Portsmouth: Local

Caen-Portsmouth Friendship Committee

2012-01-27T12:44:00.000Z

TheCity of Portsmouth has been twinned with the city of Caen in Normandy since1987 and recently the Caen-Portsmouth Friendship Committee has been resurrected.

They are a group of volunteers who aim to actively encourage organisations andindividuals to link with those having similar interests in Caen and to promote agreater understanding of the customs and culture of the citizens of Caen.

If you areinterested in joining the committee or finding out more please see thewebsite at http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/yourcouncil/1397.html and contact the secretary Councillor (Mrs) Terry Hall at cllr.terry.hall@gmail.com with details of your particulararea of interest.

Volunteering fayre 2012

2012-01-26T14:54:00.000Z

For a map, click here Union building

End of Life Care Patient and Public Reference Group

2012-01-25T10:30:00.001Z

Have you had experience of hospital and community services through the care and support of family or friends?

Do you belong to a support or care group associated with long term or terminal illness?

If the answer is "yes", to either or both these questions, this is an invitation to join a Patient and Public Reference Group to support the development of an End of Life Care Strategy for Portsmouth and South East Hampshire.

The vision of the End of Life Strategy is to enable adult patients to receive timely end of life care which is planned where possible and delivered by the appropriate person to meet the needs of the patient and family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This care will respond flexibly and rapidly to meet any changing needs and provide for choice of place of death. This vision is being taken forward by an End of Life Steering Group which comprises people working in end of life care in health and social care settings across hospital, community and the voluntary sector.

The Patient and Public Reference Group is being set up as a sub group of the Steering Group. The purpose is to ensure the experiences and views of individuals and local interest groups influence and contribute to the development of the End of Life Strategy. The first meeting is being planned for February, with an introduction by a GP who has a special interest in end of life care. The group is expected to meet four times over a 12-month period.

If you are interested in joining this group and would like more information, please contact Claire Pond at claire.pond@ports.nhs.uk

or telephone:

023 8029 6073 (Mondays and Wednesdays) or
023 9268 4818 (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays)

Fancy becoming a school governor?

2012-01-24T11:14:00.000Z

Portsmouth city council are currently seeking talented people to become governors for schools throughout the city.

If you are interested in becoming a school governor call today on 023 9284 1716 or email governoradmin@portsmouthcc.gov.uk to find out how you can get involved.

What’s in it for me?

You will get a great sense of satisfaction knowing that your efforts are improving children’s school environment. Being a school governor will give you the opportunity to improve your existing skills and learn new ones.

As a school governor, you will gain first-hand experience in HR, strategic planning, project management and budget control. Using these skills, you will work with people from a variety of different backgrounds and experiences to make decisions about a range of issues to improve and maintain the standard of education in a school.

What’s required?

Ideally governors will need to commit to the role for four years. You will attend three to six governing body meetings a year, and be a member of at least one committee that looks in more detail at different aspects of governors’ work such as finance, curriculum or staff matters.

You don’t need to be a parent or an educational expert. All you need is a can do attitude and a real drive to enhance children’s educational experience. They want governors who possess a strong desire to provide children the best possible standard of education to give them the chance to realise their dreams.

What if I don’t have much free time?

Employers will allow you to take time off work for certain public duties including the role of a school governor.

So, if you think you’ve got what it takes to become a school governor call today on 023 9284 1716 or email governoradmin@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Guidelines for Diamond Jubilee Street Parties 2012

2012-01-19T11:20:00.002Z

Portsmouth City Council's cultural services have produced guidelines for residents planning street parties in the city to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, they include advice on:-

Insurance
Closing your road
Publicity
In the event of an emergency
Use of barbecues
Fireworks and bonfires
Wet weather
Street decorations
Intoxicating liquor
Fund raising foryour street party
Noise
Litter

The Events Team, (Seafront Services Office, Avenue de Caen, Southsea, PO5 3NS) must receive your application by 9 March at the latest.

Also, for the first 50 applications only, the Council will provide Public Liability Insurance at no cost, so get your applications in quickly!

If you have any queries please contact the Events Team,
Telephone 023 9284 1400
E-mail: events@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
The office is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

The links below will take you to the guidelines and the application form:
Street Party Guidelines
Street Party application form
(If you want to complete the application form online, click on the "download original" button, this will give you your own copy and allow you to fill in and save the form.)

Scamnesty is coming...

2012-01-16T15:57:00.000Z

Have you ever been targeted by ascam?

Around half the UK adultpopulation has been targeted by a scam and around 3.2 million people fallvictim to scams, losing a collective total of £3.5 billion every year.

Scams can come via the post,telephone calls, text messages, emails, fake websites, pamphlets and many more;all of which may promise you large sums of money, or a luxury holiday. Some mayjust promise you health and happiness – but of course this does not come free.In order to maintain good health you must send off a sum of say £25 for an ointmentthat helps to minimise those wrinkles, or tablets that can cure any illness atno risk. These types of promises are fraudulent. As are those fake lottery orprize draw winnings and those bogus psychic predictions.

However, unfortunately people do fall for these fraudulentpromises. Portsmouth residents are sending off money to scam artists genuinelybelieving they will get a return. Scams can have devastating consequences. Notonly may you lose out financially; some cases in Portsmouth have seen victimslose over £100,000 to scam artists; but victims may also suffer from theemotional and psychological stresses as a result of scams.

Scams are very much a hidden crime. Many who fall victim toa scam may not tell their family and friends or even report it to theauthorities and therefore end up isolated and suffering alone.

For some, scam letters become almost threats in their ownhome; some letters from so-called clairvoyants inform an individual that ifthey do not send off money something ‘bad’ will happen to a family member.

This may be the ‘hook’ which seessomeone who perhaps has recently suffered a bereavement or is in a state ofgrief reply to such a letter.

For many victims, they have beentargeted by more than one scam. Once you reply to just one scam your name anddetails are put on a ‘suckers list’ which can then be sold on to otherscammers. Victims can then start receiving over 50 letters everyday and may endup replying and sending off cheques to each letter; and having bags and boxesof scam letters in their homes will undoubtedly impact on a person’s wellbeing.

Scams are a serious issue in theUK and unfortunately there is not a simple solution to stop them. Many scamartists operate out of the UK and target thousands in one go. Therefore, everyyear in February trading standards carry out a month of awareness raising aboutscams.

This campaign, called Scamnesty,sees your local community trading standards team working out and about withinthe city carrying out events, hosting talks and much more to help spread themessage and ensure that our most vulnerable residents are not falling victim toscams.

In addition Scamnesty is anopportunity for residents and our partner agencies to get involved. We will bedeploying Scamnesty bins throughout the city for people to deposit anyscam mailings they get. At the end of February we will collect the bins and allthe scams will be entered into our database as intelligence. We want tomake sure that Portsmouth residents are not being ripped off by scams, and todo this we are asking for your help! We are asking for you to keep your eyesand ears open and let us know if you suspect someone may be a victim of a scam.

Please spread the message toanyone you think will benefit from knowing about how they can protectthemselves. Further information regarding the location of our bins will be sentout and advertised soon.

In the meantime, here are a fewuseful things you can do to help:

Please promote our scam email address: scams@portsmouthcc.gov.uk – we are collecting any scam emails. i.e. fraudulent bank emails asking for you to update your details
If you are receiving lots of junk mail or unsolicited telephone calls you can register with the Mailing Preference Service: www.mpsonline.org.uk and the Telephone Preference Service: www.tpsonline.org.uk (please note the TPS does not stop international calls)
Report any scams to Consumer Direct: call 08454 04 05 06 or to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040
Keep a look out in your community or the areas you work in – are vulnerable people receiving lots of mail every day? Ask them if they know about scams
Always be suspicious if you receive a letter/email or phone call out of the blue asking for money upfront
Keep a look out on the council web pages/local news etc for updates regarding our campaign and let us know if you want to get involved

Scams are scheming, crafty,aggressive and malicious. Don’t let them con you!

View the Office of Fair Trading Scambuster leaflet by clicking here

Keep Warm and Carry On! Voluntary Sector Summit

2012-01-10T12:48:00.000Z

Information about Portsmouth’s“Keep Warm and Carry On!” programme, which is being supported by theDepartment of Health’s Warm Homes Healthy People fund.

The Aim of thisfund is:-

To support localauthorities in partnership with their local community and voluntary sector andstatutory organisations to reduce the levels of deaths and morbidity in theirlocal authority that are due to vulnerable people living in cold housing in thecoming winter.

Keepingwarm in winter is a major issue; as many as 200 people die every day in the UKin the winter months as a result of cold weather. The problem is at itsworst in cold homes and in Portsmouth 26.5% of the housing stock does not meetthe decent homes standard due to 'insufficient thermal comfort'. Help isout there and it's important to support people to access that help.

A summit is planned for voluntaryand community sector organisations who work very closely withindividuals in communities most at risk from the effects of the cold weatherand its implications for their health.

