On Tuesday 14th June, Landport Larder (run at our Landport Community Centre) held its first anniversary!
Attended by many of the 400 members who regularly use the service, along with Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Tom Coles, and staff from Abri (who largely fund the service), the event was a great success and enjoyed by those who came- members were even treated to a Krispy Kreme doughnut to celebrate, and staff and volunteers had a special cake made by Karen, a new staff member of the Landport Community Centre café.
The Landport Larder was set up during the pandemic following on from our previous lockdown service. Due to the pandemic and the ever increasing cost of living, the larder has proven to be extremely popular, and an essential food provision for many families.
On average, there are approximately 40-60 people who shop at the Larder on a weekly basis. There is no policy for anyone to be on benefits, or live in certain postcodes- if there is a need, we are happy to help.
We’re also delighted to announce that Enable Ability and Landport Community Centre received the Freedom of the City of Portsmouth on the day, in recognition for their work through the early phases of the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Councillor Tom Coles, Deputy Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, visited the centre to present the award to Enable Ability Charity Manager, Richard Soutar, and Chair of Trustees, Jon Muller.
During the first lockdowns, staff helped prepare and deliver meals for local residents, working with Abri (formally Radian) and Pompey In The Community to provide hot food to those in need, and also prepared hundreds of hot takeaways for Society of St James, a charity that helps the homeless.
Landport Community Centre was also one of the very few Community Centre’s to remain open for calls and enquiries and signposting residents to other services.
