This page has information about community support and shows ways you can support others with the rising cost of living.
Volunteer or donate, there are a number of different ways you can help others with the rising cost of living.
Community cost of living support
Warm spaces
There are friendly, warm spaces in your local community. These are places where you can meet others, take part in activities, get a warm drink or meal, or spend some quiet time away from your home.
Offer a warm, welcoming space
If you run a free community group in Portsmouth or have a venue that could be offered as a free, welcoming space, please send details to info@hiveportsmouth.org.uk or call 023 9400 7124.
Donate
Donate to food banks
Food banks will be happy to accept donations of food or money. Every donation makes a difference.
- Find information about where to donate food and toiletries, including a shopping list of items needed by food banks.
Donate a coat
Got a coat you don’t need? Drop it off. Need a coat to stay warm? Take one. Donate unwanted, clean coats to the Community Coat Rack at Central Library, Guildhall Square. You’ll find it by the library main entrance.
Donate to a pantry or larder
Pantries and Larders rely on donations to provide affordable groceries to residents in need.
- Find contact details for Pantries and Larders in Portsmouth
Donate to the Stroke Association
The Stroke Association have requested supermarket vouchers or help towards heating costs for the people they support. This helps stroke survivors to free up money for other essentials, and can make a huge difference to those struggling.
- You can donate to the Stroke Association online, or view contact information for Portsmouth’s branch
Donate to the HIVE school uniform share store
The Uniform Share Store helps families across the city by getting children and young people kitted out in their school uniform. It’s great for the environment and the pocket.
As well as school uniform, the store is accepting World Book Day outfits and donations can be dropped off at the HIVE desk in Central library.
Volunteer
If you’re interested in volunteering, you can view a full list of volunteering opportunities on HIVE Portsmouth. This includes roles that support fundraising and the delivery of food to food banks.
Are you a Portsmouth-based voluntary organisation? Would you like to become a stakeholder for our cost of living campaign and help us ensure that Portsmouth residents have the most comprehensive advice? If so, please email costoflivinghub@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Information and resources to support those working with people in Portsmouth
If you work with people in the city either as part of your job or as a volunteer, you’ll know all too well that things are tough for people right now. You may notice when someone is struggling and want to do something to help.
You can help by telling people that support is available if they are struggling, and that they are not alone.
Encourage them to use the information on the cost of living help hub to find support, or give them the cost of living helpline number if they are not confident online or their problems are complicated.
If you have time, you can use the cost of living checklist to help them make sure they are maximising their income, and getting help with things like bills, food, and debt.
There is a quick guide on how to signpost people to support and a longer guide that includes tips on how to raise the subject of the cost of living with someone you are working with, based on the approach taken by public health professionals around healthy conversations.