Site Allocations Plan Consultation

 The Portsmouth Plan set out the council's vision for the city's future, including how much housing and employment development is needed up to 2027.

Whilst a number of larger sites, such as Tipner and the city centre, are identified in the Portsmouth Plan, they will not provide all of the necessary development and economic growth the city needs.

The Site Allocations Plan is a list of sites in the city where development might be appropriate.

Where can I see a copy of the plan?

Details of the plan and an interactive map are available at the City Council's Site Allocations web page.

Paper copies of the plan are available at the ground floor reception at the Civic Offices and in all of the city's libraries.

If you would like to find out more about the proposed allocations there are a number of drop-in sessions across the city:

• Southsea library, Tuesday 9th April, 3pm - 5pm
• Cosham High Street, Friday 19th April, 10am - 1pm
• Beddow Library, Wednesday 24th April, 4pm - 6pm
• Civic Offices reception, Tuesday 7th May, 11am - 1pm
• Hilsea Lido, Saturday 11th May, 11am - 2pm
• Civic Offices reception, Thursday 16th May, 3pm - 5pm
• Commercial Road, Friday 14th June, 10am - 4pm
• Drayton Institute, Tuesday 18th June, 9:30am - 11:30am

How can I have my say?

Before the list of sites is finalised your views on whether the right sites have been chosen, and whether the right use has been allocated for them, are needed.

You can fill out the online questionnaire by clicking here

email planningpolicy@portsmouthcc.gov.ukor 

write to:

Site Allocations consultation

Planning Policy

Portsmouth City Council

Guildhall Square

Portsmouth

PO1 2AU.

If you have any queries about the consultation you can email or 

call 023 9268 8633.

Please make sure you send your comments by 28 June 2013.

Portsmouth in Bloom

The Portsmouth in Bloom community gardening competition.is being run once again and it is free to enter!

There is both friendly rivalry and comradeship as participants are encouraged to enter their hard work in the annual Portsmouth in Bloom. 

There are plenty of categories to choose from a maximum of two entries can be made per entrant (three categories for schools). The closing date for entries is 28 June 2013, or 7 June for school entries.

All entries will be judged on individual merit and awards will be given in line with the Royal Horticultural Society ie. gold, silver gilt, silver and bronze.

You can download the 2013 entry form, that gives further information and explains the entry categories by clicking here.

This years judging of schools will commence on 17 June, all other categories from 8 July.

If you would like to find out more on how to get involved you can look on the City Council website by clicking here telephone (023) 9284 1102, print the entry form or email inbloom@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

New Grants available

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) are committed to helping voluntary and community groups to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people across the County.  

They have an endowment of £5m that they are aiming to double in the next three years in order to create a sustainable investment income for local charitable activity through its grants programmes.

The foundation allows local people to contribute to supporting local voluntary and community groups and the communities they serve, and until March 2015 for every £2 donated by individuals, companies and groups, the Government is adding another £1 through the Community First Endowment Match Challenge (up to a yearly limit).

The foundation also have a page on their website that highlights grants that are available locally.

Click here to view the Grant Listings

Click here to find out more about HIWCF

Voluntary & Community Power Hour

The next Power Hour will be at Fratton Community Centre on Tuesday, 16 April at 6.15pm

It is a great opportunity for groups and organisations to meet and tell one another what they are doing and discover what else is happening in the area.

Each group will have chance to talk about their own work, to network and to find out more about funding, training and the other services Community Action Portsmouth have to offer voluntary and community groups.

It’s also a good way to find partners to help you to develop new projects and ideas. 

No need to book you can just turn up, take part and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee as well! 

Community Action in Portsmouth

Cathedral Innovation Centre, 

St. Thomas’s Street, 

Old Portsmouth, 

PO1 2HA 

023 9282 2795 

07801 379 669 

info@actionhants.org.uk

Healthwatch Portsmouth is looking for Interim Board Members

You can help shape health and social care services in Portsmouth

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

Healthwatch Portsmouth is now seeking people who can join their interim board, help to develop their future governance model and work to ensure that Healthwatch members have a real voice.

