House Talk Winter 2019

facebook.com/lovehousetalk
YOUR MAGAZINE FROM
house
FOR RESIDENTS
AND LEASEHOLDERS
talk
AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Win! ‘Especially
for you’, tickets
to see Jason
Donovan!
Page
8
Page
5
Warm yourself with
our delicious Cosy
Curry recipe!

Inside
this issue:
Community Connectors 6
Win Tickets to see Jason Donovan!!!! 8
Ask Pam 9
Money Talk 10 – 15
Switched On Portsmouth 16 – ​17
Resident Development Centre 18 – 20
Health Talk 22 – ​24
Horoscopes 29
WELCOME
Welcome to the autumn/winter bumper House
Talk! This issue our Warmer Homes Warriors
Babs Baskin and Sheila Frost have taken
over to keep you warm and toasty during the
colder season. There’s information on our new
Switched On Portsmouth scheme to help you
bust bothersome bills and keep your home cosy
this winter. There are top tips in Health Talk, and
financial updates in Money Talk. Pam tackles
truancy and your horoscopes will prepare you for
the coming months. From all of us here at House
Talk magazine, stay warm, stay safe and have a
fantastic Christmas, we’ll see you in the spring!
Contact us:
Resident Engagement Team:
Email: participation@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Civic Offices, Portsmouth PO1 2AL
Leaseholder services
Paulsgrove & Wecock Farm ......................................call 9283 4561
Buckland, Landport & Portsea ................................call 9283 4845
City South ...........................................................................call 9284 1486
Leigh Park .......................................................................... call 9284 1741
Area offices:
Buckland...............................................................................call 9260 6500
Somerstown.......................................................................call 9260 6300
Landport...............................................................................call 9260 6400
Leigh Park............................................................................call 9230 6900
Paulsgrove...........................................................................call 9260 6030
Portsea..................................................................................call 9260 6200
Wecock Farm.....................................................................call 9260 6100
Out of hours .....................................................................call 9282 4244
www.facebook.com/lovehousetalk
Make a cuppa count and
help those in need
Portsmouth’s Café in the Park, in Victoria Park,
has launched a new scheme ahead of the colder
weather coming in. You can buy a £2 voucher
which an outreach worker will give to someone
struggling with homelessness, substance misuse
or poverty. They can exchange it for a drink or
snack in the café. Whilst there they can access
advice and support, and chat to some of the
workers who have also experienced the same
challenges before they were given a chance to turn
things around. Such a small thing can make a big
difference to someone this winter.
You can get this Portsmouth City
Council information in large print,
Braille, audio or in another language
by calling 023 9268 8225.
House Talk is produced by Portsmouth
City Council. www.portsmouth.gov.uk
for Portsmouth
House Talk is printed on 100%
recycled paper using vegetable inks.
Please recycle this magazine when
you have finished with it.
How we use your information:
Search data protection at www.portsmouth.gov.uk
Advertisements: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the
accuracy of advertisements or sponsorship in this publication, Portsmouth
City Council cannot accept any liability for errors and omissions. We will
not accept any responsibility for claims made by advertisers and their
inclusion in House Talk, and this should not be taken as an endorsement
by Portsmouth City Council.
Competitions in House Talk are open only to residents who live in a
Portsmouth City Council property. They are not open to employees of
PCC. One entry per household.
2 house talk

BABS SAYS
STAY WARM
AND WELL
THIS WINTER!
‘D’ya know readers, I’ve often warned my friend
Sheila over the perils of not checking what you’re
entitled to support wise, but does she listen?!
She’s not called Shivering Sheila for nothing pet!
Winter can be seriously bad for our health, but
there are things we can do to keep ourselves
and our families well. We just have to be aware of
the help that’s available. Don’t shiver like Sheila
this winter, find out what you can do below to
keep your home terrifically toasty and your body
wondrously well!
Get a flu jab
Some people are eligible for a free flu jab, make
sure you get yours if you:
• are pregnant
• have a long-term condition like asthma,
diabetes or heart disease
• are over 65
• are a registered carer for someone
Children aged two to four can get a free nasal
spray vaccination from their GP. All primary
school children will be offered the nasal vaccine
at school.
Get help early
If you start to feel unwell, get advice from your
pharmacist (chemist) straight away. If you need
help and your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed
for the holidays, call the NHS on 111 or visit
www.nhs.uk to find one that’s open.
Sort out your tablets
Speak to your pharmacist about medicines
you should have at home. If you have a
prescription, don’t forget to pick it up before
the holidays, when many GPs and pharmacies
are closed. Follow instructions on medicines
and finish the course.
Stay warm
Unlike my friend Sheila, be sure to heat your
home to at least 18°C (65°F) if you can. You
might prefer your living room to be slightly
warmer. Several layers of thinner clothing are
warmer than one thick one. Have regular hot
meals and drinks.
Central heating grants may also be available if
you don’t have this in your property. See page 16
for more information on the help available.
At least one hot meal a day is a must. Personally
I love a hearty soup or curry, really warms the
insides! If you need help with hot meals you can
call Meals on Wheels on 023 9268 8390.
More info:
www.nhs.uk/staywell
house talk 3

Chatterbox pavillion
If you’ve gone past Guildhall Walk lately you might
have seen a new colourful seating area. This is
called the ChatterBox Pavilion and is a joint project
between the University of Portsmouth and
Portsmouth City Council. It’s part of a long-term
partnership to improve public spaces in the city and
this one is designed to celebrate the diversity of
Portsmouth. For more, search ‘Chatterbox’ on
www.portsmouth.gov.uk
Raising
money for
Help for
Heroes!
Congratulations to two of our scheme
managers Emma Hayter and Marie
Day and a team of residents who
organised a table top sale at
Ladywood House on the 3
September. They had a sale in their
community lounge selling a variety of
things donated by residents such as
clothes, ornaments and food. In total
they raised just over £300 for Help for
Heroes! Well done everyone!
4 house talk

RECIPE
Barbara’s
Incredibly Cosy
Christmas Curry!
Method
1. Chop 1 medium onion and set aside.
2. In a saucepan add 1 tbsp water and 2 tbsp of oil.
I don’t know about you readers, but I never know what to
do with the leftover food after Christmas, it’s Christmas
Fridge Tapas in my house boxing day, my Bert delights in a
slice of yule log, and a pickled onion with a just
brazil garnish.
Luckily I came up with my own special Chrimbo Curry
recipe, one to warm your cockles over the Winter season.
It’s the perfect way to use up leftover turkey and stay
warm and well. You can add whatever meat you like, but
just make sure it’s already been cooked beforehand. I tried
to get Sheila to give it a go, but she’d rather gnaw on an
old turkey bone, some people never listen.
Ingredients
• 1 medium onion
• 2 medium potatoes
• 5 tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Pre-Cooked Turkey leftovers
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 large cloves of garlic
• ½ tbsp. salt
• ½ tbsp. turmeric
• ½ tbsp. chilli powder
• ½ tbsp. coriander
3. Add 2 large cloves of garlic (chopped) into pan, cover on low heat and wait until the garlic turns golden.
4. Add onions and half tsp of salt, cook further on medium heat and stir occasionally until onions turn
golden brown.
5. On low heat, add half a tsp of turmeric, chilli powder and coriander powder. Adjust chilli to your preference.
6. Stir a few times on low heat and then add a cup of water.
7. Cook on medium heat with pan covered until sauce thickens a little.
8. Add 5 chopped tomatoes, a few green chillies (optional) stir and leave covered on medium heat.
9. Stir often until tomatoes have softened.
10. Add 2 medium potatoes (quartered). Cook further on low heat for a few minutes.
11. Add in your pre-cooked left over Turkey (or meat of choice) and stir. Now add enough water to cover the
ingredients.
12. Bring to the boil and then leave to cook for about 10/15 minutes or until potatoes have softened.
13. Add chopped coriander to garnish and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
Serve with fluffy boiled rice - perfect to warm the insides!
house talk 5

