Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New national restrictions are in place. Make sure you know what to do to Protect Portsmouth.
Getting help and volunteering – coronavirus information
How can I get help?
As the city’s official community hub, HIVE Portsmouth is working with the council, NHS Portsmouth Clinical Commissioning Group and Solent NHS Trust to coordinate support for vulnerable people and groups.
- If you are an individual in need of help please call the HIVE Portsmouth helpline on 023 9261 6709. This line is currently open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
- If you live outside of Portsmouth, you can get information, advice and practical support from Hantshelp4vulnerable on 0333 370 4000. This line is currently open from 9am-5pm, seven days a week.
- If you need medical help, call the NHS on 111. If it is a medical emergency, call 999.
We currently offer to help with food shopping, collecting medication, transport to medical appointments or well-being telephone support. If you need support but struggle to get in touch with us due to a communication difficulty or a disability, you can now text us at 07860027785.
In your text, please include:
- your name,
- a brief description of the type of support that you need, and
- whether you would like us to give you a call back or send you an email. If you prefer an email response, please also provide your email address.
We’ll text you back to let you know when you can expect a phone call or email. We’ll always aim to get in touch with you as soon as we possibly can.
Free takeaway meals for people in need
Anyone who needs a hot meal can visit any of the services listed below. No referral needed.
| Day/Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, 6.00-7.00pm | St. Simon's Church, Waverley Road, PO5 2PW (entrance via car park in St Ronan's Road) | Hot takeaway food and drink and small food parcel |
| Sunday, 12pm | St. Swithuns, Waverley Road, PO5 2PL (entrance via car park) | Takeaway lunch and hot drink |
| Monday, 6pm | Harbour Chuch at All Saints Church, 334 Commercial Road, PO1 4BT | Takeaway |
| Tuesday, 1pm | St John's RC Cathedral, Bishop Crispian Way, PO1 3QA (car park entrance opposite Victoria Park) | Takeaway |
| Wednesday, 9am | LifeHouse, Harold Road, PO4 0JW (just off Albert Road) | Hot breakfast takeaway |
| Wednesday, 6.30-8pm | Buckland soup kitchen, 174 Kingston Road, PO2 7LP (Queens Road entrance) | Takeaway hot food and sandwiches |
| Thursday, 6pm | LifeHouse, Harold Road, PO4 0JW (just off Albert Road) | Hot dinner takeaway |
| Friday, 9-10pm | Friday Fridge @ St Jude's Church, Kent Road, PO5 3EL (by Palmerston Road precinct) | Hot sandwiches and hot drink takeaway. |
| Saturday, 12.30pm | InSight, St John's RC Cathedral, Bishop Crispian Way, PO1 3QA (car park entrance opposite Victoria Park) | Hot takeaway and cold snack box |
Food banks - how to donate
When you do your essential shopping please take a moment and think about those people who can’t get hold of these essentials.
If you can, buy a few extra items and drop them into existing drop off points in your local shops and supermarkets.
If you’re not sure what to donate, here is a list of items most in need:
- Tinned items e.g. tomatoes, vegetables, baked beans, pasta, spaghetti, meat, fish, rice pudding, fruit
- Pasta/ noodles/rice
- Soup
- Cereal or porridge
- Jam
- Pasta and sauce meal packets
- Biscuits
- Teabags
- Coffee
There will be clearly marked boxes in participating shops in which to place donated goods, and please observe the current Government guidance on social distancing and hygiene advice when donating.
Thank you for your help!
Crowdfunding for Portsmouth businesses
‘Crowdfund Portsmouth‘ is a crowdfunding initiative we launched earlier this year with Shaping Portsmouth. This is to help local businesses, social enterprises and individuals to raise money from the crowd and unlock match-funding and other grants.