Now in it's 8th year! The Reverse Advent Calendar is back.

Here's some background info on how and why the Reverse Advent Calendar started!

Finding yourself in difficulty can happen to anyone for any number of reasons. It's a very dark and lonely place. It happened to me. The kindness of strangers and knowing that someone cared was a very powerful thing, it kept me going. Small gestures of kindness have a HUGE impact.

I wanted to pass this message on somehow and let people know that there are people that care. So the reverse advent calendar came about when I was thinking of a way to show support and kindness in the local community, so many people struggling especially during the hard, cold months of winter.

So the idea of the Reverse Advent Calendar was launched in my office, at the University, with a few items being added to a box which would eventually be delivered to a local homeless shelter/ kitchen. As the word spread of what I was doing different departments across the University wanted to get involved and the donations came flooding in from like minded colleagues who wanted to give something back. We had so many thoughtful donations we were able to support many charities including the soup kitchen, a local women’s shelter and a hostel for young homeless. Year on year the campaign has grown, enabling us to help more and more deserving causes across our City. Facebook and Instagram accounts were set up in order to engage with more people and businesses across the City who all wanted to get involved.

This year we are supporting Pompey in the Community with their various outreach charities one of which includes Re-Fit - a sports therapy programme delivered in partnership with Society of St James, offering free educational, sport and employment support activities to adults (18+) who are affected by these complex issues: criminality, substance misuse, homelessness, and mental health. Taking part in regular exercise and group activities can significantly improve the quality of life for vulnerable people and our service users report significant improvements in their physical and mental health, self-esteem and social interaction. “The help was there when I really needed it, it was an absolute lifeline.”

We are also supporting the Buckland Soup Kitchen the amazing team of volunteers provide a hot meal and support for people needing food, a chat and sometimes clothing. "We see people who are street homeless, sofa surfing, living in cars and on very low incomes with families to support. No one is ever turned away." Buckland soup kitchen is completely self funded and relies on the kindness of people donating items and occasionally cash so these donations enable them to be able to keep offering meals and tea/coffee every week.

We will also be providing help to URBOND - Another local charity supporting families in need. The scheme works with the council and local partners to maintain and improve public spaces and facilities, and support families from low income background or no income to provide them with food and basic needs. The charity works to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of race or religion in our communities, promote activities to foster the understanding between people from diverse backgrounds and cultivate a sentiment in favour of equality and diversity in our community.

Thank you for your donations - every pound raised will go towards helping people in need in our City.

#MakeADifference #KindnessMatters #BeTheChange #TogetherWeCan