PCC Donna Jones visits Café in the Park to help pack festive food bags for rough sleepers this Christmas

This week, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Donna Jones visited The Café in the Park in Portsmouth to assist staff with packing festive food bags.

The bags will be delivered to individuals supported by homelessness support charity the Society of St James (SSJ). Around 160 people will receive these essential food bags in the lead-up to Christmas.

The Café in the Park has provided meaningful employment and training opportunities to local people with histories of homelessness, substance misuse, and offending. Located on Anglesea Road, the café was formerly known as The Arts Lodge but in 2017 it underwent a complete transformation after SSJ was awarded a five year contract by Donna Jones during her tenure as Leader of Portsmouth City Council. Following total refurbishment, the café reopened as The Café in the Park and continues to serve as a supportive and empowering environment for vulnerable individuals today. Now, funding from Donna in her role as Police Commissioner helps cover the overhead costs, ensuring the café can continue its transformative work.

PCC Donna Jones said: “Homelessness is a complex and often misunderstood issue that affects thousands across the UK. Many people face stigma, discrimination and isolation because of their housing situation.

“Studies have consistently shown that meaningful employment significantly improves the likelihood of successful recovery and reduces the risk of reoffending.

“It was great to be back at Café in the Park and to see the incredible work taking place. I am proud to support a project that provides volunteering and employment opportunities for people who need get back on their feet. Everyone deserves a second chance and some compassion.  The Café in the Park continues to help people rebuild their lives and be a vital part of the community.”

The Festive Food Bags, funded through SSJ’s Pay it Forward initiative, ensures that some of the most vulnerable members of the community can enjoy food and comfort over the festive period.

SSJ is a leading charity that works with approximately 1,000 individuals in Portsmouth at any given time, providing comprehensive support for those experiencing homelessness, problematic alcohol or substance use, and mental health challenges.

The Café in the Park is located in Victoria Park, Anglesea Road, Portsmouth, PO1 3HJ.

The Society of St James (SSJ) is a Hampshire-based charity providing support for homelessness, addiction recovery, and mental health services.

For more information about SSJ and their work, visit: https://ssj.org.uk/

For more information about Cafe in the Park, visit: https://ssj.org.uk/social-enterprise/cafe-in-the-park/