This is a voluntary position with reasonable out of pocket expenses covered

You can find out more information in the application pack and can apply either through the form by clicking here or by requesting an application form through 023 9268 8559 or healthwatchportsmouth@gmail.com

They look forward to hearing from you

Application forms can also be downloaded by clicking here

Click here to download the Interim Board information pack
Click here to download the Application Form

"Positive Futures in Portsmouth - Health, Wellbeing and Funding"

A day dedicated to voluntary sector development

Date: Friday 26th April
Venue: HMS Nelson

Morning Session "Focus on Fundraising" includes: 

• An introduction to Portsmouth's Community Covenant
• Launch of Portsmouth City Community Fund - HIWCF
• Workshops:
• Lottery Programmes - an overview
• Monitoring and Outcomes
• First Steps to developing a Social Enterprise
• Applying to Trusts/Foundations - writing a good bid: the essentials 
• Community Covenant Grant Scheme 

Afternoon Session: "Voluntary Sector Seminar: Health and Well-Being" includes: 

• Overview of the Health and Wellbeing Board's priorities 
• Integrated Care
• Dementia
• Pre-birth to 5
• Safety and quality
• Making connections - themed roundtables giving attendees an introduction to other key stakeholders including commissioners
• Panel Q & A with a panel including members of Portsmouth's HWB
• Introduction to the new local Healthwatch 

Please download, complete and return the booking form (details on the form) to reserve your place for either the morning, afternoon, or both sessions. (Please note, as the event is being held at HMS Nelson, for security reasons all delegates will need to reserve a place to attend the event. Refreshments, but not lunch, will be provided.)

Family Law & Support Week - w/c 25th March 2013

Portsmouth Chat is hosting a Family Law & Support Week. As well as supporting our clients with the usual enquiries, we will be focusing this week on supporting and signposting clients with the following subjects.

• Maternity and paternity rights 
• Debt and housing issues
• Welfare benefits
• Family counselling / relationship support
• Contact and residence
• Child maintenance
• Discrimination
• Law and rights 

Portsmouth Chat will be offering outreach support throughout the City at the following venues:

Asda Shopping Centre, Fratton Road - Monday 25th March, 11am - 1pm
City Council Helpdesk, Civic Offices - Monday 25th March, 2pm - 4pm
Cosham High Street (weather permitting) - Tuesday 26th March, 9.30am - 11.30am
The Learning Place, Derby Road - Tuesday 26th March, 2pm - 4pm
Central Library, Guildhall Square - Wednesday 27th March, 9.30am - 11.30am
Southsea Library, Palmerston Road - Thursday 28th March, 10am - 12pm

So come along and find out what help may be available to you or contact Portsmouth Chat on 023 9268 8830 or email chat@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for more details.

Family Law & Support Week - w/c 25th March 2013

Portsmouth Chat is hosting a Family Law & Support Week. As well as supporting our clients with the usual enquiries, we will be focusing this week on supporting and signposting clients with the following subjects.

• Maternity and paternity rights 
• Debt and housing issues
• Welfare benefits
• Family counselling / relationship support
• Contact and residence
• Child maintenance
• Discrimination
• Law and rights 

Portsmouth Chat will be offering outreach support throughout the City at the following venues:

Asda Shopping Centre, Fratton Road - Monday 25th March, 11am - 1pm
City Council Helpdesk, Civic Offices - Monday 25th March, 2pm - 4pm
Cosham High Street (weather permitting) - Tuesday 26th March, 9.30am - 11.30am
The Learning Place, Derby Road - Tuesday 26th March, 2pm - 4pm
Central Library, Guildhall Square - Wednesday 27th March, 9.30am - 11.30am
Southsea Library, Palmerston Road - Thursday 28th March, 10am - 12pm

So come along and find out what help may be available to you or contact Portsmouth Chat on 023 9268 8830 or email chat@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for more details.

Social Media and your Reputation Training – Wednesday 27 March

Community Action in Portsmouth are working with The Social & Emotional Wellbeing Support Service (SEWSS) to deliver a workshop on how to get the best out of Social Media whilst keeping your organisations, employees and beneficiaries reputation at heart.

Social Media and your Reputation – Wednesday 27 March 

The way that employees and volunteers portray themselves when using Facebook and other forms of social media reflects not just on them but also on the reputation of their employers and any organisations they are associated with. This workshop gives support in enjoying the benefits of social media while avoiding the pitfalls.

Topics covered: 

• Digital footprints 
• Negative content on social networking sites 
• Building a positive online presence 
• Privacy, ownership and identity 
• Photographs 
• Using social media safely 
• Protecting staff against cyberbullying 

Delegates are supported in recognising the benefits that social networking can have both socially and for their career, while avoiding mistakes that could compromise their privacy and professional standing. Cyberbullying is becoming a growing problem for staff, especially in the teaching profession, and this workshop provides support and advice in addressing this issue.

Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm. 
Venue: The Friendship Centre, Elm Grove, Southsea, PO5 1JT 
Cost: £50 (discounted to £20 for voluntary/community organisations) 

To book your place please complete a booking form and return to Alina Iorgu on: alina.iorgu@actionhants.org.uk 

Social Media and your Reputation Training – Wednesday 27 March

Community Action in Portsmouth are working with The Social & Emotional Wellbeing Support Service (SEWSS) to deliver a workshop on how to get the best out of Social Media whilst keeping your organisations, employees and beneficiaries reputation at heart.

Social Media and your Reputation – Wednesday 27 March 

The way that employees and volunteers portray themselves when using Facebook and other forms of social media reflects not just on them but also on the reputation of their employers and any organisations they are associated with. This workshop gives support in enjoying the benefits of social media while avoiding the pitfalls.

Topics covered: 

• Digital footprints 
• Negative content on social networking sites 
• Building a positive online presence 
• Privacy, ownership and identity 
• Photographs 
• Using social media safely 
• Protecting staff against cyberbullying 

Delegates are supported in recognising the benefits that social networking can have both socially and for their career, while avoiding mistakes that could compromise their privacy and professional standing. Cyberbullying is becoming a growing problem for staff, especially in the teaching profession, and this workshop provides support and advice in addressing this issue.

Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm. 
Venue: The Friendship Centre, Elm Grove, Southsea, PO5 1JT 
Cost: £50 (discounted to £20 for voluntary/community organisations) 

To book your place please complete a booking form and return to Alina Iorgu on: alina.iorgu@actionhants.org.uk

Southsea Reading Group

Southsea Library support a reading group in the Lord Palmerston pub on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm, that is looking for more members. 

The group reads a blend of classics, modern classics, contemporary fiction and occasionally participate in local and national literary initiatives such as The Big Read. 

If you are interested and would like to know more, contact Penny Bremer or Tom Williams on 023 9268 8065 or email libraries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

Details of other reading groups in the city are available on the Portsmouth City Council website at http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/learning/12449.html

Southsea Reading Group

Southsea Library support a reading group in the Lord Palmerston pub on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm, that is looking for more members. 

The group reads a blend of classics, modern classics, contemporary fiction and occasionally participate in local and national literary initiatives such as The Big Read. 

If you are interested and would like to know more, contact Penny Bremer or Tom Williams on 023 9268 8065 or email libraries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

Details of other reading groups in the city are available on the Portsmouth City Council website at http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/learning/12449.html

HMS Alliance Royal Navy Submarine Museum

Come to a Talk about HMS Alliance – Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport 

on either

Wednesday 3rd April 

from 3pm 

at

Cosham Library 

or

Wednesday 15th May 

from 6pm 

at

North End Library 

You can book a free place at these talks at any Portsmouth City Library

HMS Alliance Royal Navy Submarine Museum

Come to a Talk about HMS Alliance – Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport 

on either

Wednesday 3rd April 

from 3pm 

at

Cosham Library 

or

Wednesday 15th May 

from 6pm 

at

North End Library 

You can book a free place at these talks at any Portsmouth City Library

Rag Rugging

Rag Rugging

at

North End Library

Tuesday 26th March

10am – 12 noon

Please bring bits of wool, material - fleecy and soft and ribbons, and if you have one - a large crochet or rug hook . 

 Book a free place for this session at any Portsmouth Library

Rag Rugging

Rag Rugging

at

North End Library

Tuesday 26th March

10am – 12 noon

Please bring bits of wool, material - fleecy and soft and ribbons, and if you have one - a large crochet or rug hook . 

 Book a free place for this session at any Portsmouth Library

Reading Group

The Beddow Library run a reading group, that is looking for more members, on the last Friday of every month at 2.45pm.

The group reads a blend of classics, modern classics, contemporary fiction and occasionally participate in local and national literary initiatives such as The Big Read - last year most reading groups read Charles Dicken's Great Expectations to celebrate the bi-centenary of his birth. 

If you are interested and would like to know more, contact Pat Garrett on 0796 009 1722 or email patricia.garrett@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Details of other reading groups in the city are available on the Portsmouth City Council website at http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/learning/12449.html 

Reading Group

The Beddow Library run a reading group, that is looking for more members, on the last Friday of every month at 2.45pm.

The group reads a blend of classics, modern classics, contemporary fiction and occasionally participate in local and national literary initiatives such as The Big Read - last year most reading groups read Charles Dicken's Great Expectations to celebrate the bi-centenary of his birth. 