Thiswill be held on Tuesday 31^st January in the Lord Mayorsbanqueting room, Portsmouth Guildhall, from 9.30am – 3.30pm.

Thekey-note speaker will be Carl Petrokofsky, Specialist in Public Health for theDepartment of Health in the South East. Carl has worked across the South Eastof England for some 30 years and has extensive experience in public health,policy development and implementation of strategic change, in particular ondevelopments and initiatives to improve the health of older people. Recent areas of responsibility have focussed on working with other governmentdepartments, older persons groups, the NHS and Local Authorities to addressunderlying causes of ill-health and disease, especially on preventing falls andfractures and housing and the built environment. Carl is now leading work forthe DH on Heatwaves and Cold Weather plans.

Thesummit will also include presentations from PCC Directors Margaret Gearyand Paul Edmondson-Jones.

The summit will bringtogether statutory and voluntary agencies that support the most vulnerableresidents and will provide opportunities to share information about current andnew resources.

A workersinformation pack will be developed, in stages over the next few weeks, to buildup a resource of information to ensure that vulnerable residents and thosesupporting them are aware of the support available and how to access it. Theinformation pack will be also available on line and regularly updated for usein future winters. Stage 1 of the pack will be available at the summit toshare current information and stage 2 will be developedfollowing the workshop activities at the summit and the findings from furtheraudit activities.

If your work includesaddressing issues of winter warmth or fuel poverty, or you work with vulnerablepeople and you would like to attend the summit please contact RosiePenlington on 023 9268 8938 or email voluntary.sector@portsmouthcc.gov.uk by Monday 23rd January to reserve a place. Numbers are limitedand early booking is advisable. Once your booking is confirmed an agenda willbe sent to you. They would also like to include information about servicesavailable in the information pack so if you have information or promotionalmaterial that will be useful for the pack get in touch and let them know.

As well as theVoluntary Sector Summit Keep Warm & Carry On! has a number of otherelements which will help provide support during the cold weather. Moreinformation will be available on the day for delegates but briefly these are:

A small grantsprogramme,led by Hampshire and the Isle of Wight CommunityFoundation,which Voluntary and statutory organisations will be able to refer vulnerableindividuals into. The programme will provide smallgrants of up to £125 to local vulnerable people who are struggling to keepwarm.

Emergency repairs programme, which builds on thecurrent programme providing remedial repairs prior to major work beingundertaken. This will include the private rented sector where engagement is aparticular challenge.

Mobile phoneapplication.This is currently being developed to provide stand alone information on energyreduction and fuel poverty. The app will be made available to external websites for all local organisations that provide information to vulnerablepeople.

A Citizens AdviceBureau Fuel Poverty Advisor, who will be available to provide advice for the threemonths of the project,

Join the library for free and save money!

2012-01-04T12:52:00.001Z

Portsmouth Library members can enjoy loads of special offers around the city when they show their library card:

NEW! 50% off entry to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Plus 25% off at the Boathouse No.7 restaurant. Terms and conditions apply. Offer ends 12/2/12
NEW! 50% off entry to the D-Day Museum. Offer ends 10/2/12
£2 off standard admission to the Blue Reef Aquarium (valid for Adult, Child and Senior tickets)
20% discount at Adventure Golf at Clarence Pier
20% discount at Mozzarella Joes pizza restaurant
Children under 16 and adults over 60 swim for free at the Mountbatten Centre, Eastney Swimming Pool and Charter Community Sports Centre

50% discount for Portsmouth Library card holders at the Royal Marines Museum
Back by popular demand, the Royal Marines Museum and Portsmouth Libraries have teamed up to offer library card holders 50% off the cost of entry to the Royal Marines Museum. The promotion runs from Monday 26 September to Sunday 15 April 2012.*

In addition, by showing your library card with your admission receipt in the Museum’s award winning café the Quartermaster’s Kitchen, library card holders are also entitled to a 10% discount on food and drink purchases. This part of the promotion is valid only on the day of admission and proof of purchase is required.

*Offer excludes ticketed events and cannot be used in conjunction with another promotion. To obtain the discount a valid Portsmouth City Council library card should be presented and swiped at the Royal Marines Museum on admission.

For information about how to join the library and other services, resources and offers available through the libraries click on this link http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/directory/libraries.html

PortsmouthLocal’s Twitter feed reaches 1,000 followers

2011-12-16T14:30:00.000Z

What started out as a six week pilot programin November 2009 and almost came to an end in January 2010 has just gained it’s1,000^th follower.

In November 2009 when the team was asked topilot Twitter for the council we jumped at the chance to get into the socialmedia field hoping to find new and better ways to communicate with the public. Upuntil the snow fall of January 2010 the project had experiencedlimited success and it looked likely to end.

However duringthe period of bad weather in the city, thenumbers of twitter followers doubled overnight, and it proved an effective way to release up to date information across the city and wider.

Although Twitter isnot the complete answer to our social media needs, or the only way in which we communicate withresidents, it has proved to be a valuable platformthrough which to share information and news.

We now have anestablished Twitter feed, Facebook presence and several community blogs for sharing documents, slideshows,video clips, pictures, podcasts and event reports ineasily accessible formats. We are also keen toexplore new applications and platforms as they develop.

In the future we will be looking at settingup online forum facilities and making it easier for the public to ask questionsand locate relevant information more quickly in a way of their choosing.

If you have any suggestions or ideas to help improve our on-line activity, pleasecontact us.

Follow @portsmouthlocal

Because Christmas isn’t always a happy time for many young people …..

2011-12-14T10:03:00.000Z

Off The Record

Counselling, support and information
for young people aged 11-25

Charity No 1064275

Off The Record will be open over the Christmas period for drop-in’s and telephone calls at:

Off The Record

138 Purbrook Way

Leigh Park

www.off-the-record.org.uk

Client lines:

023 9247 4724

0808 801 0724

Open:

2-4pm Monday 26th December (boxing day)

2-4pm Tuesday 27th December

2-4pm Wednesday 28th December

2-4pm Thursday 29th December

2-4pm Friday 30th December

Closed Bank holiday Monday

Normal opening times resume at Havant and Fratton from Tues 3rd Jan 2012

New Year, New You, No Cost

2011-12-07T15:55:00.001Z

Portsmouth Health Trainers provide free Weight Management Groups to any Portsmouth resident and this year there is an additional Men only Weight Management Group.

The Weight Management Groups are designed to give you tips that will help you keep the pounds off year after year rather than a quick fix. This will be the second year of the Weight Management Groups.

Over each week the groups aims to support you by looking at food and drink diaries, healthy eating, physical activity, behaviour change, goal setting/targets and maintaining weight or weight loss. On the third session you will receive a portion size plate.

The groups take place across Portsmouth on a range of days and times (see below for details) and start on Monday 9th January 2012. This is a great way to find out how you can make health changes for life without the high costs.

Portsmouth Health Trainers are funded by Portsmouth NHS and the website is accredited by the Information Standard.

Southsea Community Centre

Every Monday 11.00am – Midday

Men only group Southsea Community Centre

Every Monday 12.30pm – 1.30pm

Paulsgrove Children’s Centre

Every Wednesday 6pm - 8pm

John Pounds Centre

Every Wednesday Midday - 1pm

St George’s Business Centre, Portsea

Every Thursday Midday - 1pm

Friendship House

Every Friday 11am – Midday

Paulsgrove Healthy Living Centre

Every Friday 12.30pm -1.30pm

IAG Centre in Arundel Street

Every Tuesday 1.30pm - 2.30pm

Friendship House

Every Wednesday 12.30pm - 1.30pm

For more information or to book your free place on the course contact

T. 023 9229 4001

E. Info@learninglinks.co.uk

W. www.portsmouthhealthtrainers.org.uk

Twitter: @PortsmouthHts

Talented students set to showcase their creative interpretation of territories at historic fort.

2011-11-22T11:23:00.004Z

As part of the University of Portsmouth’s BA (Hons) Degree in Photography, this group of 10 students, calling themselves “10 Degrees South”, has come together from around Europe to show their wide-ranging interpretations of this exciting concept – from local landscapes to military campaigns, from nature reserves to wine bars to football supporters.

This small group of students, some of whom have already won awards and had work exhibited both in the UK and abroad, will be exhibiting their work at the Round Tower, Old Portsmouth.

Daniel Alexander, Leader of the Photography Degree course at the University of Portsmouth, said that,

“This aspect of the course is intended to expand the student’s skills and abilities, stretch their creative talents, and give them a practical insight into the dissemination and promotion of their work outside of the University”.

Date // Wednesday 7th December 10.30am – 6pm & Thursday 8th December 10.30am – 8.30pm Location // The Round Tower, Broad Street, Old Portsmouth, Hampshire. PO1 2JE

Forfurtherinformationpleasevisit:www.10degreessouthphoto.com / info@10degreessouthphoto.com

Donate a Coat Campaign

2011-11-18T10:09:00.001Z

Some of you may already have seen some of the early advertisements regarding ITV Daybreak'sDonate a Coat with the Salvation Army Campaign (21 - 25 November 2011).

