HIVE Portsmouth Hub Launches from BAE Systems' Donation

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HIVE Portsmouth Hub, a shared space for local charitable and voluntary organisations to work together, has officially opened in the city centre, thanks to funding from BAE Systems.

The hub will enable a range of charities, social enterprise and voluntary organisations to share facilities and reduce costs. It will also enhance collaboration on projects improving social outcomes for the local community.

Stand Up Portsmouth, a charity run by parents and carers of children with special education needs and/or disabilities, will be one of the groups using the space. The hub will help provide a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space for children and their families to meet and play.

BAE Systems donated £250,000 to HIVE Portsmouth to help set-up and run two new voluntary sector hubs in the city, the first of which is located at Aggie Weston House, Edinburgh Road, Portsmouth. Premises for the second hub are being identified in the north of the city. BAE Systems has also committed to offering a range of support, mentoring and coaching to HIVE’s network of charities.

“Portsmouth is really important to BAE Systems and our employees so we’re exceptionally proud of the active role we play in the local community. We hope the launch of this Hub, the first of two, will make a difference to how local charities and organisations can work together in the future. By sharing resources and close collaboration, they can develop and grow, and ultimately help more people within our local community,” said Scott Jamieson, Managing Director, BAE Systems Maritime Services.

BAE Systems and HIVE Portsmouth, have been working closely together since July 2021.

“For a long time the sector has been crying out for a space such as this, a place people can go to share ideas and make connections, somewhere which can be used as needed to help them continue to provide essential services to the people of Portsmouth. It has been truly inspiring to see how people have come together from across the city to lend support. Our former CEO and Strategic Advisor Louise Wilders and Julie Hawkins were instrumental in setting the wheels in motion. We are so grateful to BAE Systems, to SSE who kindly donated so much of the furniture, to the Yardboiz who helped us move in, to Incuhive who have worked alongside us to set up the space and to many, many more who have offered guidance and practical support to help make our vision a reality,” said Revd Canon Bob White, Chair of HIVE Portsmouth Trustees.