No one has to be lonely
Are you, or an adult you know, experiencing
loneliness but don’t have the confidence to get
involved in community activities? The
Community Connectors Service can help you to
take the first steps.
It’s a free service for anyone over 18 in
Portsmouth and is tailored to what you want to
achieve. Whether that’s re-starting a hobby you
used to enjoy, visiting a friend, attending a social
group or using public transport.
A friendly Community Connector will meet with
you to find out what you’d like support with and
what sort of things you like doing. They then
help you to build an action plan so that you can
achieve your goals.
Kevin, aged 44 from Southsea, used the Community
Connectors service to increase his confidence and
independence so he could be less reliant on his
parents. He wanted to be able to use the bus
independently, join a gym, increase his IT skills and go
along to some social events to meet new people.
Kevin was supported by his Community
Connector to practice bus travel so that he felt
able to do it alone, enrol on an IT course, register
and attend an induction at the John Pounds
Centre Gym and complete the Gig Buddies
application so that he would be able to attend
social events with someone.
We followed up with Kevin two years after using
the service to see how things had been since.
Kevin told us that his Community Connector really
helped him improve his confidence. He uses the
bus by himself, enjoys going to the gym several
times a week and goes on nights out with his Gig
Buddy where he gets to dance and meet new
people, which has grown his social circle. The IT
course he took means he now uses email and
social media with ease.
Kevin says, “I am very happy with all the support
and information that was provided to me by my
Community Connector. I’m much more
independent, I’m not reliant on my parents, my
OCD is better and I have a great social life. This has
made a big difference to my life, thank you.”
Could the Community Connectors service
help you?
Phone: 023 9284 1762
Email: communityconnectors@secure.
portsmouthcc.gov.uk
For more information search ‘community
connectors’ on www.portsmouth.gov.uk
6 house talk

Buckland
ADVENTURE
PLAYGROUND
STAMSHAW
ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
Somerstown
adventure playground
The cooler weather may be heading in, but there are
plenty of ways to warm up and enjoy yourself this
winter when you visit PYCPortsmouth.co.uk online!
You can search for free activities based on your
interests or around the area you live in. Whether its
cookery, football, kurling, arts and crafts, swimming, or
yoga, there’s something for everyone of any age and
ability to get involved in.
There are community groups, mobile library access
and clubs to join too!
View by the centre nearest to you, or find activities
across all our centres. From adventure playgrounds
to splash pools, dance studios, recording studio and
even a gym!
Young or old, there really is something for everyone.
Visit PYCportsmouth.co.uk and see what’s on offer
for you.
Meet the Resident
Engagement Team
Are you looking to learn new skills, improve your CV or
get into work?
The resident engagement team helps council tenants
and leaseholders on the path to work. If you’re looking for
work and would like some help get in touch!
We are based across the city within many locations
including area housing offices, community centres and
resident participation centre. We can help you with:
• college and training courses
• SIA licences
• CSCS licence and card
• photo ID
• travel expenses
• CVs
• work experience and much more
Email us at
housing.engagement@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Or call one of our resident engagement officers:
On island team
Kelly - 07507 890 521
Becky - 07770 868 958
Off island team
Trish - 07985 427 868
Gemma - 07984 150 491
Janine - 07958 522 294
house talk 7

Win tickets to see
Here’s a competition you don’t see
‘Everyday’ so make sure you RSVP
right away for your chance to win!
Thanks to those kind folks at the
Portsmouth Guildhall we have a pair
of tickets to see Jason Donovan live
on his ‘Even More Good Reasons
Tour’ on Saturday 24 October 2020!
Jason became a huge star as Scott
Robinson in the hit Australian series,
‘Neighbours’ in the late eighties.
Throughout 1988/89 he had several
hits and his album ‘Ten Good
Reasons’ was the best-selling album
of 1989. Since then, he has rarely
been away from stage or screen.
To be in with a chance of winning
simply tell us the answer to this
question:
What was the song played at Scott
and Charlene’s legendary wedding
in Neighbours?
Post your answers on the House Talk
facebook page at Facebook.com/
lovehousetalk
Closing date is 15 December 2019.
CRACKING CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS!
25 JAN 2020
26 jan 2020
1-2 feb 2020
adele TRIBUTE:
THE JOURNEY SO FAR
15 mar 2020
17 apr 2020
guildhall games fest
2-3 may 2020
susan boyle
king of pop
portsmouthguildhall.org.uk
portsmouth comic con
0844 847 2362
Calls cost 7p per min + your phone company’s access charge
8 house talk

Got something to Ask Pam?
Send your problem to: Ask Pam, Corporate
Communications, Portsmouth City Council,
Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth
PO1 2AL
My boy keeps bunking off
Dear Pam,
I’m worried about my 13 year old, I’m having real
trouble getting him to go to school in the
mornings. He used to be excited about going in
each morning to see his mates, but now he
comes up with lots of excuses about not feeling
well, feeling too tired, friends aren’t going in,
nothing important happening that day. It’s a
different reason every time and none of them
seem real. He’s been caught up the park by my
friend during school hours several times. I know
it’s a really important time for him to prepare for
his future but he doesn’t seem to care. How can I
stop him from bunking off?
Kelly, Leigh Park
Pam Says...
Kelly it’s a problem parents face during teenage
years my love. Spending quality time together may
encourage him to talk about his feelings. Chat
about how important school is, not just for lessons,
but for friendships, trips, clubs and the
opportunities school brings.
Inspire him to think about what he would like to be,
what might stop that from happening, any
difficulties, and how school can help him with his
goals. It’s a confusing time for teenagers, they
don’t always know what they want to be or do and
can feel incredibly lost. Importantly, the school will
want to help you so please work with them on his
attendance issues. Find out more here
www.gov.uk/attendance
Is he being bullied? Have you noticed anything
on his social media? If this is possible visit
www.anti-bullyingalliance.org and find advice
for parents and carers in the Tools and
Information section, you can also visit www.
portsmouth.gov.uk and search ‘anti-bullying’, then
choose the top result. Here you’ll find the Anti-
Bullying document which offers more support
and advice.
If he seems anxious or depressed it’s important he
talks to someone before it gets worse. NHS
Healthier Together has advice on discussing a
range of issues at www.what0-18.nhs.uk in the
‘Young People and Mental Health’ area.
Set a good example by being punctual for work
yourself. It delivers a strong message that it takes
effort and dedication to reach your goals. Book
holidays out of term time, and medical and dental
appointments outside school hours. If not
possible, ensure he attends school before and
after the appointment. Set the standard that
school is the priority.
Provide a good environment for study at home and
ensure he has time set aside for homework.
Very importantly, the school will want to help you so
please work with them on his attendance issues. Find
out more here www.portsmouth.gov.uk/attendance
Visit www.PYCPortsmouth.co.uk for free activities
you could enjoy together, or he could join a youth
club for support by
trained youth workers.
Kelly you have your
son’s best interests at
heart, I know with your
support you’ll get
things back on the right
track. Good luck with it
all my love.
Pam
MISS
SCHOOL
MISS
OUT
house talk 9