Portsmouth Citadel's Haven Community Centre in Lake Road will taking partin this campaign as a drop of centre for donated coats.

Additionally theHaven will feature live on ITV's Daybreak on Mon 21 Nov as part of the launchfor the campaign.

Click here to view the poster

What do you think of Parliament?

2011-11-17T11:33:00.000Z

National Consumer Week 21-25 November 2011

2011-11-14T12:23:00.001Z

This year the theme for National Consumer Week is:

“Good sports don’t fake it”.

Remember Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington's parents? They nearly missed her Beijing Olympic success because they had been misled into purchasing tickets from a fake website - tickets that never arrived.

Sporting events are heavily profiled at the moment in the media due to the London Olympics and Team GB successes in various disciplines including cricket, badminton, cycling, swimming, triathlon, rowing and sailing.

Other popular sports, like football and rugby, are also high profile and every area of the country has a sports club or association, race or play off - all vulnerable to fraudulent products and services.

TSI and trading standards are using this universal interest to raise awareness during National Consumer Week of fakes and scams that include:

Fake branded sports clothes and equipment
Fake ticket websites and tickets
Fake travel/accommodation packages

There is a strong link between fakes and crime, drugs and benefit fraud in the community – stay away from fakes and help break the chain!

There are some simple checks you can carry out to protect yourself:

Choose your shopping outlets and websites carefully
Help yourself. If the deal is too good to be true it probably is
Ensure you look for authentic branding and holograms
Contact the authorities if you are concerned
Keep a copy of your order and receipts

Contact Consumer Direct for advice on 084 5404 0506 or www.direct.gov.uk or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously with information about crime on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Other useful websites:

www.brand-i.org – helping you find the genuine product

www.imrg.org/isis – internet shopping is safe

www.star.org.uk – secure tickets from authorised retailers

www.ukeccc.net – UK European Consumer Centre

Should someone do something about speeding cars in residential areas?

2011-11-11T11:10:00.001Z

By giving as little as 3 hours per month, you could be that someone!
Community Speedwatch is looking for local volunteers

How does it work?
SpeedWatch can only operate on roads with a speed limit of 30 mph and under. The best locations would be 20 mph zones and community and residential areas that have a 30 mph limit. Community volunteers work alongside Hampshire Constabulary officers to identify vehicles which exceed the speed limit.

Details of the vehicles will be collected at the time of the alleged offence and then entered onto a database. The registered owner of the vehicle will then be sent a letter telling them that their vehicle was seen exceeding the speed limit, how it affects the local community and asking them not to do so in the future. If the same registration number is logged again within 12 months the owner will receive a warning that if the vehicle is seen speeding a third time the details will be passed to an officer who may take further action.

Commercial vehicles or vehicles that belong to companies will have a separate letter sent to the local transport manager and the roads policing unit will be made aware.

What next?
Community SpeedWatch locations will be suggested by the local community and the police but will have to be sanctioned by Hampshire Constabulary’s safer roads officers. A risk assessment of the location will have to be done before activity can take place.

Volunteers must be aged at least 17 years and each scheme needs a minimum of six volunteers. Keen applicants will need to complete an application form and vetting process which can take up to six weeks to clear. Specialist training will be given to volunteers and any local travelling or out of pocket expenses will be covered. Community volunteers working on the roadside will be given use of high visibility jackets, wet weather equipment, road side signs and equipment to monitor speed and record vehicle details. Volunteers will be covered under Hampshire Constabulary’s public liability insurance for roadside working.

Still interested?

For more information about starting a scheme, the equipment we use or becoming a volunteer visit our website, contact your local neighbourhood police officer or e-mail the safer roads officers at:
road.policing.management@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

St Mary's Community Health Campus

2011-11-10T10:39:00.000Z

St Mary's Community Health Campus

See slide 13 for details of FREE open day tours from November 28th to December 2nd

Bring on the Big Society

2011-11-07T12:07:00.002Z

Next Viewpoint:
Bring on the Big Society!
The Community Right to Challenge,Bid, Buy and Build
16th November @ 5pm
View Cafe, Civic Offices

As promised we will be looking in detail at the upcoming changes to the rights of communities to buy, bid and build community assets and services.

Follow this link to register to attend.

'Say It Once' - Save your time

2011-11-04T15:13:00.001Z

Formsdesigned and developed with the help of local people and voluntaryorganisations are available on the Say It Once website, which aims to encouragelocal residents to record and keep their ownpersonal information – and share this easily with health, social care andemergency services when needed.

Have a look at the new website at www.sayitonce.info

Have your say on support for the voluntary and community sector in Portsmouth

2011-11-03T11:58:00.004Z

Community First for Portsmouth and Portsmouth City Council are working together to consult with the local voluntary and community sector to find out what support your organisation needs. We are particularly keen to meet with small community based organisations and medium sized voluntary organisations.
Data has already been collected to support Portsmouth’s bid for The Big Lottery Fund Transforming Local infrastructure and we plan to build on this with a programme of face to face events.
We would like to hear from organisations directly about their support needs, what matters to you? How would you like support to be delivered?
The feedback received during this consultation will be used to help design the service for the future in the city. This second phase of the consultation will close on the 18th November and feedback will be provided through mailings and websites from both organisations

So come along and have a chat with us. Dates, times & venues

If you are unable to attend in person please feel free to email your comments to us at voluntary.sector@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Or complete the quick survey here

You can also listen to our podcast:

Vulnerable Open Spaces in Portsmouth: Have Your Say!

2011-11-01T14:06:00.000Z

We all enjoy goingfor a walk in our local park. But howcan you help to show how much you value your parks? How can you highlight whatyou like and dislike about these places? And how much you would be willing todo to protect these spaces from real risks, such as flooding? Have a look at http://www.openspaces-portsmouth.org.ukand read further!

I am a PhD student from London Metropolitan University, doing a researchproject about how users value green spaces in Portsmouth. Using a variety of surveying techniques, I am investigating the best waythat people can make their opinions heard on issues that affect them and theirfavourite parks and open spaces. Also,the North Solent Shoreline Management Plan highlighted the long-term risk toareas of Portsmouth from flooding. Howmuch would you be willing to protect your local open spaces from such risks?

If you use parks in Portsmouth (particularly the Farlington Marshes,Milton Common and Southsea Common), you might have recently seen me with myclipboard, asking questions on this subject to visitors in a 15 minutequestionnaire. I have received very positive feedback about the survey and Ihave to say, people in Portsmouth are really happy to talk about their parksand how much they value them. So, if you see me one of these days, please comeover and say hello!

However nice it is to spend the day talking to local residents in theopen air, I think talking about parks, and how valuable they are, should not beonly offered to those who have the time to visit them, and Portsmouth has somany parks (68 in total!) that I cannot visit them all. So that is why I decided to expand my surveysto other places that could help me to meet more people - through an internetsurvey and at 2011 Portsmouth Summer Fair.

My online survey is based on Google Maps technology, which (hopefully)makes it easy to visualise the parks in Portsmouth and provideeasy-to-understand information regarding flood risk in the area. Everyone can take part today! If you are willing to share your ownexperiences of your use of parks in Portsmouth and how much they mean to you,please access this website: www.openspaces-portsmouth.org.ukto access my online Internet survey and some further explanation about myproject. And please, send it to as manypeople in Portsmouth as you can, so that as many people as possible can maketheir opinions heard.

Finally, in June of this year, the Portsmouth Climate Action Network werekind enough to let me have a stall during the Summer Fair in June, which was agreat opportunity for me to meet more people and to talk about myresearch. I hope to see some of youthere next year at the 2012 Festival!

Even if you don’t have time to take part in my surveys, I am happy tohear about people’s experiences of their local parks. So please, reach me through www.openspaces-portsmouth.org.ukif you have any comments or queries regarding my project.

Hélène Draux, PhD student

h.draux@londonmet.ac.uk

http://www.openspaces-portsmouth.org.uk/

The Hampshire Health Record

2011-10-31T14:19:00.000Z

Your information

The Hampshire Health Record is an electronic summary record for people living in Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton.

The record stores information from GP surgeries, hospitals, social and community care teams in one place so that – with your consent – professionals can view it to deliver better care to you.

Your choice
If you are happy for your information to be stored on the Hampshire Health Record then you do not need to do anything. Please contact us if you would like a free copy of the information held about you on the Hampshire Health Record or prefer your information not to be stored on the Hampshire Health Record.

Further information
Free phone: 0300 123 1519
Email: hantshealthrecord@nhs.uk
Web: www.hantshealthrecord.nhs.uk
Write to:;

Hampshire Health Record
NHS Southampton
Oakley Road
Southampton SO16 4GX

Your Voice in Health and Social Care Survey

2011-10-20T13:06:00.000+01:00

This is your opportunity to help influence the work of the LINk in the Portsmouth area as it changes into Local Healthwatch while continuing to help improve local Health and Social Care services.

