Southern Water - Water resources plan

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

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

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

• Tuesday 4 June, Hilton Hotel, Maidstone, Kent
• Thursday 6 June, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Crawley, West Sussex
• Tuesday 11 June, De Vere Grand Harbour, Southampton 
• Thursday 13 June, The Royal Hotel, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

If you wish to attend one of the workshops please register by emailing - southernwater@springboard-marketing.co.uk

Volunteering Opportunities newsletter updated

Volunteering in Portsmouth 

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

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

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

Becoming a volunteer 

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

The document below lists opportunities under the following categories: 

• Conservation projects and the environment
• volunteering to work with children
• working with adults including people with disabilities & the elderly 
• the arts, music, museums and libraries
• helping your community

Volunteering Opportunities - May 2013 (0.74 MB)

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

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

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

Visit the Purple Door Careers and Recruitment website

Forthcoming Community Events

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

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

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

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

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

Events to Mark Adult Learners Week in Portsmouth Libraries

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

Saturday 18 May

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

Monday 20 May

10am to 12 noon Paulsgrove Library.  Learn to crochet:  Learn to crochet in these informal drop-ins. For further information, please call 023 9237 7818 or email paulsgrove.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

11am to 12.30pm Central Library. Let's talk about Sex - Macmillan:  If you're recovering from the treatment of cancer join this free workshop on body image and sexuality. For further information, please call Suzanne Phillips 023 9268 8259 or email macmillan@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Tuesday 21 May

9.30am to 10.30am Beddow Library. The art of book binding:  Learn how to bind beautiful books in the free taster.

9.30am to 12.30pm Southsea Library. Facebook for beginners:  This free taster will introduce you to Facebook.

10am to 11am North End Library. The new Mary Rose Museum:  Join Trevor Sapey for an entertaining free talk about the new Mary Rose Museum which opens this spring. He will also be bringing along some artifacts from the museum.

2.30pm to 3.30pm Portsmouth History Centre, Central Library. Tracing your family history:  Michael Gunton, Senior Archivist for the Museum Service, will walk you through the basics of researching your family tree in this free talk.

Wednesday 22 May

9.30am to 12.30pm Central Library.  Introduction to word processing:  This free taster is suitable for beginners.

2pm to 3pm Central Library.  Beginner's Chinese:  A free introduction to some key phrases plus the chance to try Chinese calligraphy.

2pm to 3.30pm Central Library.  Visually impaired computer drop-in:  Are you visually impaired and struggle to use a computer? Pop along to our drop-in to get some advice. For further information call Julie on 023 9282 9923 or email libraries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Thursday 23 May

10am to 12 noon Paulsgrove Library.  Learn to crochet:  Learn to crochet in these informal drop-ins. For further information, please call 023 9237 7818 or email paulsgrove.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

1pm to 4pm Beddow Library.  Understanding your digital camera:  Learn how to get the most out of your digital camera in this free workshop. Bring your camera and manual with you.

2pm to 3pm Southsea Library. Portsmouth - home of great writing:  Portsmouth has always been a city of great stories and great characters. Sherlock Holmes was conceived here, Charles Dickens was born here and everyday some of the best tales are told here. 'Portsmouth: Home of Great Writing' will introduce you to some of these stories and characters. This talk will be led by Laura Weston.

2.30pm to 3.30pm Portsmouth History Centre, Central Library. Tracing the history of your house:  John Stedman, Archivist for the Museum Service, will show you how you can track the history of your property.

Friday 24 May

9.30am to 12.30pm Central Library.  Organising your photos online:  A free taster on how and where to store and organise your photos online. A must for anyone who owns a digital camera!

10am to 11am Cosham Library.  The new Mary Rose Museum:  Join Trevor Sapey for an entertaining free talk about the new Mary Rose Museum which opens this spring. He will also be bringing along some artifacts from the museum.

10am to 11am Portsmouth History Centre, Central Library:  Tour of the Portsmouth History Centre. A fascinating free tour of the Portsmouth History Centre; home to Portsmouth’s local studies archives plus the Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens collections.

10am to 12 noon Paulsgrove Library.  Learn to crochet:  Learn to crochet in these informal drop-ins. For further information, please call 023 9237 7818 or email paulsgrove.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

2pm to 3pm at Southsea Library.  Kings Theatre talk:  Join Ron Hasker, Chairman of the Kings Theatre Trust, for a talk on the early history, restoration and future of this marvellous theatre.

Upcoming Free Event: The South Coast Business Show!