YOUR MONEY ADVICE SUPPLEMENT
talk
money
Annual Report
Where the
money goes
You may wonder how much rent and service charges
we collect, and what it gets spent on. If you do, then
here are the answers - all are what we expect to
happen in the year April 2019 to March 2020.
Collecting the rent and
charges
The biggest amount of money we have coming in is
from rents (£66.7m), followed by service charges from
tenants (£13.7m), followed by service charges from
leaseholders (£1.89m).
¸
0.2%
Resident engagement service (including help
with employment)
2. Special service charges paid by tenants in flats
and maisonettes. These cover things like:
¸
¸
Cleaning and lighting of shared areas
Grass cutting and gardening of shared green
spaces
3. Sheltered service charges paid by tenants in
sheltered flats. These cover the costs of things
like providing staff and alarm systems in sheltered
housing blocks.
4. Service charges paid by leaseholders (people
who have bought their flat or maisonette from us).
These cover things like:
¸ A share of the cost of major repairs to a block
¸ Cleaning and lighting of shared areas
¸ Grass cutting and gardening of shared green
spaces
Spending the money
1.2%
Rent
The ‘big ticket’ items that your rent and service
charges go on are:
Miscellaneous
¸ Repairs and maintenance - £24.5m
80%
Charges
¸ Major repairs and improvements - £21.9m
¸ General management - £16.2m
Government Grant
¸ Special management - £14.9m
¸ Debt and interest payments - £7.4m
What are service
charges?
9%
Confusingly, there are four different types of service
19%
charge:
26%
1. General service charges paid by all tenants. These
17%
cover things like:
¸ Estate services
29%
¸ Anti-social behaviour service
18.7%
10 money talk
Interest and Debt
repayment
Repairs and
Maintenance
General
Management
Major Repairs
Allowance
Special
Management

Rents and charges
We are consulting on the Rents and Fees we charge to
residents ahead of any proposals being approved by
the Cabinet Member for Housing at a public meeting
at 4:30pm on the 27 January 2020 in the Executive
Meeting Room at Portsmouth Guildhall.
Ahead of this our Housing team has already begun to
consult with residents on the proposed changes. We
have already met with residents groups at the Charles
Dickens activity centre and Somerstown Central
(The Hub) but we still want your feedback on these
proposed charges.
Tell us what you think
You can feed back your thoughts on rents and
charges by writing to us before the 20 December at
the address below or by emailing participation@
portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
You can also make an appointment to see us at the
Resident Participation Centre, 37 Sharps Road, West
Leigh, Havant, PO9 5QJ.
Alternatively our team will be at the Somerstown Hub
at 6pm on 5 December and 9 January 2020 for you to
speak to us before the decision meeting.
Dwelling Rents
For the past four years your rents have been reducing
by 1% per year, this current year is the last year the
Council have to reduce rents. The council now has
the option to increase rents by a maximum of 2.7%
from April 2020” not April 2019 “this would add around
£2.22 per week to an average rent or an additional
£115 per year.
General Service Charges
The service charge is separate from your rent and
covers the cost of providing the following services:
¸ The anti-social behaviour unit
¸ Resident engagement service
¸ Money advice
¸ Estate services
¸ Youth and Play services
¸ Out of hours service
¸ Communal lighting
¸ Cleaning services
¸ Grounds maintenance
The charges are lower if you live in a house or
bungalow because you do not receive services like
communal lighting, gardening and cleaning.
The Council are proposing that the charges applied
for next year are:
¸ £6.30 per week for houses and bungalows, an
increase of 14p per week)
¸ £15.26 per week for Flats, bedsits and maisonettes,
an increase of 28p per week.
money talk 11

YOUR MONEY ADVICE SUPPLEMENT
talk
money
Sheltered Housing
Charges
These charges are only paid by tenants in our
sheltered housing schemes, and only cover the
specific costs of shared facilities in these schemes
such as:
¸ Scheme manager and support assistant teams
(where applicable)
¸ The pull chord system in the properties
¸ Communal facilities
In order for sheltered housing tenants to continue to
cover the costs of the service provided the proposed
charges are as follows:
¸ £15.54 per week for tenants in Category 1
schemes, an increase of 56p per week.
¸ £49.14 per week for tenants in Category 2
schemes, an increase of £1.96 per week.
¸ £86.38 per week for tenants in category 2.5
schemes, an increase of £3.22 per week.
Laundry charges
We have laundry facilities in our sheltered schemes
and some of our tower blocks. The charges are set to
cover what it costs the Council to provide the service.
The Council intends to also freeze for next year.
¸ £2.00 for a wash token
¸ £1.50 for a dry token
Garage rents and
parking spaces
We have involved residents in the past to agree the
charging principle for garages and parking spaces and
we are proposing to continue to charge a commercial
rate for non-tenants whilst offering lower charges for
our tenants and leaseholders who use the spaces.
For 2020-21 the tenant / leaseholder rates are
proposed as:
Lowest
Weekly Rates
(Local Tenants)
Garages £11.49 £28.49
Parking spaces £2.11 £19.27
This year the charges are currently set at:
Lowest
Weekly Rates
(Local Tenants)
Garages £11.30 £27.13
Parking spaces £2.07 £18.35
Highest
Weekly Rates
(Non-tenants)
Highest
Weekly Rates
(Non-tenants)
The majority of the charges paid by tenants and
leaseholders have increased by inflation; charges for
non-tenants have increased by 5%, this is to reflect
the higher demand for spaces in inner city areas.
Heating charges
We currently have 15 blocks in Portsmouth that we
provide heating for, the cost of providing the heating
is re-charged to the tenants on a block by block basis.
Since April 2013 we have recovered the full cost of
providing this service to ensure that any cost is not
met by pooled rents.
Next year, due to ‘forward buying’ our utilities, the
proposal to keep heating costs at the same level as
they are currently.
Your views count
We really do want your feedback and input on the
proposed rents and charges so be sure to get in
touch with us using the addresses and meetings
listed in this article.
12 money talk

Universal Credit
one year on
Universal Credit (UC) was introduced in Portsmouth
and Havant a year ago and we now have over 1600
tenants receiving help towards their living and housing
costs via UC.
Our housing officers and money advisers have aimed
to make the change over as easy as possible and we
have learnt a lot over the last year. We are able to offer
advice and support to anybody thinking about making
a claim or already receiving the benefit.
Thinking of making a claim or need advice about UC or
other benefits?
Contact your housing officer at your local area office,
they’ll be happy to help!
The Flexible Support Fund
If you are receiving support into employment from Job
Centre Plus and a little help financially for something
like a training course, buying a suit, or affording travel
costs would help you into work - ask your work coach
if they can help.
The Flexible Support Fund (FSF) is a sum of money
that has been put aside by the government to help
with the costs of getting a job. It is managed by local
job centres and gives them more freedom to offer
support. Not everybody is eligible ( e.g. if you’re already
getting help from the Work Programme or Work
Choice, your request may not be agreed) but if you
think you could benefit it’s worth asking.
Volunteering and
claiming benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has
published new guidance on volunteering and claiming
benefits. The guidance helps claimants to make
informed decisions on volunteering and explains:
¸
¸
¸
¸
how many hours you can volunteer
what happens if you get a health or disability
benefit
what expenses you can claim
Visit www.gov.uk and search for ‘volunteering and
benefits’ to learn more.
Your views wanted on
repairs and maintenance!
We want to hear your thought on our repairs and
maintenance service. It’s an opportunity to have input
to improve the service we provide. Topics over the
next 12 months include:
¸
¸
¸
¸
¸
¸
Contractor performance
Repairs contact and communication
Repairs policies
Fire safety and asbestos information
Planned programmes
Budget priorities
Share your views by email, surveys, attend meetings,
or meet with us as an individual or group.
Get in touch!
Contact Heidi at Heidi.golder@portsmouthcc.gov.
uk or call 023 9268 8225
money talk 13

