Community & Social in Portsmouth & South Hampshire

Offers vibrant contemporary art initiatives that enhance community engagement through public art projects, including the annual LOOKUP Portsmouth street art festival. They focus on fostering creativity and cultural appreciation among Portsmouth residents, particularly under-represented groups in the arts. The organization provides workshops and skill-building opportunities for local artists, promoting accessible public art and creative placemaking. Their efforts have significantly revitalized the local community and contributed to Portsmouth's recognition as a street art capital.

Supports independent artists and makers by providing a platform to showcase contemporary art and craft in Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire. They organize craft fairs, exhibitions, and workshops that connect local artisans with art enthusiasts, fostering creativity and collaboration within the community. The organization aims to celebrate and promote the work of local artists while encouraging community engagement and support for small businesses. Their curated directory features handpicked artists and makers, ensuring quality and professionalism in the creative sector.

Encourages the freedom of expression through the arts for young refugees and children in need, focusing on providing them with a voice. They conduct workshops, performances, and exhibitions that highlight the experiences of vulnerable young adults, particularly asylum seekers. Recent initiatives include a verbatim play that shares the journeys of young asylum seekers, aimed at fostering understanding and empathy within the community. Operating primarily in Chichester, they engage local schools and residents to promote inclusivity and cultural enrichment through shared artistic experiences.

Supports families in exploring independent education options by providing guidance, resources, and networking opportunities. AFIS champions educational choice across the UK, fostering a community for families who value independent schooling.

Offers secure storage solutions for motorbikes and vehicles while fostering a vibrant social club for enthusiasts. Engages the community through events and activities that promote safe riding practices and support men's mental health.

Organizes community events and initiatives to enhance the Castle Road area in Southsea, promoting safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability. Supports local residents and businesses while fostering community cohesion and making Castle Road a vibrant destination.

Delivers community-focused services and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents in the Chichester District. Promotes social inclusion, well-being, and sustainable development through various programs and events.

Offers a range of inclusive art events, workshops, and exhibitions aimed at fostering creativity within the local community. They support both emerging and established artists, providing a platform for artistic expression and collaboration. The organization engages the public through events like the Portsmouth Open Studios Event, where artists open their spaces to showcase their work and interact with visitors. City Arts Portsmouth operates in Portsmouth and emphasizes breaking down barriers to creativity, making art accessible to all.

Provides information and support for families in the UK who are clinically vulnerable to Covid-19. Their services include a peer support network that offers practical assistance and advice, focusing on enhancing the well-being of these families. They engage in advocacy work to improve voter accessibility and remove barriers for clinically vulnerable individuals. The organization operates primarily through community engagement and scientific evidence-based approaches to support their beneficiaries.

Provides a range of community engagement services aimed at fostering stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. Their activities include organizing inclusive events, skills workshops, and collaborative projects that connect individuals across various cultural and social backgrounds. They primarily support residents in Portsmouth, focusing on reducing social isolation and enhancing overall wellbeing. Unique to their approach is the emphasis on creating safe spaces for community members to share skills and knowledge, thereby empowering individuals to contribute positively to their local environment.

Offers inclusive creative workshops and events designed to enhance wellbeing through mindful creativity, specifically targeting individuals facing mental health challenges. They provide safe spaces for connection and self-expression, empowering participants to explore various artistic activities as tools for personal growth and recovery. Operating in Waterlooville, Havant, Portsmouth, and surrounding areas, they focus on supporting women with complex needs and those dealing with issues like addiction, isolation, and homelessness. Their community-driven approach ensures that funds generated from workshops are reinvested into further community initiatives.

Provides a welcoming space for individuals and families to enjoy coffee, craft activities, and community events, with all profits reinvested into local creative projects for young people. The café fosters a safe and inclusive environment for community engagement and skill development.

The Eastern European Community in Portsmouth CIC provides a supportive network for individuals from Eastern Europe living in Portsmouth, focusing on cultural exchange and community engagement. They organize social activities, such as the "Walk & Talk" event, to promote inclusivity, well-being, and integration among their members.

Operates the Felpham Village Post Office, providing essential postal and retail services to the local community. They focus on preserving this vital resource to enhance community engagement and support residents in Felpham and the surrounding areas. The CIC actively involves local residents in initiatives that promote the use of the post office and stores, ensuring that these services remain accessible and beneficial to everyone in the community. Their efforts contribute to the overall well-being and connectivity of the village.

