Let’s Play Portsmouth Offers Free Activities for Families This February

Let’s Play Portsmouth is providing an array of exciting experiences for families with children of all ages this February. Organized by HAF Fun Pompey and funded by the Household Support Fund, these free sessions are open to all residents living in the PO1–PO6 area. Participants will also receive a complimentary meal during the activities, which will run from Saturday, January 20, until the end of February half term.

The Let's Play Portsmouth activities encompass a range of options for families, including family dance parties, pottery painting, doodling with Seekers Create, and engaging in board game competitions or archery battles. Families will also have the opportunity to experience forest days, where they can build fires and connect with nature, as well as a carnival-themed fun day at Landport Adventure Playground.

Older children can explore the world of DJing at the council’s music project, RANT, based in the Buckland Youth Activity Centre (BYAC), where they can also develop essential life skills such as cooking and first aid.

These 17 days of fun-filled activities will take place across the city, including at all six council-run community centers and some of their youth clubs. These centers and clubs offer a variety of activities and well-being initiatives throughout the year.

Cllr Suzy Horton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Education, expressed her excitement for the program, stating, “Why not have a great time as a family and make some memories this February? There are so many great places in Portsmouth, so get exploring and let’s play Portsmouth!”

Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of the City Council, added, “We wanted to use some of the funding we have from the household support fund to stretch the HAF program to include families who haven’t been eligible before, and I hope families enjoy the activities throughout the City.”

Interested individuals can find out more about the Let’s Play Portsmouth activities and book their slots by visiting the eequ.org/pcchouseholdsupport website.

Additionally, for lower-income families with children who don’t qualify for a voucher from school, an application-based family voucher scheme will be re-opened in the coming weeks. Registration of interest is available on the website. Moreover, the exceptional hardship fund window will be open from January 15 to February 2, aimed at assisting residents facing financial difficulties due to drop in income or increase in household costs.

Residents seeking more information on both schemes and other cost-of-living advice can visit the council’s cost-of-living hub at www.portsmouth.gov.uk/costofliving. For direct assistance, residents can also contact the council’s helpline at 023 9284 1047, available Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm and on Fridays from 9am to 4.30pm.