The Co-operative Food - Portsmouth, Winter Road

We aim to target immediate needs and issues surrounding homelessness and addiction for those in need in Southsea and Portsmouth. Many in our city are facing desperate situations, but whatever the circumstances, our aim is to show that there is a way out. We plan to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to improve their situation through the variety of services we offer. We are run by a not for profit charity run by a Manager, Trustees and a wonderful, enthusiastic team of volunteers. We hope we are working to help make Southsea an even more pleasant, safe place to live. The LifeHouse is a practical resource and support centre for those in need living in Portsmouth and Southsea. We have experienced, like-minded, volunteers developing the LifeHouse in providing Sign-Posting Services to vulnerable men and women and targeting issues of homelessness and addiction locally. We aim to create an environment of compassion and care, where people feel they belong, are accepted; and where they can build a sense of self-worth and confidence – a place where we can be generous with our time, energy and practical resources; where we can go the extra mile.

Run_Walk Local Portsmouth is a free totally volunteer led family friendly event held weekly for all ages and all abilities. We cater for walkers, joggers or runners. it is entirely up to the individual what they would like to do safely without judgement just lots of encourage. We offer 2 routes, a 2k or a 5k which is fully marshalled by our wonderful volunteers We also noticed there were no groups in the area where people recovering from surgery, treatment, illness or injury could walk within a supportive community group to help regain their fitness and confidence. With a large number of children attending we promote eating healthy then that gives you energy for regular exercise that helps with any weight issues. We also have several Couch to 5K groups join us and from not being able to run within 12 weeks they graduate by running their first 5K which is amazing to see the transformation. Mental Health and wellbeing in these trying times has affected a lot of people and we have found that people feel much better both physically and mentally after structured exercise. We also have members and supporters of Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association attend regularly and the smiles on their faces are amazing. We were formerly named Great Run Local Portsmouth but due to the pandemic The Great Run Company were unable to continue funding and our event was permanently closed. Myself and my Wife Sharon decided to see if we could make a go of setting up independently. With a lot of help from our volunteers we have put together Run Walk Local Portsmouth. We have recycled a lot of equipment such as directional signs and other item needed to make the event run safely. All the signs are attached with reusable Velcro negating the use of plastic cable ties as these are dangerous for the wide variety of wildlife in the area. We also encourage participants to use reusable drinks bottles to cut down our use of single use plastic After our Event application and Risk Assessment was passed by the Council we started 25th July 2021 with 136 participants in the pouring rain. We are so glad we decided to carry on because we had all missed it so much. What do we need : To reach people who do not use Social Media we need a new website built and maintained. Printing: This would enable us to promote the event We would dearly love to provide our wonderful volunteers with warm waterproof clothing as they dillengently turn up in all weathers to make sure everyone is safe on course. First Aid training: It is our wish that we send up to 10 people on a first aid course so we can offer the best care to the people taking part. A digital clock on a stand would let the participants see their times as they approach the finish line. A waterproof tablet we could use on the course for a variety of reasons such as taking photos, recording any incidents and emails to cut down our use of paper. The address given is my home address. Event address is Hilsea Lido London Road Portsmouth PO2 9RP

WAMS offers free support, advice and information to those who are affected by the illness Multiple Sclerosis, no matter if they are a person with the condition, or a carer or family member. Information can be supplied through the many publications, books and leaflets we stock, giving the person the most up-to-date information that may be required. We also hold monthly meetings where members and non members of WAMS can come and and met others who are in a similar situation, at these monthly meetings, we also have speakers from various organisations such as City and County Councils informing the group of what programs their Adult Social departments cater for, we have also discussed various therapies to help people with mobility issues, Disability Discrimination Act, bowel & bladder issues and so. Those attending can take as many different publications, books and leaflets and keep them at home or work for as long as they need, no requirement for them to be returned by a certain date and all totally free. The monthly meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month from 18.30 til 21.30, in the York room at Waterlooville Community Centre, Maurepas Way, Waterlooville (next to Asda superstore). We are resuming our meetings as from 2nd of June 2021, whilst abiding lockdown restrictions for the time being. Anyone who has a connection to the illness is welcome, no matter if they have the illness, or a family relative, or carer or friend. We welcome anyone no mater of age or how long they have been diagnosed with the illness, or no matter if they live within the PO postcode or outside of it, we are here to help where we can, by giving advice through leaflets and pamphlets etc or by giving support.