Since coming out of lockdown, it has been more important than ever to make everyone feel welcome and part of a community.
Duke Harrison-Hunter, the equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) lead at Portsmouth FC and Pompey in the Community (PitC), has been busy building relationships and bringing people together, so that everyone in our community feels part of something, not excluded from any activity and accepted for who they are.
Here is an overview of what has been achieved this season.
Inclusion forum
The forum was created in August 2021 and attended by 10-16 representatives every three months.
Community leaders from diverse backgrounds come together to talk about how they can make Portsmouth more inclusive in everything we do at PitC and PFC.
Bluesability
This a disability social hub that works with users aged between 17-50, who have a wide range of social, emotional and education needs.
The sessions offer a safe haven for the users to access a variety of sporting, craft and dance activities, supported by their carers and PitC/PFC staff.
They regularly have between 15-25 attendees every week. Email chris.plow@pompeyitc.org.uk for details.
Pompey Women
Despite the disruption experienced during the Covid restrictions, Duke has been involved in building a framework for supporting the Pompey Women team’s pastoral care, mental health and wellbeing needs.
Supported by chairman Eric Coleborn, former Blues player Mick Mellows and ambassador Linvoy Primus, Debbie Smart has been appointed as the official chaplain.
Premier League Primary Stars (PLPS)
There have been 27 anti-discrimination workshops delivered in local schools in the city, while there has been engagement with the local independent Muslim faith school since September 2021, delivering PE sessions, plus PSHE and English activation.
Meanwhile, 33 schools have accessed PLPS delivery this academic year. Email sam.cleare@pompeyitc.org.uk for details.
Premier League Kicks/Street Strong Youth Project
More than 1,150 young people aged 8-18 have been engaged with and there are more than 25 hours of free activities every week across the city.
PitC Community Chef
Community Chef Gavin Randall has engaged with more than 70 adults and young people at inclusive community cooking sessions and more than 60 young people at after school clubs.
Duke has also been involved in the creation of the Illuminated Voices video – which can be watched here – in collaboration with Portsmouth City Council for hate crime awareness month, as well as numerous matchday activities and campaigns.
If you would like information about any of the above projects, please email duke@pompeyitc.org.uk or call (023) 9272 8899 during office hours.