Featured

Welcome to the LifeHouse Food Kitchen in Southsea, Portsmouth

The LifeHouse is a resource, support centre and kitchen that serves hot food in Albert Road, Southsea.  We aim to target immediate needs and issues surrounding homelessness and addiction for those in need in Southsea and Portsmouth.

Many in our city are facing desperate situations, but whatever the circumstances, our aim is to show that there is a way out. We plan to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to improve their situation through the variety of services we offer.

Featured

Who we are:

  • We are run by a not for profit charity run by a Manager and volunteers.
  • We hope we are working to help make Southsea an even more pleasant, safe place to live.
  • The LifeHouse is a practical resource and support centre for those in need living in Portsmouth and Southsea.
  • We have experienced, like-minded, volunteers developing the LifeHouse in providing Sign-Posting Services to vulnerable men and women and targeting issues of homelessness and addiction locally.
  • We aim to create an environment of compassion and care, where people feel they belong, are accepted; and where they can build a sense of self-worth and confidence –  a place where we can be generous with our time, energy and practical resources; where we can go the extra mile.

    • Partnership Working:

    We work together in partnership with other local agencies and services enhancing what is already being achieved.

    Services – we currently provide

    Basic Needs:

    Friendly Food Kitchen: every Thursday 7pm – 8:30pm for a nutritious, hot dinner. Wednesday morning Drop-in Centre 9am – midday offering breakfasts.

    Employment Services: Training

    Several of the folks that have used the Food Kitchen in the past now volunteer in the Kitchen where they gain valuable work experience.

    Volunteering and Donations

    Opportunities to help

    Click to Donate –Click to Donate to the LifeHouse Homeless Drop-in

    We are always looking for volunteers, we would love to extend our opening hours – please email our Manager with details of your experience. Our volunteers include a number of folks who are in recovery from addiction themselves.

    We are always in need of non-perishable food to cook (tins, bread, sauces, cereals, jam, etc.), as well as clothes and sleeping bags to give out. As a charity we are predominantly funded by donations. As well as extending the opening hours, we would like to improve and extend the services on offer by adding a medical station and an IT desk so that we can help our guests to fill in application forms online.

    Please click below to donate online to the LifeHouse Homeless drop-in and Soup Kitchen.  The LifeHouse is operated by Portsmouth Vineyard LifeChurch which is a Charity Registered in the UK No. 1144669; Company No. 7826095

    Thank you FatFace

    Thank you FatFace for supporting the LifeHouse through your “Thanks for Giving Campaign” we are so grateful for the kind donation of £633.60 this will help us to make improvements to the way the Lifehouse support the Homeless and those suffering from Addictions in Portsmouth.

    Published 29 January 2017

    Lifeline for those who live on the margins

    Volunteers helping to serve food to the needy Mike Phyall, Marina Stafford, David Le Poidevim, Fiona Buck and cook Eileen Phyall Picture: Tom Cotterill

    Winter’s chill can be bitter and harsh – especially for those without a warm home. It’s a time feared by homeless people who are forced to brave the cold and dismal weather. Many feel ignored and isolated, wrapped up in sleeping bags and baggy clothing, while Christmas shoppers pass them in the street. But there is a place that welcomes Portsmouth’s homeless residents with open arms – and hot food. The LifeHouse in Albert Road, Southsea, is one of several charities doing its bit to support the city’s needy. Dozens of volunteers help to run a soup kitchen and barbershop, giving people everything from free roast dinners to burgers, hot dogs and cakes.

    Retired Eileen Phyall volunteers with her husband Mike. She oversees cooking meals and says it’s one of the most rewarding jobs she has ever tackled. ‘I have been here for two years,’ adds the former youth offender worker. ‘It’s been challenging but I enjoy it. ‘You just get so much more back from it.’ The site still needs funding and support from the public to help improve its services.

    Read more at: The Portsmouth News Article

    Thanks for making Christmas Cheer

    CHRISTMAS DINNER THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016
    Donated Selection Boxes of Chocolates were given out by Chief Elf Tracey and a great Turkey Dinner Cooked by Eileen and Mike and Turkey Crowns donated by Mo Twells – Traditional Butcher in Portchester. Thank you, we all had a great evening!

    Generous Gift from The Car Finance Company

    Good causes are left stunned by the kindness of Portsmouth business. Mark Smith presents the £10,000 cheque to Carole Price, Lesley Wenden and Hilary Frost from The LifeHouse in Southsea. Picture: Sarah Standing.

    The windfall is part of the Friends in Finance scheme which splits a £20,000 pot of cash for local good causes. Lesley Wenden is the Manager of the LifeHouse and was overwhelmed by the donation. She said: ‘It’s going to make a huge difference to the lives of hundreds of people in the city. It’s going to be life-changing for some of them.

    Read more at: The Portsmouth News Article

    Special Donations

    On Monday 12th December Lesley and the team picked up Selection Boxes from Three Tesco Stores for Thursday evening. A BIG thank you Craswell Street, Northarbour and Fratton Stores…. you helped to make the Christmas Dinner very special!