A new voluntary sector hub has been secured for Paulsgrove, offering much-needed support for charities at a time when one in five could be at risk of closing.
HIVE Portsmouth signed the lease on the venue, within Paulsgrove Housing Office, yesterday (Wednesday 1 May).
The news comes after a report by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations highlighted the desperate need for support for the sector, with one in five charities at risk of closing.
The report, released last October, found that a staggering 85% of charities were predicting that this winter would be as tough, or even tougher, than the last. And as many as 27% said they didn’t believe they won’t be able to meet the increasing demand for their services.
The hub will be the second such facility to be opened by HIVE Portsmouth, with both being funded by a £250,000 donation from BAE Systems.
While the city centre hub, which opened its doors in June 2023, offers coworking, virtual office spaces and hot desking options, the northern hub will also give groups and organisations the opportunity to meet with clients and users and hold private meetings.
Revd Canon Bob White, Chair of HIVE Portsmouth Trustees, said: “We know how much the HIVE Portsmouth Hub means for the voluntary sector in Portsmouth and this second hub will go even further in allowing people to make connections, share ideas and meet with service users.
“It’s a very difficult time for many of those working in the sector, and we know that a space such as this will be hugely valuable for those working to provide essential services to those who need support in Portsmouth.
Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime Services, said: “The HIVE Portsmouth Hub provides a fantastic services to the local community and I am really pleased that we are able to support the opening of a second hub.
“Supporting the local community is something that we are very passionate about and by offering a range of mentoring and coaching to HIVE’s network of charities we can ensure the success of Portsmouth’s voluntary sector.”
