An Easy Read version of the event information is available here.
Enable Ability is pleased to announce that its Co-production and Social Group has been awarded funding through Portsmouth City Council’s Easy Travel Access Fund, securing the future of the group until the end of the current financial year.
The funding will support a programme of regular social activities across Portsmouth, while also helping members build confidence using public transport to access different venues and opportunities throughout the city.
The group was originally established to provide adults with disabilities with a welcoming space to meet others, share ideas, and feel integrated into the community. Since launching, members have helped shape the direction of the group through their feedback and suggestions, resulting in a programme of informal social evenings held in venues across Portsmouth.
The newly-awarded funding will allow the group to explore a wider range of opportunities over the coming months. One of the key aims is to support members in becoming more confident using local bus services by travelling together to activities and venues across the city. By removing barriers associated with cost, confidence and unfamiliar journeys, the project aims to help participants develop practical travel skills that can support greater independence in everyday life.
As part of this next phase, members will also be invited to help decide how the funding should be used and what future activities should look like, the initial three meet-ups have been a great success but now we look forward to expand on the group’s existing modeal. Discussions will include venue choices, future events, accessibility considerations, and how public transport can become a more regular part of the group’s activities.
The next programme of events has now been confirmed. The first gathering takes place at the Still & West in Old Portsmouth on Monday 1 June from 7pm until 10pm.
Address: Still & West, Bath Square, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2JL
The second event takes place at The Old Customs House in Gunwharf Quays on Monday 15 June from 7pm until 10pm.
Address: The Old Customs House, Vernon Building, Gunwharf Quays, PO1 3TY
An additional co-production evening will be held at Enable Ability’s Landport Community Centre on Friday 19 June between 7pm and 9pm. This session will celebrate the funding being awarded to the group with pizzas and drink, plus provide an opportunity for members to discuss future plans for the group, including ideas for activities and travelling together by bus to venues across Portsmouth.
Address: Enable Ability, Landport Community Centre, Charles Street, Portsmouth, PO1 1JD
Anyone wishing to attend this session is asked to contact James directly to assist with catering arrangements.
July’s programme begins with a Bingo Night at Starbucks on Burrfields Road on Thursday 9 July between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. The event is organised as a fundraiser for Enable Ability and includes six games of bingo, prizes and a raffle.
Address: Starbucks Drive-Thru, Burrfields Road, Portsmouth, PO3 5NA
Tickets are optional for the group, priced at £10 each to take part in the bingo.
Book here
The programme continues on Wednesday 15 July with a social evening at The Vaults in Southsea from 7pm until 10pm.
Address: The Vaults, 41-47 Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2SF
All Enable Ability social evenings are free to attend (purchasing Bingo tickets is optional). Purchasing food or drinks is entirely optional and activities are scheduled later in the evening to provide flexibility for those who prefer to eat beforehand.
The group remains open to adults with disabilities, professionals who have supported the project, and others connected with the co-production work taking place through Enable Ability.
For further information about the group, future activities, or the Easy Travel Access Fund project and how to get involved, please contact James Donougher at coproduction@enableability.org.uk
The following photos show some of the activities organised by the charity since relaunching in April this year.
