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

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:




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Vulnerable Open Spaces in Portsmouth: Have Your Say!

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

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

The Hampshire Health Record

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

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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. 

Portsmouth BookFest 2011

Portsmouth BookFest runs until November 13th

You can meet more than 20 authors

at 17 different Events

held at 10 venues across the city

Go to www.portsmouthbookfest.co.uk for more details

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

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".

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Boundary Commission public hearing

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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

Find out more about Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust’s Diabetes services

The Trust’s Diabetes services are nationally recognised as some of the best in the country.

Patients with diabetes are twice as likely to be admitted to hospital. They have a length of stay twice that of non-diabetic patients and higher complications rates.

At the next public constituency meetings for Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust’s Council of Governors, a consultant from the Diabetes department will be giving a presentation on Diabetes and the Trust’s Diabetes services.

Constituency meetings are held twice a year; to give Trust members and members of the public an opportunity to share their opinions of the hospital with Trust Governors and to enjoy an interesting presentation from one of their clinicians. All are welcome.

The dates for the next meetings are:
Gosport1 November 2011 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Music Room, Thorngate Hall, Bury Road,Gosport,PO12 3PX

Portsmouth 2 November 2011 from 7pm to 9pm
Lecture Theatre, Education Centre, Level E,QueenAlexandraHospital, Cosham, PO6 3LY

Havant and South East7 November 2011 from 1pm to 3pm
Leigh Park Community Centre,Dunsbury Way, LeighPark,PO9 5BG

Fareham9 November 2011, 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Octagon Lounge, Ferneham Hall, Osborn Road, Fareham, PO16 7DB


If you would like more information about being a Trust member or the constituency meetings please email member@porthosp.nhs.uk or visit http://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/about-us/Foundation-Trust/Becoming-a-member/becoming-a-member.html 

Opportunities Fair

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Opportunities Fair

Sunday 16^th October

10am – 3pm

The Guildhall

Portsmouth

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

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

The aim is to raise aspirations in Portsmouth and create a positive image to the city and the wide range of employment and careers opportunities it presents.

For further information please contact

Jacquie Jones at jjones@portsmouthebp.co.uk

One World Week events in and around Portsmouth 2011

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 value and 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.

All Fora meeting November 2011

This is a call for agenda items for the next All Fora meeting, to be held on November 14th 2011 from 6pm in conference room A on the 2nd floor of the Civic Offices.  

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

Could you confirm your attendance and/or any items for the agenda to neighbourhood.forums@portsmouthcc.gov.uk by November 4th.

Awards for All Workshop

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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.

NHS End of Life Care Consultation

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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: 

Hilsea Lines Conservation Volunteers

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.

Hilsea Lines Conservation Volunteers

Woodland walk at Hilsea Lines

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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

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust Open Day

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. 

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust Open Day

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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.

Local Democracy Week 2011

Local Democracy Week 2011 runs from October 10th - 16th

We are starting early however, with the recording on Friday 30th September of a radio Question Time debate between local politicians and experts.

To attend this free event you will need to register at  http://localdemocracyquestiontime.eventbrite.com

Speakers include Paul McVeigh from the University of Portsmouth, George Brown from the Red Cross, Mike Hancock MP for Portsmouth South and Simon Bosher, Leader of the Portsmouth Conservative Group.

The debate will be broadcast on Express FM 97.3 FM on Tuesday 11th October. 

Details of other free events and activities are available by clicking on the  Local Democracy Week "Have Your Say" logo

City Councillors get involved with politics debate

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 

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Still struggling with the big society? How about now?

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. 

Review of parliamentary constituencies

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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 

Review of parliamentary constituencies

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

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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

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Proposals are being considered to join up the working arrangements of Portsmouth City Council’s twenty nine Community Wardens (who operate 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:

The waste & recycling wonder open days

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.

Safe Shopping Area to Launch

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It has been found that people with learning disabilities are often faced with challenges when shopping. 