YOUR MONEY ADVICE SUPPLEMENT
talk
money
Have you written a will
yet? It’s important
Our housing officers often deal with the ending of
tenancies after people have passed away. When there
is no will in place it is much harder for family or friends
to sort everything out. It can take a lot longer and it
can be distressing at what is already a difficult time.
What happens if you don’t
leave a will?
Should you pass away without leaving a will, the law
decides who gets anything you’ve left behind, and how
much. It doesn’t matter what your relationship with
those people was like when you were alive. This can
mean that your money, property and possessions pass
to someone you hadn’t intended – or that someone
you want to pass things on to ends up with nothing.
¸
¸
¸
If you’re not married and not in a civil partnership,
your partner is not legally entitled to anything when
you die.
If you’re married, your husband or wife might
inherit most or all of your estate and your children
might not get anything. This is true even if you are
separated, but not if you’re divorced.
If you die with no living close relatives, your whole
estate will belong to the Crown or to the government.
Recently one of our tenants died suddenly. There was
no will and the whole estate automatically went to a
brother, even though they had not been in contact in
over 40 years. We knew that the tenant would have
wanted his belongings to have passed to the children
he thought of as his own and whom he had raised since
they were small. However as he had left no will they
received nothing.
If you are a council tenant and you do not have a will
and haven’t named an executor this makes it more
difficult for your tenancy to be ended.
Rent may continue to be charged while we work out
who should be making the decisions around what
happens to your tenancy and belongings. Any rent
owed can be claimed from any money left in the
estate - money which otherwise may have gone to
loved ones or to a nominated charity.
Our officers have often known our tenants for a long
time and are always much happier knowing that their
final wishes are respected. In making a will you can
tell people what you want to happen and detail who
should be dealing with everything on your behalf.
How to make a will
Wills must be written in a certain way and signed and
witnessed by particular people to be legally valid.
There is plenty of advice online, for example, on the
AgeUK or IMA websites. If you are not able to access
the internet you can visit AgeUK or the Citizens
Advice Bureau for further advice.
At certain times in the year solicitors volunteer will
writing services for free but may ask that a donation is
made to charity.
Free Wills Month
Free Wills Month takes place every March and
October and lets those aged 55+ get a solicitordrafted
will for free – though it is hoped you’ll leave
something to charity. More information can be found
at www.freewillsmonth.org.uk
Will Aid
Will Aid runs every November, nine charities and 900
solicitors team up to provide basic wills to anyone,
regardless of age, for a charitable donation. More
information can be found at www.willaid.org.uk
14 money talk

Money Talk
Christmas Tips
A typical family is expected to spend £719 on
Christmas 2019, yet many struggle to pay it
from December’s pay packet alone and end up
borrowing. Here are some money saving tips to help
you survive the festive period without ending up
with a financial headache:
1. Plan ahead. Work out how much you can realistically
afford before you start. The worst way to do your
Christmas shopping is at the last minute, in a panic
with a handful of credit and store cards.
2. Save. If you can afford to, set a little aside each
week/month for Christmas and save it in an
interest bearing account.
3. Set a limit on how much you are going to spend
on each person and stick to it. Don’t leave it until
the last minute when you’ll be panicked into buying
things you can’t afford and the person probably
doesn’t want.
4. Make a “No Unnecessary Present Pact”
Christmas is an expensive time for everyone.
Make a No Unnecessary Present Pact (NUPP) with
friends, or agree to a Secret Santa or £5 to £10
cap on gifts, or just enjoy a family meal, raise a
glass and focus on a financially good New Year.
5. Try shopping with cash only – that way you
can’t spend more than your budget. If you can
afford to pay for your goods outright, don’t be
persuaded to take out credit unless it really does
work out cheaper.
6. If you do need more money, don’t just run up
an overdraft without talking to your bank – this
will be much more expensive than if you arrange
it beforehand.
7. If you are using credit – shop around for the best
deal, and check that the monthly instalments and
the total charges are within your budget before
signing on the dotted line. Look out for “interest
free” deals, but check the time limit on repayment.
You may find that you cannot repay it in time and
the interest is too high.
8. Shop around – you may find it cheaper elsewhere.
9. Gift cards - four key things to be aware of:
¸
¸
¸
¸
Sometimes retailers go bust. A host of big
name retailers have gone into administration in
recent years. When this happens, they usually
stop accepting cards altogether and there’s
very little you can do about it.
Gift cards have expiry dates. Most gift cards
must be redeemed within a certain period of
time, so the recipient needs to spend them
before time runs out.
Beware of admin fees. Some companies will
begin reducing your balance if you don’t use
the card within a certain timeframe.
They could forget or lose them. Often
people forget to use them, lose them or
accidentally run them through the wash.
10. Finally, if you do run into debt problems, don’t
ignore them and hope they’ll go away –
they won’t. Get advice as
early as possible. Your
housing officer can
be contacted for
assistance if you
would like money
advice regarding
debt problems.
Bag
a bargain
Shop around online
using price comparison
sites to find the best deal,
you can save a fortune
by comparing prices!
money talk 15

GET SWITCHED ON!
GET SWITCHED ON!
This month we launch Switched On Portsmouth, our
new website which can help you save money whilst
saving energy.
As the winter months get closer, days get shorter
and the weather gets colder, making sure your
home stays warm can often be costly with
expensive energy bills. We’re here to help.
WHAT CAN YOU GET?
Eligible residents can benefit from:
• free central heating systems and boiler
replacement
• expert energy efficiency advice
• switching to a cheaper energy tariff
• home visits for even more ways to save money
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?
Thousands of people are eligible for help on the
Switched On Portsmouth website. Whether you are
a private tenant, homeowner, landlord or in social
housing, there is a wide range of help available.
You can apply for a free central heating system if:
• you receive any means tested benefit; or
• you have long-term health issues or receive any
health or disability benefit; or
• you are on a low household income (less than
£35,000 a year)
HOW WE HELPED CYNTHIA
Cynthia, a vulnerable Portsmouth resident,
was living by herself on a low income.
After she got in touch we were able to book
in a home visit by a friendly expert who
handled everything.
As a result, Cynthia was given:
• Free gas central heating
• Free low energy LED lighting
• Free energy efficiency advice
• Free loft insulation
• A more cost-effective energy tariff
• Income and benefits
“I’m so happy with my new heating system, the installers have worked miracles. I can’t tell
you enough how brilliant the whole process was, they were lovely people. I’d give the scheme
15 out of 10” - Cynthia.
In total Cynthia received £4,200 worth of home energy improvements which deliver her an
annual saving of £3,740 including increased income.
Make sure you stay Switched On, don’t struggle to keep your home warm this winter.
VISIT WWW.SWITCHEDONPORTSMOUTH.COM TO START SAVING ENERGY AND MONEY
16 house talk