Well-being and Physical Health Open Day

Friday 17th May 2013

from

12:00 - 4:00pm

at

Friendship Centre, Elm Grove, Portsmouth, PO5  1JT

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

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

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

Buy refreshments. 

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

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

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

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

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

Neighbourhood Planning support and grants

What is Neighbourhood Planning? 

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

These plans will be used to decide the future of the places where you live and work giving opportunities to: 

   ■  choose where you want new homes, shops and offices to be built 

   ■  have your say on what new buildings should look like 

   ■  grant planning permission for the new buildings you want to see go ahead. 

Neighbourhood Planning support 

The Supporting Communities in Neighbourhood Planning programme will support groups developing neighbourhood plans in two ways: 

   ■  direct support – advice and support, tailored to meet the needs of supported neighbourhoods 

   ■  grant payments – up to £7,000 per neighbourhood area, to contribute to costs incurred by the group preparing a neighbourhood plan or order. 

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

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

Click here for Neighbourhood Planning support and grant information

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

Events to Mark Adult Learners Week in Portsmouth Libraries

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

Wednesday 15 May

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

Saturday 18 May

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

May is European Month of the Brain

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

Spaces are limited so book now to avoid disappointment

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

Switch Hampshire

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is no fee to join or to switch

You are under no obligation to switch

It’s a secure scheme backed by your local authority

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

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

Still unsure? Read the frequently asked questions at http://www3.hants.gov.uk/climatechange/switch/collective-switching-questions.htm

Crazy for Patchwork

at

North End Library
on

Tuesday May 28th
from

1.30pm – 4.30pm

Please bring a basic sewing kit and fabric pieces

Book a free place at any Portsmouth Library

Tiny Tots Drop In

A new children's group 

at

Paulsgrove Library

on

2^nd Monday of the month

from

2pm - 3pm

Share stories, rhymes and a simple craft

Parents, carers and under 5s all welcome

Latest Action News Portsmouth

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

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

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

Something for the weekend newsletter

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

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

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

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

Click here to see the May 2nd copy

Rural and Seaside Show

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

Programme of events

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

Sunday 5th May:
- Sheepdog displays - 10.15am & 2.30pm
- Heavy horse displays - 11am, 12.45pm & 4pm
- Terrier racing - 12pm & 3.10pm
- Archery - 10am - 4pm
Monday 6th May:
- Heavy horse displays - 10.45am, 12.20pm & 3.15pm including a presentation of rosettes by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth
- Scurry Driving championships - 11.45am & 1.30pm
- Sheepdog displays - 12.45pm & 4.15pm

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

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

More detail available by clicking here

Portsmouth Summer Fair "Green" Event of the Year!

Its back again! A little later this year, just like the spring ;-) ……………………….

Saturday, 21^st September 2013

Victoria Park

11am - 5pm

About 6,000 visitors come to the fair in 2012! That's 2,000 more than 2011. The Exhibitors, Caterers and Attractions were flat out all day; many selling out! And no child could possibly have been bored that day. This year - more food outlets, more stalls, a larger therapy area, two music stages, and a much higher focus on the message – being green. No matter how big or small an Organisation or Charity you are, if you are about being ‘green’, local, hand-made, organic, vegetarian/vegan, re-useable, recycled or Fairtrade, you need to be at this event!

Free child car seat check days

Did you know that in a crash at 30mph your body would be thrown forward with a force 40-60 times your own weight?

Even a super baby couldn't withstand this force

Adult seat belts aren't designed for children because they are proportioned differently and their bones are still developing.

Don't risk your child's life, never carry a child on your lap or use a single seat belt for two passengers, whatever their age.

You can best protect your children by putting them in a properly fitted seat which is appropriate for their weight and size.

Children must travel in a child car seat until they're 135 centimetres tall or 12 years old, whichever comes first.

However 7/10 seats are still failing our free safety checks because they are fitted incorrectly, are unsuitable for the child's age and weight, or are not compatible with the car.

Free safety check events will run from 10.00-3.30 in the car park outside the store, unless noted otherwise 

Thursday 2 May Sainsbury's - Farlington 
Thursday 6 June Asda - Fratton 
Thursday 4 July Tesco - North Harbour 
Thursday 25 July (11-2.00) Imperial Car Supermarket OPEN DAY - London Road, Hilsea
Thursday 1 August Sainsbury's - Farlington 
Thursday 5 September Asda - Fratton 
Thursday 3 October Tesco - North Harbour

A check for your car seat will normally take around five minutes and there is no need to book. 

