Portsmouth News

City charity sends out DIY SOS to help create its new home

- Mark Waldron mark.waldron@nationalwo­rld.co.uk @pn_mark_waldron

CITY firms are rallying together as part of a DIY project to help a charity open its doors – but more are needed to join the cause.

Southsea charity Spark Community Space will soon move into the former Pompey Store in Fratton, Portsmouth, after searching for a permanent home for more than a year. Work is under way to take the venue from an empty building to a warm and welcoming space for people to use, with a range of businesses coming together to help.

The charity’s founder, Becki Simmons, is hoping to transform the old merchandis­e store into part charity shop and part café, with additional facilities such as desks and a quiet corner for reading.

Several businesses have already come forward to offer their services free of charge, including KSM Telecoms, GRP Solutions Ltd and Island Tea and Coffee Co.

They are now looking for tradespeop­le, such as builders, carpenters, electricia­ns, plumbers, painter and decorators and more, as well as companies who can donate materials and items such as kitchen equipment, tables and chairs and flooring.

Becki said: ‘We’ve seen so many amazing people not only give up their time but offer their services to help Spark get up and running. People just keep on giving and it’s amazing to see how much people are willing to help.

‘We’re hugely grateful, but we still have so much work to do and we need help from absolutely everyone who can give it. Anyone who can offer help with labour, materials or funds are being encouraged to do so and can email info@ sparkcommu­nityspace.co.uk.

 ?? ?? Becki Simmons, founder of Spark Community Space
Picture: Sarah Standing (290121-1022)
Becki Simmons, founder of Spark Community Space Picture: Sarah Standing (290121-1022)

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