Facing redundancy can be stressful, but a range of support is available in Portsmouth and Hampshire – including financial help, job search, training opportunities, and wellbeing support. The Citizen Advice also has advice if you’re facing redundancy.
Support from the council
We offer a free support programme for employees affected by redundancy. Call our business support team on 023 9284 1641.
Financial support
Benefits
Find out what benefits you can get, including Universal Credit and New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance. Use a free, approved benefits calculator – Turn2Us.
If you need help applying for benefits, visit Advice Portsmouth , Citizens Advice Gosport, Citizens Advice Fareham or Citizens Advice Havant. You can also visit the Meridian Centre Havant: Floor 1, 57 Meridian Shopping Centre, Havant, PO9 1UN.
Budget Planner
Use the MoneyHelper to review and adjust your budget after a drop in income. Visit Cost of living hub at Portsmouth City Council, and Cost of Living Help at Gosport Borough Council.
Energy bills
To cut your energy bills and make your home warmer, visit Switched On Portsmouth for Portsmouth residents, or Home Energy, Maintenance & Bills for Gosport residents.
Crisis and Resilience Fund
Financial help is available for residents facing a financial crisis:
- Portsmouth: check what Crisis and Resilience Fund is available.
- Havant: exceptional household support fund
- Gosport: discretionary Payments
Community pantries
They provide food at a lower price every week. You can access it through membership and for a small weekly contribution. Learn more about community pantries from Hampshire County Council.
Employment support
Career services
The National Career Service offers career opportunities, job search support, labour market information and career planning guidance.
For job search support from Portsmouth City Council, contact us at skillsmatching@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
For employment guidance, email the Education and Development Trust at apodhajsky@edt.org for more employment guidance.
Youth Hub
The Link Up Youth Hub in Havant has targeted employment and training support for young people aged 16 to 24.
Training support
Find a range of courses and skills support to boost your employment.
Skills Bootcamps
Free, flexible courses and bootcamps (up to 16 weeks) are available for adults aged 19 or over. They cover various industries, such as digital marketing, maritime transport and Logistics, and care Services. Find out more from the Solent Growth Partnership and Hampshire County Council.
College courses and employability support
Local colleges have adult education courses, career advice, and apprenticeships with local companies:
- Havant & South Downs College
- City of Portsmouth College
- Fareham College – South Hampshire College Group
- St Vincent College
Wellbeing support
Havant and East Hants Mind offers mental health resource for residents in Havant. Contact them on 02392 498916 or at info@easthantsmind.org.