Our EDI lead, Duke Harrison-Hunter, works closely with Urbond, a local Portsmouth charity set up to help Portsmouth thrive, which has recently secured National Lottery funding to expand its Portsmouth-based community integration programme!

The charity runs a wide-ranging programme including mental health workshops, fitness activities, charity events, women’s empowerment workshops and has an expanding youth development programme. Run by local Portsmouth residents, including Pompey in the Community’s very own Duke Harrison-Hunter, the scheme has brought together over 30,000 people spanning 75 different nationalities.

The National Lottery Community Fund has enabled Urbond it to increase its reach – putting on more events on a wider range of subjects, as well as moving into an office within the Challenge Enterprise Centre. The new office was officially opened on Friday, with special guests as well as dignitaries Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan and Frank Jonas the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth.

As reported on The News, Mr Morgan states, ‘The Urbond community brings people from all backgrounds together to build a better city. I’m so proud of the team and to have supported them on the journey they’ve been on in helping others. It was a pleasure to attend the opening of their new home and celebrate the bright future that lies ahead.’

Charity CEO Mr Drame is a proud Portsmouth resident whose vision is to see the area prosper.

He said: ‘Portsmouth has a diverse and growing community. With the correct support it will go from strength to strength.

‘At Urbond all participants are accepted regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs, in fact we embrace our differences and work together to promote a peaceful, productive and stronger community. Offering the best opportunity for it to rise to the challenges we face.’