Please take this very quick survey (approximately 3 minutes long)

Click here for the survey

Background information

LINks – remit, role, powers & activities
There is a LINk in every local authority area that has social services responsibility and the remit of the LINk covers any health or social care service that is funded by the taxpayer.

The role of a LINk is to:

give everyone the chance to say what they think about their local health and social care services – what is working well and what is not so good;
give people the chance to check how those services are planned and run;
provide feedback on what people have said about services, so that things can change for the better.

LINks have a range of powers, so that they can say how local services should improve. They have specific powers to:

make reports and recommendations and get a reply within a set period of time;
go into some types of health and social care premises to see what they do ;
use the Freedom of Information Act to ask for information and get a reply within a set period of time;
refer issues to the local Health Overview & Scrutiny Panel (HOSP) and receive a response.

LINk activities (as set out in the Act) are to:

promote and supporting people’s involvement in the commissioning, provision and scrutiny of health and social care services;
enable people to monitor and review the commissioning and provision of health and social care services;
obtain people’s views about their needs for, and their experiences of, health and social care services; and
represent people’s views to those responsible for health and social care services, as well as making reports and recommendations on how services can be improved.

For more information about Portsmouth LINk go to the Portsmouth LINk blog here

To become a member of LINk go to the membership application page here

For more information about healthwatch go to the local heathwatch blog here

"Should Prisoners have the right to vote?"- University Public Debate

2011-10-17T14:57:00.003+01:00

Last week Portsmouth City Council hosted a debate with the University to explore the rights of prisoners and to address the thorny issue of whether or not they should have the right to vote. An initial vote amongst the assembled audience suggested that people were very much in favour of giving this right. However, by the end of this session- held as part of European Local Democracy Week 2011- the audience view had changed, showing a majority against.

What turned them?

Well some passionate and persuasive arguements from our speakers from the Law School at the University, along with some capable chairing and focused minds. Putting across the case "For", Ursula Ward insisted that "voting is a right and not a privilege", something that helps to promote greater awareness amongst prisoners of politics & democracy, as well as generate victim empathy and promote wider responsibility. "People are sent to prison to loose their liberty and not their identity".

David Carpenter countered this with the argument that voting is "a moral right, not just a legal right" and "an entitlement not a privilege, a duty rather than a right"- "once you are out of the club you can't expect to vote on the management committee!" As the debate continued we were asked to consider that a blanket ban on voting for prisoners shows a lack of understanding of the very purpose of prison and that law makers should not break the law to uphold a principle. The debate was held to explore elements of this year's theme "Human Rights at a Local Level".

Boundary Commission public hearing

2011-10-14T16:59:00.001+01:00

The Boundary Commission for England has published proposals for new parliamentary constituency boundaries.

The Boundary Commission is holding five public hearings in the south-east region and one of these hearings will be held in the Guildhall in Portsmouth on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 October.

For further information go to;Boundary Commission consultation or Boundary Commission proposals.

Boundary Commission for England - A guide to the 2013 Review

Boundary Commission - Summary of proposals

The proposals relating to the south-east region are available for inspection at: Cosham Library, The Civic Offices and Southsea Library

Opportunities Fair

2011-10-13T10:40:00.000+01:00

Opportunities Fair

Sunday 16^th October

10am – 3pm

The Guildhall

Portsmouth

This fair is available for all pupils aged between 10 & 13 yearsold and the invitation is extended to their families.

The fair is an exciting, interactive fun event with hands-on demonstrationsfrom approx. 100 local businesses, training providers and colleges to showcasetheir work in the city.

The aim is to raise aspirations in Portsmouth and create a positiveimage to the city and the wide range of employment and careers opportunities itpresents.

For further information please contact

Jacquie Jones at jjones@portsmouthebp.co.uk

One World Week events in and around Portsmouth 2011

2011-10-12T10:51:00.001+01:00

www.oneworldweek.org

One World Week (23-30 October)

People working together to build a just, peaceful and sustainable world

One World Week is about getting people together to valueand understand the world and those who live in it. The 2011 theme is Living for One World and there's a strong emphasis on climate change and its effects.

See http://www.oneworldweek.org/v2/ for ideas and materials.

Events being organised around the area:-

Portsmouth;

Sun 23 Oct 7 pm Interfaith Act of Reflection on ‘Living for One World’

Wed 26 Oct 8 pm A film for One World Week

Sat 29 Oct 11am – 4 pm Living for One World – Witnessing climate change now!

Southsea

Mon 24 Oct 2 – 4 pm CHIMES event: “Living for One World”- a celebration for One World Week.

Fareham

Sun 23 Oct 7.30 pm Indian Evening

Wed 26 Oct 7.30 pm Quiz for One World

Thurs 27 Oct 1.00 pm Prayers for Justice and Peace

Thurs 27 Oct 7 pm Christian Aid event. Buffet followed by a concert at 8 pm.

Fri. 28 Oct 7.30 pm Talk by Michael Heaps on his work with Bail for Immigration Detainees (BIDs)

Sun. 30 Oct from 1 pm Walk

Waterlooville

Fri 21 Oct 7.30 pm International Food Evening for One World Week

For more details on any the above events click here

Awards for All Workshop

2011-10-05T13:10:00.000+01:00

Awards for All England is a simple small grants scheme making awards of between £300 and £10,000. The Awards for All programme aims to help improve local communities and the lives of people most in need.

To do this they want to fund projects that meet one or more of the following outcomes:
• People have better chances in life - with better access to training and development to improve their life skills.
• Stronger communities - with more active citizens working together to tackle their problems.
• Improved rural and urban environments - which communities are better able to access and enjoy.
• Healthier and more active people and communities.

The application form is short and simple and you will find out if you are successful within six weeks.

You may be eligible to apply for an Awards for All grant if your project can meet one of the criteria mentioned above, and:
• you are a not-for-profit group (including social enterprises), or you are a parish or town council, school or health body.
• you have a bank account that requires at least two unrelated people to sign each cheque or withdrawal.
• you have a governing body with at least three unrelated members
• you can spend the grant within one year.

In partnership with Community First for Portsmouth, Pat Cook from The Big Lottery will be holding a FREE two-hour workshop to explain more about Awards for All and the application process

Wednesday 12th October 11am - 1.00 pm at Community First for Portsmouth, 338 Commercial Road, Portsmouth PO1 4BT.

To book your place please contact the Voluntary Sector Team on 023 9268 8938, or email voluntary.sector@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

NHS End of Life Care Consultation

2011-10-04T13:25:00.000+01:00

It's not the most cheerful of subjects, thinking about where you want to die, but the Department of Health, and local doctors are asking us all to do just that so they can make sure that the right services are in place for patients when they need them most.

The aim is to make sure that, when the time comes, patients are able to choose where they want to die with the right services and support available to ensure comfort and dignity.

To support that aim, some of the things NHS Portsmouth want to look at as priorities for this year are:

Better care planning to make sure that patients' wishes are clearly understood and documented
Getting better at identifying patients at the end of their life so that appropriate support can be put in place at the appropriate time
Working with the ambulance service, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust and GPs to ensure that patients are only admitted to hospital if appropriate care can't be offered at home
Improving the way different services work together to provide care and support for people who are at the end of their lives
Working with nursing homes to help them provide the best care for people who are at the end of their lives.

NHS Portsmouth would like to know what you think about end of life care locally and what you think of these priorities and would welcome you giving them your views by completing the online questionnaire Choosing where you want to die questionnaire.

For more information about the subject go to the Dying Matters website.

Other NHS consultations can be found under 'Current Engagements' on the NHS Hampshire website

Hilsea Lines Conservation Volunteers

2011-09-28T15:46:00.000+01:00

Woodland walk at Hilsea Lines

The Hilsea Lines Conservation Volunteers are trying to win a £6,000 grant from the NatWest CommunityForce programme.

The grant scheme runs as a competition with the top three projects in each area winning a grant, so they need your votes.

Voting closes on the 23^rd October so please follow the link and help them get the materials to carry on the work at Hilsea.

http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/4007

How to vote:

Follow the link above to the web site.
You then have to register.
They will then send you an e-mail.
confirm your registration then vote by putting Hilsea Lines in the project box.

Volunteer at work

The grant will enable them to:-

Improve the Biodiversity of the site.
Improve access for the public.

They have a specific project in mind, should they get this funding, to open up the canopy and widen the rides which will allow more light to reach the ground flora, whilst at the same time opening up sight lines within the woodland, which will give the site a lighter more welcoming appearance for visitors

If the bid is successful, then they will be able to maintain the parts of the site that have been restored and improve access further.

The Countryside Service are developing a new blog at http://portsmouthcountryside.blogspot.com please have a look.

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust Open Day

2011-09-27T12:18:00.000+01:00

The third annual Open Day at Queen Alexandra Hospital has been announced.

The event, organised by Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust and its Council of Governors will take place on Saturday 1st October from 11am until 3pm.

Nearly 1000 people attended the 2010 Open Day and had the rare opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and get an insight into several different areas of the hospital’s services and departments.

