It’s good to stay up to date with what’s going on in your local area, the support groups, and services available to you.
Whether you are looking for family activities, exercise, or a way to meet like-minded people, Portsea has a wide range of social sessions and support available.
The John Pounds Centre at 23 Queen Street (PO1 3HN) has a large main hall, a café, library with computers, a gym, youth club, nursery and laundrette.
What’s on?
- Bingo
- Exercise classes
- Youth club football
- Trampolining
- Gymnastics
- Badminton
- ChristCentral church
- Portsea Food Pantry (more information further below)
Opening times
- Monday – Thursday: 8am-9pm
- Friday: 8am-8pm
- Saturdays: 8.30am-1pm
- Sundays: Closed
For more information about the centre, click here, or call 02392 892 010.
Located within the John Pounds Centre, Portsea Library has public computers, a printer, Wifi and a café. There is a rhyme time session for children on Thursdays at 11am (term time only).
Opening times
- Monday – Friday: 10.30am to 4.30pm
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
For more information, contact 023 9229 7072 or johnpounds.library@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
The pantry is based in the John Pounds Centre at 23 Queen Street (PO1 3HN). For a small weekly subscription of £5.00, members of the Portsea Pantry are able to purchase a weekly food shop including fresh fruit and vegetables and family favourites to stock up the cupboard and fridge. This is a partnership between Portsea Action Group and the John Pounds Centre.
Opening times
- Tuesday 10.00am – 12.00pm
- Thursday 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Members need to be from PO1 2 or PO1 3 postcodes. Please bring proof of address when you visit for the first time.
For more information, email portseapantry@gmail.com
Portsea Community Hub is located on Queen Street (PO1 3HY) and is a free place for residents to come together. The hub is run by Portsea Action Group.
What’s on?
- Refreshments, toasties,
- Bingo, and games
- Book swap
- Social contact
- Friendly advice available
- Special occasions/events held
Opening times
- Monday 9am-2pm
- Thursday 9am-2pm
Just pop in during the opening times, or you can find out more about the hub on their Facebook group.
The adventure playground is located on Aylward Street, PO1 3PB. Entry is free for 6-13 year olds. Younger children are welcome too but must be accompanied by their parent or an adult 18yrs+, they must also be supervised at all times when on the adventure playground.
The adventure playground is staffed by fully qualified Play Workers who encourage imagination, confidence and independence.
Opening times
We are open during term time and the school holidays. Full details are available here.
For more information, call 02392 753 237 or email jon.chapman@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
A friendly Anglican, Church of England Church based in St George’s Square, Portsea, PO1 3AT. They run a Sunday morning service, following pastries and coffee, which includes children’s and youth groups. They also run a Sunday evening service with youth, students and young adults in mind, with cooked food and drinks available after.
What’s on?
- Sunday morning service 1oam
- Sunday evening service 6pm
For more information about the church click here or call 07525 914126
Located in the Wickham Street Car Park opposite the Hard Interchange bus station. The entrance is through an open gate on the corner of Wickham Street and Clock Street. These spaces have tools for men to enjoy practical hobbies and make friends. We are open to visitors, prospective new members and people asking for our help in carrying out handicraft projects.
Opening times
Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:30am.
You can learn more about the Men’s Shed here or email info@portseamensshed.org.uk
Caroline Square is an extra care housing offering retirement living located on King William Street, Portsea, PO1 3JG. They offer activities that are open to local residents to come along to.
What’s on
- Café open 9am-2pm Monday-Friday
- Bingo 6:45pm Monday and 2-3pm Wednesday
- Community knitting group 2-4pm second Tuesday of the month
- Seated exercise 11am-12pm Wednesday
- Quiz and coffee afternoon 2-3pm every other Thursday (starting 25 April)
For more information contact the council’s independence and wellbeing team on 023 9284 1762 or email iwt@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
The community garden is located in the courtyard of the Treadgolds warehouse on Bishop Street, PO1 3DA. It is used for growing vegetables and gardening activities.
There are opportunities to volunteer and get involved with gardening at this project.
For more information, contact Tracey on 023 9284 1762.
Portsmouth City Council Resident Engagement Team
Giving council tenants and leaseholders a say about housing issues and help to find work, training, and qualifications.
You can share your views about how the housing service is run or attend resident meetings. Find out more information here.
Alternatively, email housing.engagement@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 023 9283 4835
The Portsmouth Mental Health Hub
The Portsmouth Mental Health Hub is a phoneline service for anyone looking for mental health support. The team of friendly experts will help anyone aged 16 years old or over to find the right support for them, whether that be a referral or signposting to local support.
Call 0300 123 6621 or visit www.mentalhealthinportsmouth.co.uk
Wellbeing Walks
Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are run by the Portsmouth City Council’s Independence and Wellbeing Team.
All walks in the programme are free and there are different routes for different all abilities. A great way to meet new people, get exercise and to see the scenic locations Portsmouth has to offer.
Find out about the Portsmouth routes here
Useful online community groups or pages
- Stay up to date with Portsea Event group on Facebook.
- Stay up to date with Portsea Community hub group on Facebook.
Share your views on Portsea
The healthy living in Portsea project
Health and Care Portsmouth are currently working on the healthy living in Portsea project to help Portsea residents build healthier and happier lives by improving the access to services and activities.
Since summer 2023, local NHS services, Portsmouth City Council, HIVE Portsmouth, local schools, GP practices and more have been working with residents and other members of the community to understand what it’s like to live or work in Portsea.
We established a Portsea Better Health Working Group made up of local campaigners, residents who run the Community Hub and Pantry (foodbank), housing team, councillors, Public Health, charity and local pharmacist. We undertook a survey with residents which ran for 8 weeks; we went to community groups, events, and locations such as tower blocks, bus stops, and outside schools. We had follow-up telephone calls with residents who left their contact details.
Following our survey results and conversations, we have uncovered several themes based on what is most important to the residents. This includes health, outside spaces and activities for children and young people.
If you live in Portsea or have connections to this community and would like to be involved in the project going forward, we would love to hear from you.
You can contact via email to healthandcare@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call/text Jo Atkinson on 07503 888 814.