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

A drop-in session at Commercial Road will take place on the 27th September between 10.30am and 2pm. This will be in partnership with the Hampshire Fire Service’s Community Contact Point.

Community Resilience Event 6th October 2011

The first ever event bringing together the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum and members of community groups from across the county.
Community resilience is about communities and individuals harnessing local resources and expertise to help themselves in the event of a civil emergency, in a way that complements the response of the emergency services.

Details at the following link:

Community Resilience Event 2011

The waste & recycling wonder open days

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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.

Training to be a chairperson

Rod McLean, the Council's Community Support Officer, is looking to run a couple of Chair training courses in early October.

The course will run for around 4-5 hours during the day.  It will cover all aspects of the role of chair particularly relating to working with committees. 

The course is designed to enable participants to understand the role of chair. Experienced chairs are encouraged to attend to share their good practice. Committee members who wish to understand the role of chair are also encouraged to attend.

These are the provisional dates -

Wed 5th October 9:30am - 2:30pm

Fri 7th October 9:30am - 2:30pm 

Please would you indicate which of these dates you may be able to attend. 

Notify:-  Rod.McLean@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 

Rod McLean

Community Support Officer

Portsmouth City Council

Civic Offices

Guildhall Square

Portsmouth

PO1 2AD

(023) 9268 8238

0776 415 0972

Vote for your Political Hero

In the run up to Local Democracy Week, you can vote for your political hero at your local library.

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.

And/or 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!  

Further details of other events and activities taking place for Local Democracy Week will appear on

http://portsmouthlocal.blogspot.com/p/local-democracy-week-10th-16th-october.html

Tell councillors what bugs you about life in Portsmouth so they can review it!

Councillors want to know what bugs people about life in Portsmouth so they can possibly look into it.

Councillors on Portsmouth City Council’s scrutiny panel will be meeting shortly to consider what topics should be scrutinised or reviewed by councillors in the following months.

People are asked to get in touch via the council website, email or in writing by Friday 9 September September ahead of the meeting on Tuesday 13 September.

Recent topics considered by scrutiny have included: an investigation into the council’s handling of icy pavements which resulted in improved information for residents and increased storage of salt; a review of the way the council allocates housing; and an investigation into the emergency response to a serious power failure in the city in June 2010.

Councillors from the scrutiny management panel want people in Portsmouth to suggest which services provided by the council and other organisations could be improved.

The reports and recommendations then have to be formally considered by decision makers at the council so it is a real chance for improvements to be made. Policy recommendations can also be put forward.

Councillor Michael Andrewes, chair of the scrutiny management panel, said: “We are here to make sure the services provided by the council for Portsmouth residents are as good as they can possibly be and encourage other service providers to improve their services so it’s important they tell us which services they think we need to take a closer look at with them.

"We all fume about something in our lives - our train or bus is late, we can't find the information we are looking for, is there anything that can be done about noisy neighbours? Some of these things are the irritations of everyday life. Others could be improved more generally. Or we may say ‘that's really good - why can't it be applied more widely?’

“I think Portsmouth is a great place to live. And two in three people think it is better than 10 years ago but nothing is perfect and everything can be improved. I, along with my committee, want to know what people in Portsmouth want us to look into to try and improve.

“We can't solve individual complaints but we can look at structures, systems and policies. We can invite companies and organisations to come along and answer questions and we can ask questions of the council, help develop its policies and make recommendations. So if you have a good idea or have ever said to yourself ‘why can't they do that in Portsmouth?’ - let us know."

Topics that are chosen to be ‘scrutinised’ will be looked at by a panel of councillors from different parties. The councillors will assess how the council is performing in that area to see whether we’re providing the best possible cost-effective services for people in the city.

The panel's findings will be reported to the cabinet and may result in changes to the way in which services are delivered.

Suggestions for scrutiny are welcomed by the council at any time.

If you would like to make a suggestion, contact the scrutiny support team at city.helpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

You can also write to: Democratic and community engagement, Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AL.