Offers a variety of engaging events and activities that celebrate Gosport's rich maritime history, including guided tours of historical landmarks and community festivals. The organization aims to educate both residents and visitors about the town's non-military maritime heritage, fostering a sense of pride and connection to the sea. They encourage community involvement through volunteering opportunities and event organization, making heritage accessible to all. The CIC operates primarily in Gosport, Hampshire, and emphasizes personal stories and local narratives in their programming.

Organizes the annual Gosport Waterfront Festival, a vibrant three-day music and arts event held in Walpole Park, Gosport. The festival showcases a diverse range of local and national talent, providing entertainment, cultural experiences, and community engagement for residents and visitors of all ages. It features top-quality music, activities, food, and drink, all brought to life by a dedicated team of local volunteers. The CIC aims to enrich the local community and promote the arts on the South Coast through this celebration.

Provides a platform for live music and community engagement, supporting local artists and fostering a vibrant cultural scene in Chichester.

Provides lifelong care and rehabilitation for unwanted and retired donkeys, ensuring they have a safe and loving environment. The sanctuary welcomes visitors to learn about donkey welfare and offers various community involvement opportunities, including donations and adoption programs. They focus on creating a peaceful and nurturing atmosphere for donkeys in need, emphasizing the emotional connection between humans and these animals. Located on Hayling Island, the sanctuary aims to educate the public about the importance of donkey welfare.

Promotes community engagement in Gosport through initiatives centered around growing and sharing good food. They offer various activities such as cooking workshops and sustainable gardening practices, aiming to make healthy food accessible to all. Their projects, including the Gosport Community Food Network and the Full of Beans campaign, specifically target local residents, schools, and organizations to enhance health and well-being. By breaking down barriers to good food, they foster a sense of community and collaboration among participants.

Collaborates with independent social care providers to enhance the quality of adult social care services on the Isle of Wight. Focuses on empowering providers to improve care delivery and navigate sector challenges.

The Isle of Wight Community Rail Partnership CIC enhances local rail service usage while providing vital community support through initiatives like 'Food on The Move,' which offers food assistance to vulnerable families and individuals. Collaborating with local housing associations, charities, and social services, they address the needs of residents on the Isle of Wight, particularly during challenging times such as the summer holidays and the lead-up to Christmas.

The Latvian Community in Portsmouth CIC is dedicated to celebrating Latvian culture and fostering connections among Latvians living in Portsmouth and South England. They provide a welcoming environment for community members to meet, engage in cultural activities, and receive support in their integration and well-being.

Offers a variety of yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, and movement practices aimed at enhancing physical and mental wellbeing. They focus on inclusivity and accessibility, providing free weekly classes and outreach programs to engage diverse community members. Live Karma Yoga CIC operates in Sandown and is dedicated to fostering social change and empowering individuals through community connection. All proceeds are reinvested back into the community to support their initiatives.

Enhances community mental wellbeing and resilience through inclusive, low-cost events and workshops, collaborating with local wellbeing practitioners. Offers practical tools and insights into self-management and emotional resilience for participants.

Offers inclusive, low-cost workshops and events aimed at enhancing community mental wellbeing and resilience. They provide practical tools and insights into self-management and emotional resilience, catering to individuals in Portsmouth and surrounding areas. The workshops are led by experienced coaches and professionals, focusing on skills that support mental health in daily life, work, and relationships. Their approach includes interactive sessions, group discussions, and holistic strategies to manage stress and promote overall wellbeing.

Plans and manages community-focused cultural and entertainment events in Lee-on-the-Solent, aiming to enrich the local community through engaging experiences. They organize both free and ticketed events, such as the Victory Festival Parade and the Tales from the Sea Shanty Festival, to attract visitors and support the local economy. Their initiatives emphasize promoting emerging musical and creative talent, ensuring a vibrant community atmosphere. Montserrat Events also collaborates with local businesses to foster a thriving environment for residents of Lee and Gosport.

Facilitates the delivery of housing retrofit at scale by bringing together stakeholders to overcome barriers and optimize investments in energy efficiency. Focuses on collaborative efforts to decarbonize and improve the performance of homes and buildings across the UK.