More detail and top tips for buying child cars seats are available at http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/living/634.html 

Short Breaks Capital Grants Programme 2013

Do you provide Short Breaks for children and young people with disabilities and their families or organise activities that my potentially provide an interesting or exciting experience for them?

Portsmouth City Council has been allocated capital funding to support the transformation of short breaks services and is inviting eligible organisations to register an Expression of Interest. The money is to help create better access to short break provision through providing new equipment, minor adaptations and facilities.

Portsmouth Neighbourhood Watch newsletter

The April edition of the Portsmouth Neighbourhood Watch newsletter is now available at http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/living/neighbourhood-watch-association.html

If you are interested in joining or setting up a neighbourhood watch where you live, telephone the Portsmouth Neighbourhood Watch Association on 023 9284 1461 or email your local PCSO

Central sector
charlesdickenseastbeats@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
charlesdickenswestbeats@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
citycentreunitbeats@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
stthomasbeat@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

Cosham sector
draytonandfarlingtonbeats@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
paulsgrovebeats@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

Fratton sector
baffinsbeats@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
copnerandnorthendbeats@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
hilseabeats@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
kingstonbeats@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
nelsonbeats@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

Southsea sector
eastneybeats@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
miltonbeats@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
southseacentralbeats@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
stjudesbeats@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

Free child car seat check days

Did you know that in a crash at 30mph your body would be thrown forward with a force 40-60 times your own weight?

Even a super baby couldn't withstand this force

Adult seat belts aren't designed for children because they are proportioned differently and their bones are still developing.

Don't risk your child's life, never carry a child on your lap or use a single seat belt for two passengers, whatever their age.

The New Mary Rose Museum FREE talks

As part of Adult Learners week there will be free talks about the new Mary Rose Museum at

North End Library
Tuesday 21st May

Cosham Library
Friday 24th May

Both from 10am

To reserve a place please pop into or telephone your local library

UPAN Networking Day

The University of Portsmouth Ageing Network (UPAN) is hosting a networking day for people interested in ageing-related topics, from any academic discipline. This will be an opportunity to meet other people from across the University working in the field of ageing. As part of the day's events, we shall be focussing on what capacity and capabilities we hold, what opportunities are available under the four activity streams of UPAN (Research; Knowledge Exchange; Education; and Community Outreach), and how we can improve on our communications to best meet your needs. There's going to be lots of time for networking and discussion, refreshments and edible treats to keep us fuelled throughout the day. 

The event will take place at the University in Dennis Sciama, Room 2.14 on 23rd April, 9am - 4pm.

For more information and to sign up please see: http://ageingnetwork.eventbrite.co.uk/

Alternatively, contact Amy Drahota on 023 9284 4432

M&S Calls On Portsmouth Community To Get Involved In Southsea Beach Clean

• Part of M&S’ Big Beach Clean-Up taking place across 113 beaches across the UK 
• Beach-side BBQ reward for all those who take part plus money-off food vouchers 

Marks & Spencer (M&S) is calling on volunteers across Portsmouth to don their wellies, roll up their sleeves and help to clean a section of Southsea Beach, as part of the UK-wide ‘M&S Big Beach Clean-up’. 

Taking place on Wednesday 24th April from 11:00am, the initiative is something that the entire Portsmouth community can get involved in, from residents and businesses, to schools, universities and local youth groups. Plus, all those who take part will be rewarded with a beach-side BBQ along with an M&S gift voucher* to put towards their next food shop. 

The ‘Big Beach Clean-up’ is being run with the support of the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), which will see beach activities take place across the country between 22nd and 28th April. It is hoped that during this time around 8,000 people will get involved and 15 tonnes of litter will be collected, more than the weight of a double decker bus. 

Places are limited so volunteers keen to take part can register through the Marine Conservation Society: http://www.mcsuk.org/foreverfish/ 

*You must pre-register online to be eligible to receive the voucher. One voucher per volunteer. Valid once only in UK stores between 22nd April and 12th May. See voucher for full details.

Reducing the impact of health inequalities in Portsmouth

Wednesday 8 May, 2pm - 4pm

Entertainments Hall, St James’ Hospital, PO4 8LD

Portsmouth Clinical Commissioning Group would like to invite you to their next major stakeholder event and workshop – this one aimed specifically at voluntary and third sector organisations.

They know that male life expectancy in Portsmouth is significantly shorter than the national average with men in our most deprived areas dying nearly 11 years earlier than men in the more affluent areas.