And this year will be no exception.

During the day there will be tours around various departments including Pathology, Day Surgery and the Eye Department.

Visitors will also have the chance to meet and talk to members of staff and volunteers who will be on hand to answer any questions.

A range of information stands and activities will be on show in the Main Entrance and Education Centre on Level E including Rheumatology, Paediatrics, Maternity, Stroke and the ‘signing on’ point for the various department tours.

There will also be an opportunity to sign up as a Trust member.

City Councillors get involved with politics debate

2011-09-23T15:14:00.000+01:00

City leader Gerald Vernon-Jackson and Councillor Hugh Mason took part today in a politics debate with politics freshers at the University of Portsmouth. Also on the panel were university lecturers and former students to discuss issues such as human rights, political conference season and the struggling Euro.

Similar events will run from the 10-16th November as part of Local Democracy Week. To sign up for these free events and get involved take a look at our Local Democracy Week page!

Or contact us at: haveyoursay@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Still struggling with the big society? How about now?

2011-09-22T13:44:00.003+01:00

Last night Portsmouth City Council hosted a Viewpoint event entitled ‘Still Struggling with the Big Society’. We had a great discussion around people’s perception of what the Big Society means and how it will affect Portsmouth.

Three speakers shared their views on the history, viability and progress so far of the Big Society concept. These talks generated debate around accountability and accessibility of the policy and whether it can apply in the same way across the country.

During the focused questions part of the evening each table responded to some issues that have been in the media recently and that still cause confusion and debate. Some of the responses to come out of those discussions were:

Portsmouth Society is not ‘broken’. The term is loaded and doesn’t help ambition of the Big Society. The media allows us to have a greater knowledge of what is going on in the country compared to the past and so judging today’s society as ‘broken’ compared to history is misleading.

The Big Society risks leaving some people behind. Those members of society that are not able to speak up or without opportunity to do so may miss out!

The efficiency savings government is making may undermine the Big Society concept as they may not be driven by customer need. These savings may help now but could have implications in later years.

In order to create a Big Society army there needs to be an incentive. It will be difficult to give responsibility to those without an incentive to stay involved.

If you would like to get involved in the ongoing debate come along to the next viewpoint event to share your views, or email haveyoursay@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Review of parliamentary constituencies

2011-09-21T11:01:00.000+01:00

The Boundary Commission for England has published proposals for new parliamentary constituency boundaries. The proposals relating to the south-east region are available for inspection at the following locations in Portsmouth:

The Election Services Office, 2nd Floor, Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth
Cosham Library, Spur Road, Cosham

Purpose of the review

The Boundary Commission for England are responsible for the periodic review of parliamentary constituencies in England. On the basis of new rules laid down by parliament, the 2013 review will reduce the number of constituencies in England from 533 to 502.

These rules also set out a statutory electorate range for parliamentary constituencies based on an electoral quota of 76,641. This means that all constituencies must be between 72,810 and 80,473 (within plus or minus 5% of the electoral quota).

Proposals

The Boundary Commission have proposed significant changes to the constituencies in Portsmouth and propose a split into two new constituencies: Portsmouth East and Portsmouth West.

Consultation period

The publication of the proposals on Tuesday 13 September marked the beginning of a 12-week consultation period which ends on 5 December.

The Boundary Commission is holding five public hearings in the south-east region and one of these hearings will be held in the Guildhall in Portsmouth on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 October.

For further information go to Boundary Commission consultation or Boundary Commission proposals.

Boundary Commission for England - A guide to the 2013 Review

Boundary Commission - Summary of proposals

It’s bin changed – from October

2011-09-19T09:48:00.000+01:00

From Monday 3 October, the day and time of rubbish and refuse collections will change for most households in Portsmouth.

This is because there will be a new waste collection contractor, Biffa, who have worked out an improved collection system which will save money.

Unlike a lot of councils, there will still be a weekly rubbish collection and the recycling collection will remain fortnightly.

The changes affect houses only – there will be no change to communal collections for blocks of flats.

You can find your new collection day by:

looking out for the new collections calendar leaflet which will be delivered to all households in September

using the postcode search facility at http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/waste/21935.html

or attending one of these information roadshows

Date	Venue for roadshow
20-Sep	Waitrose Southsea
24-Sep	Commercial Road, Cosham High Street and Palmerston Road
26-Sep	Morrisons - Anchorage Park

Joined-Up Working of Community Wardens and Housing Estate Services Officers

2011-09-14T11:54:00.000+01:00

Proposals are being considered to join up the workingarrangements of Portsmouth City Council’s twenty nine Community Wardens (whooperate across the whole city) and twenty nine Housing Estate Services Officers(who currently operate only on local authority housing property).

It is envisaged that the new joined-up (but as yet unnamed)service should commence in autumn 2011.

The main proposals are:

1. the current Housing Estate Service Officers (ESO) andCommunity Wardens (CW) will be joined together to form a new single, visible,service under the direction of Community Safety to commence operations inAutumn 2011.

2. ESO’s and CW’s will continue to undertake their existingkey tasks but joining the two services will make them more productive, primarilyby avoiding existing duplication of patrolling and reporting and ESO’s willextend their areas of operation to land adjacent to their current work areas.

3. there are no service reductions or budget cuts and linemanagement arrangements will remain unchanged.

4. Community Safety direction for the new service will bebased around Community Safety priorities (see below) and the new service willpay attention to these priorities, ensuring appropriate action is taken

- Alcohol Misuse

- Young People at Risk

- Drug Misuse

- Reoffending

- Domestic Abuse

5. No additional costs are envisaged from joining the twoservices.

Detailed work on the possible working arrangements for a newjoined-up service is underway.

If you would like more information about the proposals orwould like to comment, please contact David Mearns, Housing Service (David.mearns@portsmouthcc.gov.uk)or Bruce Marr, Community Safety (Bruce.marr@portsmouthcc.gov.uk).

Safe Shopping Area to Launch

2011-09-12T12:46:00.002+01:00

Ithas been found that people with learning disabilities are often faced withchallenges when shopping.

At the Portsmouth City Council trading standards servicewe believe consumer rights should be rights for everyone to enjoy and with thisin mind we are launching a Safe Shopping Area in the City Centre in October ofthis year.

A drop-in session atCommercial Road will take place on the 27th September between 10.30am and 2pm. Thiswill be in partnership with the Hampshire Fire Service’s Community ContactPoint.

Thosewith learning disabilities can get a free Polite Request Card from PortsmouthCity Council trading standards service and are encouraged to show this to salespersons/assistants. The aim is to help the sales person/assistant when dealingwith an individual with learning disabilities and in turn gives furtherconfidence to the holder by reminding them of their rights as consumers.

Thepurpose of this is not to penalise traders but to let those with learningdisabilities know that they will be treated fairly and they can be confident when visiting stores in the area. This is something that eventually we wouldlike to see throughout all of the main shopping areas of the City.

From now until October the trading standards service are happy to consult with stores on anyconcerns, questions or suggestions they might have regarding the Safe ShoppingArea. Please do not hesitate to contact HollyShelbourne with any questions you might haveabout this.

HollyShelbourne

Communitytrading standards officer

PortsmouthCity Council

CivicOffices

GuildhallSquare

Portsmouth

PO12PQ

T: 023 9283 4689

M:075 3426 5721

E:holly.shelbourne@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

The waste & recycling wonder open days

2011-09-08T13:20:00.000+01:00

This is part of a national initiative organised by Veolia ES UK to educate and inspire local residents about what happens to their waste.

Open days in the Portsmouth area are scheduled for the following dates:

Portsmouth Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) - Tuesday 20 September Advert
Little Bushywarren composting facility - Tuesday 25 October Advert
Alton Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) - Thursday 27 October Advert

Portsmouth City Council delivers its refuse to the Portsmouth ERF, its recyclable material to the Portsmouth MRF and its compostable material to Little Bushywarren (via a depot in Fareham). Unfortunately, the Portsmouth MRF is not suitable for public visits, hence the invitation to Alton MRF instead.

If you would like to attend, you must pre-book in advance by calling Veolia on 01962 764083.

What's in the Box?

2011-08-31T17:17:00.002+01:00

Now appearing across our library network in Portsmouth the "Have Your Say" Ballot box. What's in the box? Well...
We want you to:

Tell us about your political hero
A person from the past or present who you admire from local, national or international politics. We want to hear your reasons and why they are important to you personally.
What qualities or attributes do you admire in this person?
We will collect the answers on our blog and try to build a picture of the city's thinking.

Pose a question
Put a question to our Question Time Panel taking place on Friday 30th September. We will have local politicians and experts ready to answer your questions. They can be about human rights related issues or wider politics.

Can't make it to a library? click here to vote online

Want to email us a question: takepart@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

The ballot boxes will be in libraries for the next three weeks, so be quick!

Solent NHS Trust is looking for members like you…

2011-08-26T10:30:00.002+01:00

Are you interested in healthcare? Would you like a say in your local NHS Trust?

If you answered yes to the above questions, then membership is for you.