1
ACROSS
5 6
4. Types of lightbulb
that are more efficient
than the older halogen
types.
5. Measured in degrees,
this measures how hot
or cold something or
somewhere is.
7. When you’re shivering
and it’s freezing outside,
you might feel...
ENERGY CROSSWORD
Bright enough to complete our crossword?
8
8. A form of energy, used
to heat water in your
boiler and may be used
to heat your cooker.
10. You might find this
in your kitchen and it
heats your house using
hot water.
2
10
3
4
7
9
DOWN
1. Found in
homes and
normally in each
room. They
keep your house
warm.
2. You turn it up
if it’s too cold or
down if it’s too
hot.
3. A form of
energy, used to
power your TV,
fridge-freezer,
microwave or
hairdryer.
6. Exists in many
forms and can
be transferred
from one form
into another.
9. When the
heating is on
and you’re cosy
at home, you
feel nice and...
Have a less
wasteful Christmas
Over the festive period we collect about 10% more
waste than at other times of the year. A lot of it could
be recycled.
Put out with your recycling:
MERRY XMAS
CHRISTMAS CARDS
CARDBOARD BOXES
FROM PACKAGING
(POSTAL, TOYS, GIFTS, FOOD, DRINKS)
FOOD AND DRINKS CANS
PLASTIC BOTTLES
EMPTY AEROSOLS
Put out with your bins:
GIFT WRAP – ​ A LOT OF IT CONTAINS
PLASTIC AND CAN’T BE RECYCLED
Take to a recycling bank:
GLASS BOTTLES
CARTONS
Christmas trees:
TEXTILES
Real trees should be cut up and put in your garden
waste bin, or taken to the Port Solent recycling centre
for composting. Trees under six feet tall can be put
out with your rubbish for two weeks after Christmas.
Real trees can also be recycled at the Waterfront
Garden Centre on Avenue de Caen between
2 January and 19 January.
house talk 17

Another Successful
Year Supporting Our
Residents in Leigh Park
Leigh Park’s Resident Participation Centre has
had another bumper year with the centre
attracting new visitors to take part in crafts,
knitting, gardening, one pot and job clubs and
many more activities. We are fortunate to share a
picture of a four generation family that actively
use our centre and look forward to engaging in
the wonderful activities 2020 has to offer!
We are always arranging new and interesting
activities for our customers, and encourage you
to take an active part in the range that we offer!
In September the centre celebrated five
wonderful years since we opened its doors by
hosting an open day to the Leigh Park and West
Leigh community. The day consisted of many
activities such as knitting, crafts, gardening, one
pot cooking and a raffle. We were delighted that
the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and our
prestigious guests were able to join us and enjoy
this special day with the residents. There’s so
much to get involved with at the centre. If you’re
in the Leigh Park area please do come along and
get involved.
YARN OVER COFFEE/
STITCH UP
Come and join our group and meet new friends
and learn some new skills. The group have
made some wonderful pieces including the
bunting for our five years celebration day.
Our four generation family love our Yarn
Over Stitch Up group.
Join us and enjoy a relaxed
atmosphere with friendly members
and enjoy the wonderful activities
the centre has to offer in 2020!
Upcoming dates include:
18 December - 10am-1pm
8 January - 10am-1pm
18 house talk

Beat the winter blues
with Crafts and cooking
at the Leigh Park resident
participation centre
DE-STRESS WITH
DRAWING
Got some time on your hands and want to get
creative? We’ve got just what you need - try one
of our drawing and colouring in sessions for
grown ups!
It’s a great way to de-stress and beat the winter
blues, and is suitable for everyone.
There are sessions on:
• 16 December
• 6 January
• 13 January
All sessions are from 10.30am to 12pm.
One Pot cooking
14 January 10.30am-12pm & 12.30pm-2pm
28 January 10.30am-12pm
Bingo
23 January 10.00am-12.00pm
30 January 10am-12pm
Home-made heat bags
Please note that dates can be subject to change.
Come along to the centre to have a go at crafting
your very own heat bag - that keep the winter
chill at bay! All materials will be provided, but
don’t forget to book your slot!
Christmas Opening Times
The centre will be closed from Friday 20 December until Monday 6 January 2020.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and look forward to
seeing you all in the New Year.
house talk 19

interested
in a career in
construction?
The last few months have been busy for the
Resident Engagement Service in Leigh Park.
We have supported several people back into
employment in industries such as care work
and security.
One of our most sought after courses is a
CSCS card. It’s an important qualification in the
construction industry. It proves you have the skills
needed to work in the trade. It also shows that
you are equipped with basic health and safety
knowledge in order to safely and efficiently work
on site.
Interested in getting into construction work?
We offer a one day course which runs once a month
(DVD practice required) or a two week course which
covers all aspects needed to gain your CSCS.
Both courses take place in Cosham.
The next two week course starts on 2 December
until 13 December.
There will be more arranged in the new year.
Interested?
Get in touch with us at housing.engagement@
portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Resident
Consortium
The meetings are held on the first Thursday of
the month 6-8pm at The Hub in Portsmouth for
all Portsmouth City Council residents to attend.
The Consortium provides an open discussion
and consultation on a variety of topics between
residents and Portsmouth City Council such as:
• Rents/charges
• Cleaning
• Anti-social behaviour
• Contractors
The first meeting in the new year is
9 January 2020.
All meetings are held at the Somerstown
Community Hub, River’s Street, Southsea
PO5 4EY at 6-8pm
For more information call Caroline White on
023 9243 7945 or 07904 632726
Or email: caroline.white@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
IT SUITE
Did you know the Resident Participation Centre
has an IT Suite which is free for anyone to use
for Job Search?
There is no time limit for the use of these
computers, so why not pop along to the centre
and use the great IT facilities, and also find out
what else the centre has to offer!
These computers are usually free, but on
occasions they may be booked out for a class
or training.
To book an appointment call Becky on
023 9230 6984 or 07770 86895
20 house talk

HOW TO FIND US
Leigh Park Resident Participation Centre
37 Sharps Road
West Leigh
PO9 5QJ
Public transport
Stagecoach Bus route 20/21 Exton Road bus
stop. Step off the bus and Sharps Road is the
next road up.
Sharps Road
Tunworth Ct
© Crown Copyright, Portsmouth CC, Lic.No:10001967 1
Stanford Ct
Sharps Road
Ashe Rd
Sharps
Froyle Ct
Road
Minley Ct
Wakefords Way
Exton Rd
Bartons Rd
Twirling across
the world!
Wakefords Way
Jessica from Leigh Park has 16 years
experience in baton twirling and has travelled
around the world representing England since
the age of 13, winning gold and bronze
medals! She decided to use her judging and
coaching skills to give back to the sport and
start her own team.
Jessica said: “Our aim is to promote baton
twirling within the area, which has a lot of
dance and football clubs. We’re encouraging
children of all ages to come along and try it
out! I started a baton twirling team in
Cowplain called Twirl-Versity, but needed
financial support for new equipment. I was
told about the Resident Engagement
Service by a friend who had received help
from them.”
“I contacted Heidi and we met, which was so
helpful, I explained that we have four young
athletes having their first experience
representing us in the England squad, competing
in the International Cup in France. We would
need equipment such as pom poms. If there was
anything that Heidi could do to support, it would
be very much appreciated. Heidi was able to
purchase the team 10 pairs of pom poms, which
is a great start to our team, helping us build a
future and taking the group forward. I would
definitely recommend this service!”
Twirl-Versity is always open to welcoming new
members from the age of three upwards.
Have a child that would like to give baton
twirling a try?
Contact Jessica on twirl.versity@gmail.com
house talk 21

