Get on the buses.
That’s the message from Clare Martin, Pompey’s director of community projects, who is urging the local community to hop on to one of the club’s two buses in residence.
The buses, a joint project between Pompey Study Centre, First Hants and Dorset, Hampshire Learning and Portsmouth’s Primary Care Trust, are fully equipped with the latest learning tools and even provide teaching staff and learning modules.
“Some of the events on the Health Bus are delivered by the Primary Care Trust so involve things like healthy breakfast clubs, dental hygiene activities, sexual health workshops, breast feeding clinics etc,” Clare explained.
“The Learning Bus, through Hampshire Learning, supports adult and family learning courses at a wide range of venues including schools, children’s centres, community centres, through voluntary organisations and a network of providers.
“There are ten laptops on the buses, which are fitted with a wi-fi hub to allow really fast access to the internet, as well as a teaching screen at the back which can also be used for DVDs.
"The buses come complete with fridge and urn, offering a unique opportunity to provide a hospitable welcome at a variety of events and activities.
“We can provide staff and put bespoke learning programmes together for schools, community activities or one-off events. And we encourage innovative ideas from anybody who wants to access the buses.
“For instance, in the past we have delivered some projects in conjunction with the museum using cameras which immediately send a picture to a website. The children were using the cameras in the museum and then downloading them for their work on the bus.
“Both buses are now also registered as UK online centres so they will be out and about in the community offering free courses to local residents. The course offers modules on online shopping, banking, digital photography, emails and basically anything people want to use the internet for. They can choose the parts of the course that interest them!
“Both buses are based at Fratton Park and are available for hire. I have to also say a huge thank you to First Hants and Dorset for their continued help, support and enthusiasm.”
Those wanting to hire the buses can visit the website (www.pompeybuses.co.uk) to check availability. Then email project co-ordinator, Graeme Rowe (graemerowe@pompeystudycentre.org.uk) who will process your booking and help to organise your event.