The Portsmouth Teenage Project is a project which has been successfully delivered by Enable Ability under the leadership of James Donougher for the past eight years now. As we continue to adapt to the changing financial pressures facing charities, many of the 80 families we support have expressed understandable concerns about affordability, and we have listened closely, especially after the recent rise in activity fees. As we move into the new year, our priority is to maintain the same high standard of support while keeping costs as low as possible for parents and carers. To achieve this, we are working hard to strengthen our existing partnerships with the University of Portsmouth, the Aspex Gallery and Portsmouth Guildhall. These collaborations allow us to continue delivering worthwhile, engaging sessions at a cost that better reflects the budgets of the people we serve.
A key part of our vision for the year ahead is expanding the use of volunteers who will work alongside our trained staff. By doing this, we can sustain the level of support that families rely on while also increasing the flexibility to offer additional one to one support where it may be needed. We are also building a programme based around activities that carry no external charges to the charity apart from staffing. This approach gives us the freedom to plan sessions that are enjoyable, safe and creative without adding financial strain to families. As a result of these changes, the average cost of our new programme is expected to fall to just under £25 per activity, with some 2 hour sessions costing as little as £12, this is compared to last year’s average which was above thirty pounds. Every session still includes between 2-3 hours of support provided by trained, trusted professionals who understand the needs of the young people with disabilities and who create an environment where they can enjoy themselves with confidence.
The beginning of the new year will introduce a varied programme that reflects this new direction. Sessions include a workshop delivered by LUSH, a creative evening at the Aspex Gallery, a friendly Bake Off activity, and a high-energy visit to Pitt Street Roller Disco. February follows with a charity bingo night, another creative workshop at Aspex and the week-long Portsmouth Teenage Holiday Scheme. Together, these activities show how we are working to bring down costs without reducing the quality or variety of what we offer.
Last month, many of the families fell into the category of being financially vulnerable, this meant the charity could offer a limited number of free places to the young people who attended our October half term activities, this was through the Household Support Fund initiative, saving up to a total of £190. We also plan to work closely with Portsmouth City Council to offer even more free places through the HAF initiative in our Easter and Summer programmes.
Across the year, families will notice a gradual movement towards even more cost-effective sessions. By growing our partnerships and increasing in-house opportunities such as cooking and baking classes using locally grown herbs and vegetables, we hope to make it possible for every young person to attend at least one activity each month regardless of personal budget. For those who enjoy the larger days out, these will not be disappearing. All-day trips to fun pools, theme parks and other venues outside of the city will remain part of our programme for those who want them.
Enable Ability remains committed to providing opportunities that are enjoyable, inclusive and sustainable. As we enter a new year, we are proud to be taking practical steps that protect the support families depend on while easing the financial pressure that so many are feeling.
Here is a link to our latest event schedule: https://enableability.org.uk/event/portsmouth-teenage-project-event-schedule-january-2026/