If you are interested and would like to know more, contact Pat Garrett on 0796 009 1722 or email patricia.garrett@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Details of other reading groups in the city are available on the Portsmouth City Council website at http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/learning/12449.html 

Fairtrade Fortnight 2013 - Feb 25th - Mar 10th

Fairtrade Fortnight is an opportunity for people to hear about Fairtrade, try new products or just find out more.

The theme for 2013 is Going Further for Fairtrade

Farmers and plantation workers who produce crops like tea, coffee, cocoa and fruit are among the poorest people in the world and often exploited. Fairtrade aims to change that. The Fairtrade Mark on a product guarantees that the producer has been paid a fair price plus a small extra premium for projects in the community. The Mark is an independent consumer label which shows that international standards have been reached.

The City of Portsmouth, and the Boroughs of Havant and Gosport all have Fairtrade Status and all have active groups promoting Fairtrade. There are many activities taking place throughout the area during the fortnight (details at http://www.portsmouthfairtrade.org.uk/?page_id=3364)

Plans for Portsmouth include:-

• Fairtrade stall in Commercial

• Chamber of Commerce event

• Curry Evening at The Hub

• Helping schools, churches, etc. who want ideas or speakers

• Displays showing why Fairtrade makes a difference

• Growing Change at Portsmouth Film Society

• An exhibition on food

• Collecting footprint pledges

• Sending Fairtrade activity ideas to schools

See www.portsmouthfairtrade.org.uk for more information

Fairtrade Fortnight 2013 - Feb 25th - Mar 10th

Fairtrade Fortnight is an opportunity for people to hear about Fairtrade, try new products or just find out more.

The theme for 2013 is Going Further for Fairtrade

Farmers and plantation workers who produce crops like tea, coffee, cocoa and fruit are among the poorest people in the world and often exploited. Fairtrade aims to change that. The Fairtrade Mark on a product guarantees that the producer has been paid a fair price plus a small extra premium for projects in the community. The Mark is an independent consumer label which shows that international standards have been reached.

The City of Portsmouth, and the Boroughs of Havant and Gosport all have Fairtrade Status and all have active groups promoting Fairtrade. There are many activities taking place throughout the area during the fortnight (details at http://www.portsmouthfairtrade.org.uk/?page_id=3364)

Plans for Portsmouth include:-

• Fairtrade stall in Commercial

• Chamber of Commerce event

• Curry Evening at The Hub

• Helping schools, churches, etc. who want ideas or speakers

• Displays showing why Fairtrade makes a difference

• Growing Change at Portsmouth Film Society

• An exhibition on food

• Collecting footprint pledges

• Sending Fairtrade activity ideas to schools

See www.portsmouthfairtrade.org.uk for more information

Fun with embroidery taster

A free introduction to embroidery and its applications.

on

Tuesday 19 March, 

from

9.30am - 12 noon 

at 

Beddow Library

For more information, or to book a place please call Beddow Library 023 9273 1848 or email beddow.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Fun with embroidery taster

A free introduction to embroidery and its applications.

on

Tuesday 19 March, 

from

9.30am - 12 noon 

at 

Beddow Library

For more information, or to book a place please call Beddow Library 023 9273 1848 or email beddow.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Ambassadors for Portsmouth

Come and find out what being an Ambassador for Portsmouth involves 

Talks

Friday 8th March

3pm

Cosham Library

or

Wednesday 10th April

6pm

North End Library

Book a free place at these talks at any Portsmouth City Library

Ambassadors for Portsmouth

Come and find out what being an Ambassador for Portsmouth involves 

Talks

Friday 8th March

3pm

Cosham Library

or

Wednesday 10th April

6pm

North End Library

Book a free place at these talks at any Portsmouth City Library

Digital Photography

A 

5 week course 

at 

North End Library

Held on 

Tuesdays

(5th March, 12th March, 19th March, 26th March, 2nd April|) 

from

1 – 4pm 

This will be a practical course and will include outside location work. 

Participants will sign up for all 5 weeks. 

There is also a one off 

Composition Workshop 

at 

Cosham Library

on 

Friday 15th March

from 

9.30am – 12.30pm 

This will be a basic introduction to allow students to apply simple techniques to improve their picture content. 

Laptops will be provided but bring your own digital camera and accessories. 

Free places for both the 5 week course or the Composition session may be booked at any Portsmouth City Library.

FREE* ESOL classes

For Entry 2/3/ Level 1 students 
who want to boost their 
English language skills 

Five week courses:-
11th February – 15th March 2013
or
15th April – 17th May 2013  
Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 
from 12.30 – 2.30pm 

Please go into Highbury College, Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth, PO1 2DH or Telephone 023 9272 8242 (Yvonne Lee) and ask for ESOL FREE CLASSES before the class and they will sign you up. 