Solent NHS Trust is your local provider of community and mental health services. Their services include health centres, children’s centres and care in people’s homes. By becoming a member you will be able to help shape local services in your area.

You can decide how involved you would like to be. You might choose to receive updates, you might like to comment on our plans and take part in events. You may even consider standing for election as Governor on our Council of Governors.

The choice is yours!

To find out more and to become a member visit www.solent.nhs.uk/membership.

Still struggling with the big society?

2011-08-22T15:40:00.002+01:00

Where are we? and what is it now?

Date: 21^st September

Location: The View café, 5^th Floor, Civic Offices, Portsmouth

This first event is designed to generate discussion, questions and debate around where we are with the big society and it’s progress in Portsmouth.

What potential obstacles are there in progressing this agenda at the local level?
What do we still need to know about the big society?
A broken society? How do recent events inform this agenda?

Attendees will need to register for the event through Eventbrite

We will capture the session through our blog and podcast, as well as produce a briefing paper from each session.

We are currently working with the political studies association (PSA) to secure a speaker for the first event.

The viewpoint sessions are informal networking events to consider aspects of government thinking, particularly around “big society” and “localism”. They are designed and delivered by the community engagement team and strategy unit within Portsmouth City Council to promote dialogue and collaboration with local community groups, partnership organisations and decision makers.

Refreshments will be available to registered delegates from 4.30pm and the event will start at 5pm. You must sign-in at ground floor reception before 5pm. The session will last for about 90 minutes.

Places are limited, so please register early.

Time	Activity
5pm	Welcome from the Community Engagement Team An overview of the Viewpoint events An outline of future topics
5:10pm	Short presentation from invited speaker (check our blog for details)
5: 30pm	Questions, comments and challenges
5: 40pm	Group discussion on key issues & questions Facilitated table
6pm	Feedback and networking Update on the next event
6:15pm	Close

Join us on Linked-IN

Loan Shark Advice

2011-08-11T16:08:00.000+01:00

Please don't be tempted to use a loan shark!

They can be expensive and dangerous;
You could pay them back for years, with no dent in the original loan;
They won't just harass you, they'll target your family and friends too.

Loan sharks may be operating in your area - illegal money lenders who don't have a Consumer Credit Licence.

From 2-4pm on Tuesday 16th August, advice will be available in ASDA (North End) car park with support and reassurance for residents. Come and say hello!

For confidential help and advice call: 0300 555 2222

Email: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk

Text: "loan shark" and your message to 60003

Support can be provided as soon as you make contact and remember that you will not get into trouble with the authorities - it is the loan shark that is breaking the law!

Free Community Toolkit

2011-08-03T11:08:00.002+01:00

Community Toolkit is a FREE information resource for people who want to get involved in organising smaller, straightforward community activities.

Developed by Zurich Insurance plc, in association with specialists from legal, health and safety, risk management and volunteering backgrounds, Community Toolkit aims to make volunteering more simple by providing some information and guidance for individuals and small groups who want to do more in the places where they live, for their own benefit and for those around them.

It includes some guidance on legal, health and safety, planning and insurance considerations which may help to make a community activity a success. There’s also a useful tool that will create a free printable Community Toolkit Pack, specifically tailored to the kind of activities the individual or group is considering.

Find out how the Community Toolkit can help you today by visiting www.communitytoolkit.co.uk

Public open days planned for St Mary’s health campus

2011-07-19T11:52:00.002+01:00

NHS Portsmouth is to open its doors to the public to show off the new £18.6 million community health campus at St Mary’s – weeks before it opens.

Staff are hosting six ‘open days’ from 28 November to 2 December when they will give a series of 45-minute long guided tours during two to three-hour windows.

Catherine Webster, project manager for NHS Portsmouth, the city’s primary care trust, said: “We’ve chosen different start times across five different days of the week to try to encourage as many people to attend.

“This community health campus is being built for the public – so we want them to know how their money has been spent, and to explain the thinking behind our planning.

“Not every room or facility on show will be fully kitted out with all its equipment, but this is a one-off chance – or six one-off chances – to get a good look around to find out the facilities and services that will be on offer.

“This is obviously going to be an exciting new local health development, which will complement existing services at Queen Alexandra Hospital and provide community facilities on the doorstep for people on Portsea Island.

“These open days are free for anyone to turn up at any time in the individual sessions. We will have plenty of staff to show our visitors around. There is no need to book in advance, but parking will be limited – so we would ask people to only travel by car if they really need to.”

The campus, which has attracted £17.1m of Department of Health funding, will open next year on part of the former St Mary’s Hospital site.

The rest of the land is being sold by Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust (PHT), which moved many of its services from the site to the redeveloped Queen Alexandra Hospital two years ago.

A new Out-Patients’ Department (OPD) has already opened on the campus to replace its demolished predecessor and other major facilities will include a new midwife-led maternity centre and a 12 to 16-bed GP-led intermediate care wards for patients.

Contractors BAM have been on site since 2009, converting and refurbishing the former maternity and paediatric blocks. Other services to be run from the site will include sexual health services, podiatry, phlebotomy, speech and language therapy and chronic disease management.

Visitors wanting to attend the Open Days should report to the main reception at St Mary’s at least 30-minutes before the session closes on the following dates/times:

Monday 28th November, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Tuesday 29th November, 10.00am to 12.00 noon
Wednesday 30th November, 12.00 noon to 3.00pm
Thursday 1st December, 10.00am to 12.00 noon
Thursday 1st December 4.00pm to 6.30pm
Friday 2nd December, 10.00am to 12.00 noon.

For more details about the Campus, visit www.portsmouth.nhs.uk and then click on the Your Health tab.

Community Days

2011-07-05T13:39:00.001+01:00

Two, one day, one stop shops for information and advice on local community centres, facilities, support agencies, advice and community service providers will be taking place-

Friday July 8th from 10am till 4pm at Commercial Road and Arundel Street.
Friday July 22nd from 10am till 4pm at Cosham High Street

Over forty different services and organisations will be providing free information and advice on how to improve the health of your body, mind and community.

Portsmouth Memory Day

2011-06-27T11:28:00.001+01:00

Worried about your memory?

Everyone is a little bit forgetful now and again, but when memory loss starts to interfere with your daily life it's important to get it checked out.

Portsmouth Memory Day is on July 4th at the John Pounds Centre, Queens St., PO1 3HN from 10:30 - 3:30*

If you are worried about your memory, or that of someone else, come along and find out what support is available. The Alzheimer's Society and other service providers will be on hand to answer your questions

Meet the memory team
Entertainment
Refreshments
Support for Carers
Telecare
Chat with a consultant
Talk to a solicitor
Financial Support
Volunteering and Befriending
Keeping Active
Singing for the Brain (Brand New to Portsmouth)
Reminiscence Games
Practical Memory Gifts and Gadgets

Help shape memory services in Portsmouth!

The Alzheimer's Society want to hear from you! Tell them what you need from your memory services in Portsmouth by completing their short survey

For information on local Alzheimer's Society Services 023 9289 2034/5 portsmouth@alzheimers.org.uk the national Dementia Helpine 0845 300 0336 and online at www.alzheimers.org.uk

Registered Charity no. 296645

*Parking permits can be purchased for JA and JD zones at John Pounds Centre, or discounted rate at Historic Ships public car park near the Dockyard, frequent bus services to Commercial Rd or Queens St.

Let’s sort it out!

2011-06-23T11:30:00.000+01:00

Complete the survey and win £50 of shopping

Your household could be one of 5,000 randomly selected to be asked about rubbish, recycling and street cleaning.

By filling out the short survey you can have your say and suggest improvements to how your waste and street cleaning services are provided. It’s very important that you reply and don’t leave it up to somebody else.

If you don’t receive a hard copy of the survey, but would like to take part, please complete the online version.

Every completed online survey or postal questionnaire returned to us will be entered into a prize draw to have one of three chances to win £50 in high-street vouchers.

If you want to be entered in the prize draw, don't forget to fill in your contact details at the end of the survey, or they won't know who you are!

Results of the prize draw and the survey will be available here from 12 noon on 5 August 2011.

Local Democracy Question Time - Radio Debate October 2010

2011-06-15T15:41:00.001+01:00

Nominate an Olympic Torchbearer

2011-06-15T10:41:00.001+01:00

Do you know someone truly inspirational?

This is your chance to give them their moment to shine.

You have until 29 June 2011 to nominate them to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer... and don't forget, you can nominate more than one person.

The five simple steps for nominating someone to carry the Olympic torch are available at this web link

http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay/carrying-the-olympic-flame/nominate-a-torchbearer.php

Dermatology Open Day - know the skin you’re in

2011-06-14T11:21:00.000+01:00

Members of the public will be given a rare opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust’s Dermatology Department at a special open day.

The event will offer people an insight into what services the department offers as well as take advantage of skin cancer screening facilities and advice on sun protection.

Doctors and nurses will be giving talks about common skin conditions and will be on hand to answer any questions. People will also be able to speak to the various skin condition charities that have been invited to attend.

This is the first open day that the Dermatology Department, which is one of the Trust’s services based at St Mary’s Hospital, has organised and Sam Hunt, Consultant Dermatologist, hopes many people will attend.

She said: “We are delighted to be able to show the Trust’s members the range of services and facilities we can offer patients. Skin care is extremely important, especially in the summer months, so we are hoping many people take the opportunity to come and find out more and speak to one of our team.”

The event will take place on Thursday 16 June from 11.30am until 6pm at the Dermatology Department at St Mary’s Hospital in Milton, Portsmouth.

Portsmouth's Official Visitor Website

2011-06-14T10:35:00.000+01:00

Portsmouth's visitor information services and website are not just for visitors. If you want to know what is happening in the city and surrounding area, to book discounted tickets, or get ideas for a local day out why not contact or visit the centre or click on the weblink http://www.visitportsmouth.co.uk

Email: vis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Telephone: 023 9282 6722 (enquiries answered daily from 9:30am to 5:15pm)
Post: Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3PB
Or visit,
The Hard, Portsmouth - outside the entrance to the Historic Dockyard (open 363 days a year.)
Open daily 9:30am - 5:15pm (9:30am - 5:45 pm 28 July - 4 Sept)
Southsea, Clarence Esplanade - next to the Blue Reef Aquarium (open March to October)
Open daily 9:30am - 5:15pm.

Portsmouth is packed with things to do and fast becoming Britain's favourite waterfront destination, with more and more to offer every year.

Enjoy Portsmouth's irresistible mix of history and heritage, specialist shopping, lively arts, great restaurants and bars and a programme of year round events.

Love Your Bones - Osteoporosis Patient and Public Conference

2011-06-07T12:11:00.000+01:00

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust is holding its annual conference for patients and their families who live with Osteoporosis.

This free event will take place at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth on Friday 17th June between 9am and 4pm

Anyone wishing to attend will need to register for their place.

For more information or to register your interest in attending the Love your Bones conference please
Email rheumatology.conference@porthosp.nhs.uk
Phone Valerie Robins on 023 9228 6000 ext 1495
or Write to Ms Valerie Robins,
Rheumatology Department,
Queen Alexandra Hospital,
Cosham,
PO6 3LY.

Love Your Bones is now in its 5th year, the event is an opportunity for members of the public to hear more about the impact of osteoporosis, how to adopt healthy life styles to promote bone health, treatment options and current research and how to live a full active life when osteoporosis is diagnosed.

Those attending the one day event will have the opportunity to meet local and national charities and services supporting people living with osteoporosis and to attend informative presentations on a wide variety of topics, all provided by experienced specialist consultants and health care professionals. It is also an opportunity for people to meet and share experiences.

The conference is organised by the Department of Rheumatology at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust in partnership with the Portsmouth National Osteoporosis Society and Portsmouth ARMA Local Network.

Exhibition - national civic day

2011-06-03T14:56:00.000+01:00

Find out more about mental health services

2011-05-24T11:15:00.000+01:00

FREE event for service-users, carers or anyone with an interest in mental health

Come along and talk with Adult Mental Health service providers about what

What opportunities are on offer
What services are available
How you can access them
What excellent work organisations are doing

On Friday 27 May
Drop in any time between 10.30am – 12pm
At Harlequin room, Guildhall

For more information call James Gagliardini, service user involvement worker:
023 9268 8623 or 07834 750981

Apathy and engagement

2011-05-24T09:19:00.005+01:00

I came across this interesting video from TED about the challenges of engagement and local politics in Canada.

The question is: In this busy world we live in- can you spare 10 mins to watch it?

Do you have a question about Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust?

2011-05-16T16:13:00.001+01:00

Could your idea improve processes and procedures at the Trust?

Then why not come along to your constituency meeting and talk to the elected members of the Trust’s Council of Governors and a Trust representative.

Constituency meetings are held twice a year to give you an opportunity to tell your Governors what you think of the hospital and to be informed of new developments within the Trust.

There will be a presentation about the Trust’s Stroke services given by Dr Jane Williams, Chief of Service for Medicine for Older People, Rehabilitation and Stroke.

23 May 2011 from 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Lecture Theatre, Education Centre, Level E,
Queen Alexandra Hospital

Meetings in Gosport, Fareham and Havant & East Hampshire are taking place in the following weeks as well.

Child car seat safety checks

2011-04-28T10:10:00.000+01:00

Last year there was a 90% fail rate on the seats that the road safety team checked. Most were fitted incorrectly but many were incompatible with the model of car.

Children are still killed in car accidents because they are not properly restrained. You can best protect your children by putting them in a properly fitted seat which is appropriate for their weight and size.

There are 6 free events this year to check and fit child car seats so come along and make sure yours is super safe.

Each event runs from 10am-3.30pm in the car park of one of the city's major supermarkets. There are free booklets and stickers for kids and leaflets for parents.

NEW 2011 DATES!

5 May: Sainsbury's, Commercial Road
2 June: Tesco, North Harbour
2 July: B&Q, Pompey Centre
17 August: Gunwharf Quays car park
1 September: Sainsbury's, Farlington
6 October: ASDA, Fratton

For further information on child car seat safety please go to http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/living/634.html

Draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy

2011-04-14T16:21:00.000+01:00

Portsmouth City Council’s parks service has recently published their draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy. It can be found at http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/living/20574.html.

The strategy sets out the vision and aims for Portsmouth’s parks and open spaces for the next 10 years. The city’s parks and open spaces are used by 9 out of 10 residents, and the views of parks users and other interested groups are paramount to the way they are managed.

The strategy is still at draft stage, and the parks service would welcome any comments during the 6 week consultation period.

The consultation period will finish on 31^st May 2011, after which the strategy will be reviewed in light of comments received. It is intended to bring the strategy back to the council’s cabinet shortly afterwards for adoption.

Comments can be sent to parks@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

Connecting to Recovery

2011-03-28T10:41:00.000+01:00

Are you recovering or in recovery?
This conference is led by YOU and for YOU!
Come to this conference and see successful substance misuse recovery initiatives in the south east and see how you can help to make a difference and to spread good practice.

Building Communities in the South East
a peer-led & facilitated conference
on Thursday 7th April 2011
at Portsmouth Guildhall
from 10.00am - 4.45pm

To register for this conference please e-mail:
connect2recovery@gmail.com
or phone: 023 9268 8711

Jubilee Eco Terrace

2011-03-25T15:03:00.000Z

84 Jubilee Terrace is a council-owned property with a difference.
Built at the turn of the twentieth century, the family home has been refurbished using modern eco-friendly techniques. The house is being showcased as an example of what environmentally-friendly methods can be employed in an average city home to improve efficiency and save its occupants money

Open Days
The eco terrace is throwing its doors open so you can see what they've done to the house, and what you could do to your own home to make it warmer, cheaper to run and make it better for the environment.
The house is open on 13 April (9:30am - 4pm), 14 April (2 - 7pm) and 19 April (9:30am - 4pm).

If you’d like to know more about the project or the open days, email housing.corp.initiatives@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 023 9283 4729 to register for the project updates.

See more on this story at http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/living/20023.html

Portsmouth’s Favourite Trees

2011-03-11T12:57:00.000Z

Do you know of an outstanding tree?

Portsmouth and Southsea Tree Wardens Would like to hear from you.

It may be particularly old or big for its species or it may have wildlife or landscape value. It could have been the centre of great events or linked to a famous person. It could even be rare. It does not have to be a native tree; it could be an exotic or even a fruit or hedgerow tree. The Den Haag Elm is a fine example on Southsea Common.

They would like to invite every Ward within the City, to nominate up to three favourite trees. They intend to publish a booklet of the chosen trees and possibly produce a calendar featuring twelve of these trees. Entries will be judged by a panel of experts.

This is a chance to recommend a tree of your choice and contribute to a local (and national) record.

These should be submitted, together with a photograph (electronic or print), to

Pauline Powell,

55 Amberley Road,

Portsmouth,

PO2 0TQ,

Co-ordinator of Portsmouth & Southsea Tree Wardens,

who will arrange for judging to take place,

Closing date 31^st December 2011.

Please include:-

Your name

Your address and e-mail address (if available)

Your Ward

Name of Tree/ Species if known

Where is the tree? (Please provide a postcode or grid reference)

Details of the tree’s owner

Do they know the tree is being nominated? Yes / No

Please describe your nominated tree and say why it is special

www.portsmouthsouthseatreewardens.co.nr

Portsmouth City Council takes very seriously its responsibilities to protect the City’s trees, but until more is known about them, it is hard to look after them properly.

To Tweet or not to Tweet?

2011-03-08T16:53:00.001Z

An Introduction to Social Media and Social Networking

Are you looking for new ways to collaborate, communicate, share information and resources and engage new people to your voluntary group or organisation? Have you heard about social software tools such as Twitter and Facebook but never used them or been able to see how they could be useful to you or your organisation?

Come along to a hands-on practical workshop where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the potential of a number of tools such as Twitter, Skype, Youtube and Friendfeed.

The workshop will also consider the issues associated with using social software tools and look at practical steps that can be taken to minimise the risks.

Location

The Learning Place
6 Derby Road
North End
Portsmouth PO2 8HH
For directions see http://learnportsmouth.ac.uk/learningplace/location/

Dates
Wednesday 23rd March, 18.00-20.30
Thursday 24th March, 13:00-15.30
Saturday 26th March,09.30-12.00
Thursday 7th April, 18.00-20.30
Friday 8th April, 13.00-15.30
Saturday 9th April, 9.30-12:00
(The workshops are all the same just at different times to allow everybody to choose when is most convenient for them to attend)

Booking Information
Book now to reserve your FREE place by contacting

Peter Roberts
Neighbourhood forums support officer
peter.roberts@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Tel: 023 9268 8248

Politics and Debating Society, One World Week Debate, 2nd March 2011:

2011-03-01T17:02:00.000Z

Faith, Sex and Bed & Breakfasts
A debate on the clash between sexuality rights and faith rights.
On the panel there will be members from the Christian Union, LGBT Society and Law Society amongst others.
It starts at 6.30pm in Buckingham Building (University of Portsmouth), room 3.05.

Live coverage of the Volunteering Fair - experiment

2011-02-23T14:13:00.001Z

To take part in our experiment to report live from the volunteering fair at Portsmouth Guildhall on March 3rd please add your email in the box below, you will then be invited to log in during the day and add your comments and questions or just read what is happening.
<p>&amp;lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=29ae7fc573" &amp;gt;Volunteering Fair&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;</p>

Final Opportunity for the sailing adventure of a life time!

2011-02-21T14:59:00.000Z

This is open to any residents of Portsmouth living in the PO1 to PO6 areas who are aged between 18 to 25, and 50 to 75.

These are the last two voyages of the Generations Together Programme, and a wonderful opportunity for people to increase their confidence, make new friends and interact with generations they may not have much to do with usually - whilst learning to sail!

Portsmouth City Council’s Telecare Service

2011-02-15T10:41:00.001Z

If you or a relative could benefit from around the clock support in your own home then Portsmouth City Council’s Telecare Service may be what you are looking for.

Telecare is simply the use of technology in your home to support you or the person you care for, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Telecare gives you peace of mind, knowing that help will be there if you need it.

Telecare links your home telephone to our monitoring centre, where a skilled operator will organise the appropriate response. The responder could be a family member, friend or neighbour, the council’s own night time responder service or the emergency services.

Telecare still includes the traditional community alarm where you wear a call button on a neck or wrist pendant which you can press if you feel unwell or need assistance. Telecare now includes a wide range of other equipment that can increase your safety at home.

Sensors and alarms, placed discreetly about the home, will warn you or your carer in a risky situation or can raise a call for help in an emergency. Sensors can also detect environmental changes like smoke, gas, carbon monoxide, extreme heat or cold, or the bath overflowing.

Telecare can also offer support for people at risk of falling, and with medical conditions such as dementia, where there are concerns about the person wandering.

Telecare installation is free. The weekly charge covers 24 hour monitoring and all the sensors you need. There is a small additional charge to use our night responder service.

To find out more, and to arrange a free, no-pressure demonstration at home or a visit to our Telecare Show Flat at Vanguard Centre for Independence, Cosham, call Freephone 0800 731 2228, or email telecare@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Want to say something? Get a voice online!

2011-02-10T15:07:00.001Z

Create your own FREE community website – it’s easier than you think! Community First for Portsmouth (CFP) will show you how.

CFP are looking for individuals and groups from the community who want to make their voice heard on the internet. CFP will be giving people the skills they need to create and manage safely their own community websites. As part of the national talk about local project, CFP will be showing people how to use simple, free online tools which they can use to discuss a range of community issues.

It doesn’t matter whether you want to share gardening hints and tips with your neighbours online or whether you want to gather support for a local campaign such as road safety or a planning issue, this completely FREE training will show you how to get started.

If you want to improve local health, education, housing or safety or talk about great things happening in local arts, sports or community life a simple website gets your voice heard.

If you want to easily create and run a community website that makes a difference, register your interest with CFP by emailing tom.simpson@community1st.org.uk
Register by the 17^th of February 2011 for training beginning soon after.

Community First for Portsmouth
338 Commercial Road
PORTSMOUTH PO1 4BT
Tel: (023) 9282 7110
Fax: (023) 9287 3785
Email: enquiries@community1st.org.uk
Website: www.community1st.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 1062338
Company Limited by Guarantee No. 3336975

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust

2011-01-28T15:39:00.000Z

You and your ambulance service - Get involved (information about the Trust)

Download here - http://tinyurl.com/6xdepmw

This booklet (link above) highlights what happens when you call 999 in a medical emergency and gives more information about the professionals who may attend you. It also outlines how you can help South Central Ambulance Service to help the communities they serve. This could be as a community first responder, volunteer car driver, fundraiser, or by becoming a member on their journey towards becoming a foundation trust.

What is NHS Foundation Trust?

NHS Foundation Trusts were first brought into being in 2004 to bring greater public accountability to NHS organisations and provide the means for local people to have a much stronger influence on how their NHS services are run.

The primary purpose of an NHS Foundation Trust is to provide NHS services to NHS patients according to NHS principles and standards. The public still experience healthcare according to core NHS principles - free care, based on need and not ability to pay.

NHS Foundation Trusts establish strong connections between local hospitals and their local communities through membership. The membership community of each NHS Foundation Trust is made up of local people, staff, patients and their carers and partner organisations.

More details at http://tinyurl.com/63hqtbk

How to find out more

If you would like to know more about the Foundation Trust process, please contact John Divall, Foundation Trust Project Director, at John.divall@scas.nhs.uk or ring 01869 365 000.

If you would like to get involved with the Public Involvement Panel, please email Michelle Ullett, Communications Manager, at Michelle.ullett@scas.nhs.uk or ring 01962 898 055.

Recycled Art Competition

2011-01-24T10:44:00.003Z

Create a work of art from recycled materials and raise £400 for your charity or school

The recycling centre in Port Solent will be relaunched in May 2011 after a period of redevelopment to improve its' capacity for recycling. To raise awareness of recycling facilities across the city, we are inviting all charities and schools based in Portsmouth to create an artwork from recycled materials.

All short listed artworks will be displayed at a public exhibition and two prizes will be awarded:

Judges’ choice and Peoples’ choice

Both winners will receive £400 for their charity or fundraising appeal and the artwork will be put on permanent display at the recycling centre in Port Solent. The competition is being sponsored by Hopkins Recycling Ltd, who manage the recycling centre on behalf of Portsmouth City Council.

Entry forms and competition rules can be obtained from Tania Almond on 023 9284 1413 or by email recycling@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Please read the competition rules (including the full list of accepted materials) before designing your artwork and submitting your entry form. The rules and further information is available on www.portsmouth.gov.uk/waste
Completed entry forms to be submitted by Monday 28th February 2011

Help rename the recycling centre

2011-01-21T13:53:00.002Z

Help rename the recycling centre and you could win £50 worth of vouchers

The Paulsgrove Household Waste and Recycling Centre started life as a Civic Amenity site in the 1960s, known to most as the rubbish dump or ‘tip’. They now recycle more than 75% of everything you take to the site. The site is currently being redeveloped. The changes will mean:
• more recycling capacity
• more parking
• less queuing
• a brighter, ‘greener’ recycling space
• a more cost-effective operation
• no access restrictions and better traffic flow while bins are being changed

They want to change the name now, at no additional cost, as the old signs need to be replaced. Can you help them choose a name which better suits how you use it?
Complete the survey and enter a prize draw for the chance to win £50 worth of All4One vouchers.

Complete the survey online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/recyclingcentre
Deadline for entries is 28 February 2011.

The Learning Place launch and open day

2011-01-18T16:02:00.001Z

The Learning Place launch and open day

Saturday 29 January from 10 am to 4 pm

Official opening by the Lord Mayor at 2 pm

Come and see the new centre, meet the Adult & Family Learning team, try new fun and free activities like cookery, juggling, face painting, playing the guitar, IT and much more

6 Derby Road (next to the post office)
North End, PO2 8HH

Tel: 023 9262 1860
Email: thelearningplace@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
www.learnportsmouth.ac.uk/learningplace

Big Society Podcast now available

2011-01-13T12:13:00.003Z

If you attended our "Big Society" event early in December 2010 you will recall that Francis Davis of The Young Foundation gave us a great presentation on how "BIG" it is and how we might approach the agenda here in Portsmouth. Well if you missed that or want to digest some of his argument a little further, we now have the podcast from the session uploaded. You can listen here.

You might also be interested in a recent BBC Radio 4 programme "Beyond Westminster" covering the subject. Available on i-player at this link.

We are currently planning follow up sessions and are keen to take suggestion for topics, themes and formats.

Happy listening!