They’d like your ideas about how your organisations may help them reduce the impact of health inequalities.

Big Lottery Fund - Fulfilling Lives: Ageing Better

Portsmouth City Council has been invited to submit an Expression of Interest to the Big Lottery to bid for funding from this programme which will support older people to get involved in their communities and tackle social isolation. A 100 local authorities have been selected which will be reduced to a shortlist of 30 areas following submission of EOI's which have to be returned by the 17th May 2013. 

If the EOI is successful the selected 30 areas will be invited to form a partnership of organisations that would deliver a project. The partnership will be led by a voluntary organisation that will be able to apply for development funding to help with engaging partners and developing a vision and strategy for change.

Free presentation of interest to all licensed premises

There are a few spaces left for this presentation:

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) in conjunction with the Safer Portsmouth Partnership are offering free guidance in relation to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, to all pubs and clubs in Portsmouth and Havant.

In 2009, the Portsmouth Best Bar None process identified that many operators of licensed premises had a lack of understanding and knowledge of their fire safety responsibilities and obligations.

In response to this HFRS conducted a training session with venue owners and responsible managers in order to ensure that everyone was given the opportunity to find out what they needed to do in order to comply with the law.

HFRS are now offering the same opportunity to new operators or as a refresher training.

Areas covered will include:

• Fire risk assessments. 
• Employer responsibilities. 
• Premises capacities. 
• Crowd management. 

The training will be held at Southsea Fire station, Somers Road, Southsea PO5 4LU at 1.30 pm on Thursday 25th April 2013. It will be expected to last approximately 2 hrs. There is free parking and refreshments.

If you wish to attend could you please reply as soon as possible with your full name, name of licensed premises, telephone number and (where possible) email address to the contact details given below.

David Knight.
Fire Safety Inspector. 
Office: 02392 855180 
Fax: 02392 855175 
Mobile: 07918 887 827 
E Mail: dave.knight @ hantsfire.gov.uk
(remove all spaces for this email address to work)

Volunteering in Portsmouth

The latest Portsmouth City Council volunteering bulletin is available on the council's website at www.portsmouth.gov.uk/yourcouncil/21250.html

There are almost 50 different groups or departments offering volunteering opportunities in:-

• Conservation Projects & the Environment…
• Work with Children & Young People…
• Work with Adults including People with Disabilities & the Elderly…
• Helping your community…
and

• Arts, Music, Museums & Libraries…

Chatterbox - Local LGBT Social Group

A local social group for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people, Chatterbox, originally set up in Gosport and Fareham, now also meets in Portsmouth. It is aimed at people aged 45+, but anyone 25+ is also welcome to join. The group organises a variety of social events such as going to theatre and films, darts and bowling, walks in the countryside and coffee mornings. The aim of the group is to offer social outings in comfortable and supportive environment and build confidence in persons who may be socially introverted.

If you would like to join, or know anyone who would, Chatterbox group can be contacted via the following media:

Telephone / Text: 0784 722 0794
Email: chatterboxLGBTgroup@virginmedia.com
Address:
"Chatterbox",
PO Box 4
Gosport Voluntary Action,
Martin Snape House,
96 Pavilion Way,
Gosport,
PO12 1FG
Website: www.chatterboxlgbtgroup.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chatterboxLGBTgroup

Volunteering in Portsmouth

The latest Portsmouth City Council volunteering bulletin is available on the council's website at 
http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/yourcouncil/21250.html  

There are almost 50 different groups or departments offering volunteering opportunities in:-

• Conservation Projects & the Environment…
• Work with Children & Young People…
• Work with Adults including People with Disabilities & the Elderly…
• Helping your community…
and

• Arts, Music, Museums & Libraries…

What puts Portsmouth on the map for you? UK city of culture bid 2017

What puts Portsmouth on the map for you? 
Have your say in the bid to make Portsmouth part of the UK city of Culture in 2017

Viewpoint is hosting a special event to get local pompey people involved in the city's bid to become part of the UK city of culture in 2017.

Come along to this free event and hear from Sam Cox - the bid writer, ask questions and feed in what you think are the most cultural aspects of the city. Sam will be sharing the details of the bid and is keen to hear your views and comments 

22nd April 2013, View Cafe, 5-6:30pm book your place here

Cancellation notice

Please note the Ambassadors  for Portsmouth Presentation due on Wednesday 10th April at North End Library has unfortunately had to be cancelled. 

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