Offers a range of international volunteering programs that empower individuals to make a positive impact while exploring new cultures. They provide placements in various countries, including the UK, Canada, Spain, and Ghana, focusing on skill development and community support. The organization primarily assists local residents, particularly those facing barriers to employment or personal development, by facilitating opportunities for cultural exchange and volunteer work. Their placements are risk assessed and designed to ensure a meaningful experience for volunteers and the communities they serve.

Fosters unity among Christian church leaders in Portsmouth through collaborative prayer initiatives and community engagement. Organizes events to invite Christians of all denominations to pray together for the spiritual awakening of the city.

Organizes high-quality football tournaments and bespoke tours for junior and adult players across the UK and Europe. They focus on enhancing player development, team bonding, and community engagement by providing tailored experiences for teams of all abilities. Each year, they facilitate memorable sporting events for over 10,000 participants, fostering a love for the game and creating lasting memories. Their offerings include competitive matches, coaching sessions, and off-the-pitch activities designed to enrich the overall football experience.

Provides bespoke support for social enterprises and local communities in Portsmouth, focusing on business development, social enterprise setup, and outcome evaluation. They assist individuals and groups in need by offering tailored initiatives that promote social inclusion and personal growth. Services include guidance on setting up Community Interest Companies, developing monitoring systems for measuring outcomes, and planning for business activities to highlight expected results. Their approach emphasizes partnership and collaboration to ensure that support is customized to fit the unique needs of each client.

Creates inspirational spaces that facilitate creativity and challenge social inequalities through various initiatives. They empower women and promote cultural expression in Southsea and surrounding areas, particularly through the Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards and cross-cultural storytelling projects. Their work specifically benefits marginalized community members and young people, fostering creativity and confidence. The organization emphasizes collaboration and community engagement, reflecting the founder's Zambian-British roots.

Provides a vibrant creative hub for local artists and the community in Ventnor, offering exhibition space, workshops, and events that foster artistic expression. They welcome new artists to showcase and sell their work while engaging the public through diverse artistic experiences. The space is designed to be inclusive, encouraging collaboration and creativity among participants of all backgrounds. Additionally, they support community projects through feedback and engagement, helping to secure grants for further artistic initiatives.

Offers a platform for photographers to connect and engage through creative practices, focusing on accessibility and critical discussion. They provide workshops, events, and collaborative projects aimed at supporting photographers of all skill levels, particularly those who may find photography inaccessible. The organization is based in Portsmouth and is working towards establishing a darkroom to enhance access to traditional analogue printing techniques, fostering a community dialogue around photography.

Provides pop-up events and safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community on the Isle of Wight, catering to both local residents and visitors. They collaborate with various bars, restaurants, and cafes to host regular social gatherings that foster community engagement and connection. In 2025, they established a dedicated queer hub, Dorothy's, which serves as a venue for their events and supports well-being initiatives. Their exclusive membership program ensures a safe environment for members of the queer community.

Offers engaging weekly group sessions in Hampshire for individuals with mild to moderate dementia, focusing on cognitive stimulation and social interaction. The organization provides vital support not only to those diagnosed with dementia but also to their friends and families, fostering a sense of community and respite for carers. Activities include games, exercise, and social opportunities, all designed to enhance the quality of life for participants. Their unique approach includes Cognitive Stimulation Therapy sessions that aim to improve cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Offers a welcoming environment for both adult and junior members to engage in croquet, featuring two full-sized lawns and one half-sized lawn for learning. The club provides coaching for all skill levels, organizes friendly and league matches, and fosters community connections through social events. They also offer free taster days and structured courses for newcomers to the sport, ensuring accessibility and encouragement for beginners. Located in Duncton, the club promotes social interaction and skill development among its members.

Offers free, organized running and walking sessions in Portsmouth, featuring 2K and 5K courses to accommodate individuals of all ages and abilities. The initiative promotes physical activity and fosters community engagement, providing a supportive environment where participants can exercise at their own pace. The events are designed to be family-friendly, encouraging both new and returning exercisers to join. Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and encouraging atmosphere for all participants.

Transforms redundant buildings in Ryde into vibrant venues for community groups and businesses, while restoring heritage sites like the Grade II listed Town Hall. This initiative fosters opportunities for cultural, commercial, and performing arts groups, enhancing local community engagement.

Show Pride CIC promotes inclusivity and celebrates LGBTQ+ identities in Southsea through a range of community events, workshops, and educational initiatives. The organization primarily supports local LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies, fostering a sense of belonging and pride within the community.