health
talk
ONE MORE WON’t hurt
It’s easy to end up drinking more alcohol than
we should. Whether it’s a few drinks at the end
of a stressful day, a couple out with friends,
or one or two to celebrate a special occasion,
there can often feel like a lot of reasons to
have a drink. But drinking too much is bad for
our health and can also affect other things like
relationships, family, work and money.
There are free services in Portsmouth that can
help you reduce how much you drink:
• CAST (Community Alcohol Support Team) -
CAST@ssj.org.uk or call 023 9229 4573
• The Family Support Project (confidential
support for families with a problem drinker) -
family.support@ssj.org.uk or call 0800 138
0355 or you can text 07854 563004
For more on these services, search ‘alcohol’ on
www.portsmouth.gov.uk
For more about Alcohol Awareness Week visit
www.alcoholchange.org.uk
Every Mind Matters
What do you do to look after your mental health?
For most of us it’s probably not a lot and if our
mental health is suffering we’re far less likely
to get help than if we’d broken an arm or were
having chest pains. This needs to change.
QUIT SMOKING!
Well done to those who signed up for Stoptober
- the 28 day stop smoking challenge in October.
You’re five times more likely to quit for good if you
can go a month smoke-free! Don’t worry if you
missed it though as you can get free support all
year round with the Wellbeing Service, and it’s been
proven that you’re more likely to successfully quit
with support than going cold turkey.
Staff at council-run local community centres
have also now been trained to help you access
stop smoking support and can advise you on the
options available so that you can find the right
one for you. Why not make it your goal to be
smoke-free in 2020?
Contact the Wellbeing Service on: wellbeing@
portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 023 9229 4001.
A new campaign has launched called Every
Mind Matters. It encourages adults to be more
aware of their mental health and helps them
to discover simple steps to look after their
mental health and wellbeing. The website
includes a free NHS-approved online tool,
which can help you build an action plan to
deal with stress and anxiety, boost your mood,
improve your sleep and help you feel more in
control. Search ‘Every Mind Matters’ online.
There are also two new leaflets available with
tips about looking after your own mental health
or helping someone else who is struggling.
Find them on our website by visiting
www.portsmouth.gov.uk and searching
‘mental health’
If you’ve experienced a mental health problem
and would like to get involved in helping others
understand more about it, there’s now funding
available to run events. Search ‘Champions
Fund application’ on Time-to-change.org.uk.
22 health talk

Help to
understand a
health condition
If you’ve got a health condition there can be
lots of information available on it but some of
it can be hard to understand, or it can all say
different things, which makes it confusing!
Portsmouth libraries now offer a free service
called the Information for Health Enquiry
Service. Through this they’ll recommend
books and websites that provide up-to-date,
accurate information that can help you
understand and manage your condition.
For more, contact Pat on 023 9268 8259 or
Jacqueline on 023 9268 8049, or email
informationforhealth@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Sexual
health panel
Would you like to help shape sexual health
services and campaigns in Portsmouth? If you’re
over 18 then join the sexual health panel so that
you can be invited to take part in surveys and
small group discussions - called focus groups. If
you take part in a focus group we’ll give you a £20
shopping voucher as a thank you for your time.
To sign up, complete the short survey here:
www.research.net/r/sexualhealthpanel
health
Reducing HIV
and Aids
It’s World Aids Day on Sunday 1 December.
talk
NHTW aims to promote regular HIV testing for
those people in high risk groups and to reduce
the numbers of undiagnosed people and those
diagnosed late.
World Aids Day is an opportunity for people
worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to
show support for people living with HIV, and to
commemorate those who have died from an
AIDS-related illness. John Pounds Church in
Old Portsmouth will be hosting a World Aids
Day service, led by the Community Parish of the
Holy Angels, at 7.30pm on Sunday 1 December.
There will be an opportunity for people to
remember someone by lighting a candle.
These are some keys things to know about HIV:
• To reduce your risk of getting HIV always use
a condom when you have any type of sex and
don’t share needles, syringes or other types
of injecting equipment. If you’re having a
tattoo or piercing, it’s important that a clean,
sterilised needle is always used.
• HIV can’t be cured but there is medication
available to help you live a normal life and
to reduce your risk of infecting others. Your
GP or the sexual health service at St Mary’s
Hospital can prescribe this.
• If you’re at higher risk of getting HIV, for example
your partner has it, then you may be able to take
medication to reduce your risk of getting the
virus. You can access this through the sexual
health service.
• If you’re pregnant you’ll be offered a screening
for HIV early on and there are things that can
be done to reduce the risk of passing HIV on
to your baby.
For more information visit www.nhs.net and
search ‘HIV’. If you think you’ve put yourself
at risk of catching HIV you can request a free
testing kit from www.freetesting.hiv.
health talk
23

health
talk
COPING WITH
YOUR BABY CRYING
A baby’s cry can be upsetting and frustrating but it is normal and it will stop.
Babies may start to cry more at about 2 - 5 weeks of age, hitting a peak at 6 to 8 weeks. Every baby is
different, but after about 8 weeks, babies start to cry less and less each week.
There’s a new programme called ICON to help parents cope with a baby crying. It stands for:
Infant crying is normal
and it will stop
Comfort methods can
sometimes soothe the baby
and the crying will stop
It is OK to walk away if
you have checked the baby
is safe and the crying is
getting to you
Never ever shake or hurt
a baby
Find out more at www.iconcope.org or contact your
health visitor for support on 0300 123 6629
24 health talk

house talk 25

SMOKE
ALARMS
SAVE LIVES
In the rare event of a fire, smoke alarms will wake
you up, give you essential early warning and
time to escape, but only if they are fitted and
working correctly.
They give you vital time to ‘get out, stay out and
call 999’ if ever you’re unlucky enough to have a
fire.
It’s crucial that you test them regularly. We advise
once a week
Looking after your smoke alarm
• Once a week - carry out test. Press the button
until the alarm sounds
• Once a year - change the battery (unless it’s a
long life alarm or hard wired alarm) - use family
birthdays, or a special occasion, to remind you
to change it
If you don’t have a hard wired smoke alarm/fire
detector tell your local housing office.
Sealed detector units will have an expiry date on
and will need to be replaced entirely. If you have
trouble fitting or testing your smoke alarm - ask a
friend, family member, neighbour or carer to test it
for you.
Bleeping smoke alarms
If your smoke alarm is making an intermittent
bleeping/chirping noise, please:
• check your smoke alarm is definitely the source
of the sound, and it isn’t coming from another
alarm (smoke/carbon monoxide/gas/burglar
alarm) by process of elimination.
• test the alarm by pressing the ‘test’ button
• change the battery.
If it persists call your local housing office to report
the repair.
Always allow us access to carry out routine gas
and electricity maintenance.
A regular service will ensure your safety is not
compromised.
We’ll be checking your boiler
is running safely
By law all landlords must carry out annual gas safety
checks on the gas appliances in your home using a
registered Gas Safe Engineer to ensure the boiler is
running safely and efficiently.
We need to do this to meet legal requirements, and
also ensure that our gas appliances are safe for you
to use.
We will:
• Check the boiler, and a gas fire if you have one.
• Carry out a visual check on the appliances that
are not owned by us, such as the gas cooker.
• Test the smoke alarm in your home, and if you do
not have one, we can arrange for one to be fitted
for you.
Liberty Gas is our registered Gas Safe Engineer.
Liberty will contact you in advance to tell you that
the gas safety check is due, and offer you
appointment times.
Always allow us to carry out the routine gas safety
checks and maintenance, it’s important. We
appreciate your support in allowing us in to carry
them out. A regular service will ensure safety for you
and your family.
You SMoke?
Safety Tips
Smoking is not only bad for your health, but also
a risk to the safety in your home. If you haven’t
given up yet and have to have a cigarette then
please:
• never leave cigarettes without stubbing them
out, even for just a second
• always run butts under the tap to ensure all
embers are put out
• never put cigarette butts down the bin shoot
• never leave matches or lighters lying around,
especially if you have children around. Place them
somewhere safe out of reach or locked away.
26 house talk

APPLY FOR SCHOOL PLACES ONLINE
Get your kids off to the best start possible by
applying for school places online - BEFORE
the deadline!
If your child was born between 1 September 2015
and 31 August 2016, you should be applying for
their first school place.
Parents of children in Year 2 should be applying
for a place at junior school and parents of children
in year 6 for secondary.
Apply online:
• Transferring to junior school applications are open
from Monday 9 September 2019 to Wednesday 15
January 2020.
• Starting school applications will be open from
Monday 4 November 2019 to 15 January 2020.
You can find out more about how applications for
school places work by visiting www.portsmouth.
gov.uk/schooladmissions emailing admissions@
portsmouthcc.gov.uk or by calling 023 9268 8008.
The cut-off date for applying for a place at secondary
school was 31 October 2019. If you missed the
deadline, call 023 9268 8008.
School places will be offered to those who applied
online to start school and transfer to junior school
on Thursday 16 April 2020 (those who made
paper applications will have an offer letter sent
out on this day; offers cannot be communicated
over the phone).
If you applied for a secondary school place online
before the deadline, you’ll receive an offer on Monday
2 March 2020 (those who made paper applications
will have an offer letter sent out on this day; offers
cannot be communicated over the phone).
PCC Kennels wins
Gold Award for
fourth year
running!
Recently we won the Gold Award for the fourth
year running in the RSPCA Pawprints Awards 2019
for Stray Dog Services! The Kennels team will be
heading to London in November to receive the
award from the RSPCA.
The service is based at Great Salterns Farm,
Burrfields Road and is there to receive and care
for stray dogs until they can be reunited with their
owner. The majority of dogs are successfully
reunited, but for the few whose owners cannot be
located, rehoming is the next option.
We work closely with organisations that
specialise in rehoming, and have a good success
rate with finding forever homes.
Can you offer a dog a loving forever home?
If you are able to have pets in your
accommodation and think you could offer a
dog a safe and loving forever home email: dog.
kennels@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or leave a
message on the re-homing line 023 9268 8091.
house talk 27

Pop along to the Somerstown Pop-Up-Gym!
It’s essential to exercise and take part in activity that is
fun and suits your lifestyle, it maintains good levels of
physical fitness and mental wellbeing.
A gym environment can seem a little overwhelming, so
Pop-Up-Gym (PUG) provides a space to work out in a
quieter, relaxed atmosphere. Our local PUG is based in
the Somerstown Community Centre and features a
range of equipment to help get you fit and healthy,
including:
• free weights
• yoga mats
• a boxing bag
• vibrating plate
• slam bags
• resistance bands and more!
Sabrina, the instructor, is very welcoming and offers
inductions and guided sessions on a one-to-one
basis, or sometimes in pairs and small groups. The
PUG is available for a bargain price of only £2 per hour!
Come along and join in, it’s available:
• Mondays from 9.30 until 3.30pm
• Wednesdays from 9.30 until 1.30pm (with Sabrina
running a friendly women’s group for the first hour).
If there is further interest for it to open Fridays too it’s
possible it may be extended. Ask at reception about
other possible opening times, depending on
availability.
Interested?
Call: 023 9282 3895 or visit
www.PYCPortsmouth.co.uk
WIN! Gym essentials
courtesy of Mana!
Established in 2018, Mana Collection was founded
by three friends who share a passion for training
and all things fitness. Keen to share their love of
training with like-minded people, they produced a
range of training accessories specifically designed
to enhance your performance.
From fitness first-timers to advanced athletes, the
range is designed to cater for all skill levels. From
Thumbloop-less Wrist Wraps to Orange-scented
Liquid Chalk (say what?!) each product is optimally
designed to help you get the most from your training.
The word ‘Mana’ descends from Maori culture, which
believes it’s a supernatural power that each being has.
Mana Collection exists to help you find and harness
your Mana to help you in your fitness journey!
Simply answer the following question to be in with
a chance to win their essential collection of
bespoke gym accessories, courtesy of the guys
at Mana Collection:
What does the term ‘Mana’ mean?
A: supernatural power
B: a male nanny
C: being polite
Post your answer on our wall at Facebook.com/
LoveHouseTalk by 5pm on Friday 20 December
2019 to be in with a chance of winning.
Exclusive House Talk readers offer!
Check out the Mana collection on www.
manacollection.co.uk for more information, use
code HOUSETALK2019 to save a massive 20% on
your purchase!
28 house talk

Getting
relationships
back on track is
key to a positive
future
There are times in life when we all encounter some
form of conflict or dispute, often within our family,
sometimes at work, or with neighbours and friends
Difficult situations can arise at any time, for example,
drivers know how unsettling ‘road rage’ can be. Thank
goodness motorists end up driving off never to see
each other again!
When problems occur at work or within our
neighbourhood and we end up having to return to the
situation every day it’s very difficult. Conflict and
anger are a natural part of being human; the challenge
is to accept it’s natural and to seek to fix it, restore
relationships and move forwards.
At Portsmouth Mediation Service (PMS) we know an
unresolved problem will almost certainly go from bad
to worse. We know of family and neighbourhood
feuds that have been going on for years and no one
even remembers how or why they started!
We want Portsmouth to become known as a Restorative
City, and giving people and communities a restorative
‘tool kit’ that can help repair broken relationships and
prevent difficult situations from escalating.
As a Portsmouth City Council tenant any
neighbourhood issues and problems can be referred
to us through your housing officer.
Have a difficult situation you think we could
help with?
Speak to your housing officer, or visit our website at
portsmouthmediationservice.org.uk
Free advice
and support
service for
young people
Bridgeway is a new young people’s support
service based at St Luke’s Church in
Greetham street.
It’s aimed at those aged 14-22 who are
struggling with a problem or issue and need
help or advice.
Issues could include emotional wellbeing,
substance use, sexual health or maintaining a
healthy lifestyle. They can offer someone to
talk to as part of a confidential listening, advice
and support service.
Bridgeway is open on Mondays, Wednesdays,
Thursdays and Saturdays from 1-5pm.
Email
bryan.bridgeway@stlukessouthsea.church
or call 07442 796924 for more information.
Check your tumble
dryer is safe
Zurich is supporting a product recall guidance
that covers tumble dryers manufactured under
the Whirlpool brands of Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda,
Swan and Proline that were made between 2004
and 2015.
It’s estimated by the government that the fault
with affected tumble dryers have caused up to
750 fires in the last 11 years. If you are
concerned that you own such a dryer please:
Go to the Whirlpool page and check your model
of tumble dryer
Call 0800 151 0905 to check whether the
tumble dryer needs to be replaced
Follow the safety checklist which also includes
a link to all the affected makes and models
¸
If your tumble dryer is affected, unplug the
machine and contact Whirlpool on 0800
151 0905 to arrange a free replacement
house talk 29

