now to avoid disappointment

Bridging the gap: brain meets world
Tuesday 14th May 2pm - 4pm 
Three short talks, taking place over afternoon tea.
Portsmouth Guildhall, find more details and book tickets at 
http://shorttalkseries2-es2005.eventbrite.co.uk

Tuesday 7 May 2013

Switch Hampshire

An opportunity to save around £60 to £200 a year on your energy bills!

Switch Hampshire is a new, free scheme which Portsmouth City Council is promoting to help residents across the city make savings on their gas and/or electricity bills, residents are able to sign up until 3rd June 2013.

By taking part in a collective energy switching scheme, Portsmouth residents will be able to combine their purchasing power with others across Hampshire and get a better deal on their energy bills. The more people who sign up, the more negotiating power participating residents will have.

All you have to do is register your interest, Switch Hampshire will do the rest. There is no charge to take part, and no obligation to make the switch once a quote has been received. 

Registration is quick and easy, just have your latest energy bill to hand.

It’s a hassle free, simple way to cheaper energy

There is no fee to join or to switch

You are under no obligation to switch

It’s a secure scheme backed by your local authority

The more people who sign up the greater the savings could be, so register now at: www.hants.gov.uk/switch

Once Switch Hampshire has received the best offer from the energy suppliers they will contact you with details of how much you could save. It is then up to you whether you switch or not.

Crazy for Patchwork

at
North End Library
on
Tuesday May 28th
from
1.30pm – 4.30pm

Please bring a basic sewing kit and fabric pieces

Book a free place at any Portsmouth Library


Monday 6 May 2013

Tiny Tots Drop In

A new children's group 
at
Paulsgrove Library
on
2nd Monday of the month
from
2pm - 3pm

Share stories, rhymes and a simple craft
Parents, carers and under 5s all welcome

Friday 3 May 2013

Latest Action News Portsmouth

This month's issue of the newsletter of Community Action Portsmouth is now available on line by clicking here

It gives information about forthcoming events, new member groups, consultations, funding and awards, training opportunities, resources, campaigns, advice and volunteering.

Email either Jacky or Hollie at Community Action in Portsmouth to be added to the email distribution list, or with information, comments or suggestions for future editions.

Thursday 2 May 2013

Something for the weekend newsletter


You can find out what's happening in Portsmouth ahead of the pack by signing up to receive all the latest information via email, completely free!

Something for the weekend is the council's innovative weekly e-bulletin, keeping you up to date with all the latest events, attractions, offers and news around the city. 

To subscribe, simply email SFTW@portsmouthcc.gov.uk and title your email ‘subscribe’.

Something for the weekend is normally available from Thursday afternoon onwards. For more information on what's on in and around the Portsmouth area you can also check www.visitportsmouth.co.uk

Click here to see the May 2nd copy

Wednesday 1 May 2013

Rural and Seaside Show

This bank holiday weekend at Castle Field in Southsea
Free Entry
10am - 5pm each day

Programme of events
Saturday 4th May:
- Morris Dancing - 11.15am & 2.15pm
- Terrier racing - 12pm & 3pm
- Archery - 10am - 4pm
- Heavy Horse displays - 4pm


Sunday 5th May:
- Sheepdog displays - 10.15am & 2.30pm
- Heavy horse displays - 11am, 12.45pm & 4pm
- Terrier racing - 12pm & 3.10pm
- Archery - 10am - 4pm

Monday 6th May:
- Heavy horse displays - 10.45am, 12.20pm & 3.15pm including a presentation of rosettes by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth
- Scurry Driving championships - 11.45am & 1.30pm
- Sheepdog displays - 12.45pm & 4.15pm


Plus, there will be a vintage tea tent, craft marquee, village pub, donkey rides, ferret racing, craft stalls, morris dancing, children's rides, punch and judy shows (3 times a day), rock pool exhibition with starfish and spider crabs, sheep grazing, chickens and miniature horses, daily village Olympics for you to try welly throwing and an egg and spoon race, vintage hair styling, Scurry Driving challenge on Monday and a lots of tasty refreshments. 

This fun weekend organised by Portsmouth City Council’s Events Team will be a ‘village-by-the-sea’ with something for all the family.

More detail available by clicking here