* £40 Refundable deposit on attendance over 80%

Fun with Embroidery

Come along for a taster session 

at

North End Library

on

Thursday 28 February 

from

12.30 – 4.30pm 

Free places may be booked at any of the Portsmouth City Libraries in person, by telephone or email. 
Tel:        023 9266 2651 
Email:   northend.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Fun with Embroidery

Come along for a taster session 

at

North End Library

on

Thursday 28 February 

from

12.30 – 4.30pm 

Free places may be booked at any of the Portsmouth City Libraries in person, by telephone or email. 
Tel:        023 9266 2651 
Email:   northend.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Varieties of patchwork taster

This free taster will introduce beginners to a selection of patchwork techniques.

on

Wednesday 6 March, 

from

1.30pm to 4.30pm 

at 

Southsea Library

For more information, or to book a place, please call 023 9268 8999 or email southsea.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Varieties of patchwork taster

This free taster will introduce beginners to a selection of patchwork techniques.

on

Wednesday 6 March, 

from

1.30pm to 4.30pm 

at 

Southsea Library

For more information, or to book a place, please call 023 9268 8999 or email southsea.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

FINDING YOUR VOICE

Mast 2 Community Creative Media invite you to a 

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP 

with local published author

Julia Bryant 

on 

FRIDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2013 

from 

2 - 4PM 

in the 

COSHAM LIBRARY.

Light refreshments will be provided. 

This informal, free workshop will show you how can turn your memories and experiences into creative writing. 

Mast 2 Community Creative Media will also feature a selection of the stories created on their website. 

To book your place please email: community_news2002@yahoo.co.uk or call 0793 572 1552, leave your name/number and someone will call you back.

Cross stitch taster

A free introduction to cross stitch.

on

Monday 4 March,

from

9.30am to 12 noon

at

Alderman Lacey Library

For more information, or to book a place, please call Lacey Library 023 9282 3991 or email alderman.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Cross stitch taster

A free introduction to cross stitch.

on

Monday 4 March,

from

9.30am to 12 noon

at

Alderman Lacey Library

For more information, or to book a place, please call Lacey Library 023 9282 3991 or email alderman.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

North End Library Celebrates 50 years

Help North End Library to celebrate by adding your own personal memories to the North End Library Memory Board.

Call in on the anniversary itself - Tuesday 19th February to say Hello to the Bookstart Bear or Book a place on the Guided Walk of North End which departs from the Library at 2pm, returning at 4pm.

There is a charge of £2 for the walk, which may be booked at any Portsmouth City Library.

For more information contact

Linda Collins

Email. Linda.collins@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 

Tel. 0796 096 0585

North End Library Celebrates 50 years

Help North End Library to celebrate by adding your own personal memories to the North End Library Memory Board.

Call in on the anniversary itself - Tuesday 19th February to say Hello to the Bookstart Bear or Book a place on the Guided Walk of North End which departs from the Library at 2pm, returning at 4pm.

There is a charge of £2 for the walk, which may be booked at any Portsmouth City Library.

For more information contact

Linda Collins

Email. Linda.collins@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Tel. 0796 096 0585

Rag rugging taster

 A free introduction to rag rugging. 

on

Tuesday 26 February,

from

9.30am to 12 noon

at

Beddow Library

For more information, or to book a place please call Beddow Library 023 9273 1848 or email beddow.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Details of Portsmouth City Libraries can be found by clicking here

Rag rugging taster

 A free introduction to rag rugging. 

on

Tuesday 26 February,

from

9.30am to 12 noon

at

Beddow Library

For more information, or to book a place please call Beddow Library 023 9273 1848 or email beddow.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Details of Portsmouth City Libraries can be found by clicking here

Invite to a business briefing by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service - 7 February

The event runs from 9:00am to 11:30 with presentations taking place from 9:30 - 10:45 

Time: 9:00am for registration and breakfast
Date: 7 February 2013
Location: Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters
                 Leigh Road,
                 Eastleigh,
                 Hampshire
                 SO50 9SJ
Please RSVP by 31 January to central.services@hantsfire.gov.uk

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are inviting businesses based in Hampshire to the briefing because they want to talk about the proposals that are at the heart of their plans for the next five years. These proposals are designed to make life safer for the communities of Hampshire - including businesses.

The objectives that will directly affect businesses are: