The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) has provided a boost to 23 community groups and voluntary organisations, helping disadvantaged and vulnerable people across the Portsmouth area.
New charity Spark Community Space was founded last year by Becki Simmonds, who was inspired to set up the group after life-changing brain surgery. It all began with a Zoom coffee morning during lockdown, to provide a safe space for people to help spark themselves back into life. The group is now setting up a community shop to support people vulnerable to loneliness in the Southsea area and they are using their grant for refurbishment, including tills, uniforms and signage. The project will provide people with volunteering skills, access to training and enable a regained sense of self-esteem and belonging.
Becki Simmonds, Founder of Spark Community Space added: “We are now open and serving the community inside Sherlock’s Bar Southsea, and wow, what an impact we are making! Thanks to our grant from HIWCF we can provide a safe haven for those who are struggling, isolated, lonely and feel like they’ve got so much to give but nowhere to give it.”
The above is an extract from the original article on the HiWCF website.
Find out more about HiWCF on www.hiwcf.com/