Our distributors are contracted to
WIN!
deliver flagship between 25 and 31
May. Depending on where you live,
some events may have taken place
before you receive your copy.
However, events for this period were
included in the last edition of the
magazine. Details correct at time of
going to press. Check before travelling.
An authentic
taste of
India
Paanchi is an authentic Indian restaurant focused on the experience of
true Indian home cooking and the delicious street food the country is
known for. Creating a menu inspired by food vendors from the streets
of India, and blending tradition with modern tastes and sustainable
ethics, their mission is to raise the Indian dining experience.
Paanchi produce mouth-watering Indian food delivered piping hot
to your door. They endeavour to maintain the original style of Indian
cooking, creating authentic dishes for you to indulge and delight in.
Even better, Paanchi is available for takeaway and delivery throughout
Portsmouth at www.paanchi.co.uk/menu or call on 023 9282 4720 to
try something a little different.
Offer
As part of their 2nd year anniversary Paanchi are offering a Free Side
Dish on orders over £15!
Competition
Paanchi have a £40 dining voucher up for grabs!
To be in with a chance of winning simply visit our facebook page at
facebook.com/lovehousetalk and post ‘Authentic taste
of India!’ on our wall.
Closing date: December 6 2019.
30 house talk

Aries
Thinking of starting a new career
or changing job? Now is the time
to go for it, Jupiter has your back.
Get in touch with the resident
engagement team if you need
help with your CV or to improve
your skills.
Taurus
If you’re single there could be
romance in the air. Make sure to
take time to relax, sometimes you
take on too much. Fitness plans can
take off this time, dedicate yourself!
Check www.PYCportsmouth.com
for free classes in your area.
Gemini
Personal relationships can be
complicated over the next 3
months, be sure to have your
own space. Your work situation
could bring you stress, if you need
support or help then talk to the
resident engagement team.
Cancer
This autumn and winter could have
some trying times. Make sure to
take time out and de-stress, focus
on you and your wellbeing. If you
haven’t tried mindfulness this is the
time to give it a go.
Leo
Jupiter promises a positive change.
New people may enter your life
and enrich it, and single Leos could
meet the person of their dreams.
Get out there and meet new people,
why not find a group or class to join
on PYCportsmouth.com
Virgo
Your life is entering a phase
of stability and you can reach
happiness in both your personal
and professional life. Everything
that begins in the next three months
can grow into a positive outcome!
Libra
You are at your most charming this
winter, use it to your advantage.
Whether it’s gaining the affections
of another, or winning others
over for a job or promotion - the
power’s in your hands!
Scorpio
This period is all about opportunity.
There’s much to welcome into your
life - you just have to be open to it.
Re-align yourself with hobbies and
remember who you are.
Sagittarius
It’s time to set new goals and aims
for yourself. What are you unhappy
about with your life? How can you
change it? A friendship could turn
to romance.
Capricorn
Money struggles need not get
you down. Be sure to get the
right advice and support. Speak
to the money advice team or
your housing officer, they will be
able to help.
Aquarius
Avoid dwelling on the past and
focus on the future, you cannot
change what has been before.
If you’re looking for a new job,
don’t put it off until the new
year - you may just miss out on
something great.
Pisces
The final two months of the year
could be stressful, but things will
sort themselves out and 2020 will
begin on a much more positive
note. New Year, new energy!
house talk 31

out
about
★ DEC 2019 - ​APRIL 2020 ★
ONGOING
Until 22 December
Platform Graduate Award
Aspex, 11am–4pm, Wed–Sun. Graduate artwork
from the south coast.
Until 2 February
Portsmouth Revisited
Portsmouth Museum, 10am–5pm, Tue–Sun. A
history of the city in art.
2 December – 2 February
Naivety
Anglican Cathedral. Art exhibition by Pete
Codling.
17 January – 29 March
Daphne
Aspex, 11am–4pm, Wed–Sun. Women and
language.
15 February – spring 2021
D is for Dodo, E is for Extinct
Portsmouth Museum, 10am–5pm, Tue–Sun.
Exhibition exploring extinct animals.
26 February – 5 April
PONToon Exhibition
Aspex, 11am–4pm, Wed–Sun. Project
empowering women.
Mondays (term time only)
Tots and Toys
Empower Centre, Kingston Road, 9.30am–11am.
0–5 year-olds.
Wednesdays
Mini Makers
Aspex, 10.30am–11.30am. Art for 0–4 year-olds.
Fridays
Generate
Aspex, 10.30am–12.30pm. Art workshops for
people with dementia.
Saturdays
Family Saturdays
Aspex, 11am–1pm. Art activities for families.
DECEMBER
15 Christmas Concert
Portsmouth Light Orchestra. Buckland Community
Centre, 2.30pm.
18 Gunwharf Knitters
Aspex, 11am.
21–23
Carol Services
Anglican Cathedral, 7pm. Traditional service of
carols and readings.
22 Christmas at Family Church
Portsmouth Academy, St Mary’s Road, 10am.
24 Crib services
Anglican Cathedral, 2.30pm, 4pm.
26 Boxing Day Car Meet
Port Solent, 10am–12pm.
JANUARY
4 Eastney Beach Clean
With Southsea Beachwatch. 10am–12pm. Meet
on prom near Coffee Cup.
7 Hartford Court Memory Cafe
Catherington Place, 2.30pm–4pm. For people
with dementia and their families.
15 Gunwharf Knitters
Aspex, 11am.
21 Southsea Skiffle Orchestra
Guildhall, 12pm–1pm.
22 Messy Church
Empower Centre, Kingston Road, 4pm–5.30pm.
27 Holocaust Memorial Day
The D–Day Story, 10.30am–11.30am.
31 Table Top Sale
Eastney Community Centre, 12.30pm–2.30pm.
FEBRUARY
1 Eastney Beach Clean
With Southsea Beachwatch. 10am–12pm. Meet
on prom near Coffee Cup.
4 Hartford Court Memory Cafe
Catherington Place, 2.30pm–4pm. For people
with dementia and their families.
13 Neighbourhood Forum
East Southsea. Royal Beach Hotel, 7pm.
18 Southsea Skiffle Orchestra
Guildhall, 12pm–1pm.
18 & 20 Half Term Kids Club
Port Solent, 11am–4pm. See website.
19 Gunwharf Knitters
Aspex, 11am.
26 Messy Church
Empower Centre, Kingston Road, 4pm–5.30pm.
28 Table Top Sale
Eastney Community Centre, 12.30pm–2.30pm.
MARCH
3 Hartford Court Memory Cafe
Catherington Place, 2.30pm–4pm. For people
with dementia and their families.
7 Southsea Beach Clean
Southsea Beachwatch, Southsea Beach, 10am–
12pm. Meet on prom behind the Rock Gardens.
9 Commonwealth Flag Raising
Guildhall Square, 10am–10.15am.
15 Crafts in the Tower
Square Tower, 11am–4pm.
Artwork by local designer-makers.
18 Gunwharf Knitters
Aspex, 11am.
25 Messy Church
Empower Centre, Kingston Road, 4pm–5.30pm.
27 Table Top Sale
Eastney Community Centre, 12.30pm–2.30pm.
31 Southsea Skiffle Orchestra
Guildhall, 12pm–1pm.
APRIL
4 Eastney Beach Clean
With Southsea Beachwatch, 10am–12pm. Meet
on prom near Coffee Cup.
5 Waterside Market
Port Solent, 11am–5pm.
7 Hartford Court Memory Cafe
Catherington Place, 2.30pm–4pm. For people
with dementia and their families.
7, 9, 14 & 16
Easter Holiday Kids Club
Port Solent, 11am–4pm. See website.
15 The Gunwharf Knitters
Aspex, 11am
19 Crafts in the Tower
Square Tower, 11am–4pm.
Artwork by local designer-makers.
22 Messy Church
Empower Centre, Kingston Road, 4pm–5.30pm.
24 Table Top Sale
Eastney Community Centre, 12.30pm–2.30pm.
28 Southsea Skiffle Orchestra
Guildhall, 12pm–1pm.