Sainsbury's Portsmouth Guildhall Walk Local

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.

The Rough Sleeping Pathway in Portsmouth is a way that The Society of St James (SSJ) and Portsmouth City Council helps people who are homeless, rough sleeping, or at risk of homelessness. It has two temporary hostels that give different kinds of tailored support to over 80 people. SSJ believes that everyone has a fundamental human right to a safe home and works to end homelessness. The hostels are set up in different buildings to provide support that meets the different needs and preferences of the people staying there. The goal of these temporary homes is to help people gain life skills and access services so they can prepare for independence and move on to more permanent home . SSJ understands that the system for housing people can be "broken" so we walk beside people to navigate it. Providing this kind of support shows a moral responsibility to ensure everyone has a safe and secure place to live. The Rough Sleeping Pathway's size, helping over 80 people, shows a significant effort to tackle homelessness in Portsmouth.

The pantry differs from food banks as it does not provide crisis provision. Baffins Community Pantry is community food club run by and for members where people pay £5 for each shop and choose a minimum of 10 items worth around £15 - £20 at retail value. The products are the basics - non perishable and frozen items. The food provision is distributed to members (free to join) and on production of membership card can shop for items their household needs. We also provide free items through donations and Fareshare allocation. All our sanitary products are free. The Baffins community (PO3 and PO4 post code areas) have embraced the pantry and we have over 250 members - all across the generations - older and families. All run by volunteers and all proceeds go back into the food provision during the cost of living crisis.