Charity gives Portsmouth's homeless a full English breakfast to mark anniversary

A CHARITABLE group provided the city’s homeless with a full English breakfast to mark three years of support.
Lisa Powley, 57, who use to be homeless and was helped by Helping Hand who she now volunteers for.

Picture: Sarah Standing )Lisa Powley, 57, who use to be homeless and was helped by Helping Hand who she now volunteers for.

Picture: Sarah Standing )
Lisa Powley, 57, who use to be homeless and was helped by Helping Hand who she now volunteers for. Picture: Sarah Standing )

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Helping Hands meets outside Debenhams to provide people with a hot meal, packed lunch and drink.

The service ‘provides a lifeline’ for those living on Portsmouth’s streets. Daniel Kenney, 34, lost his home after problems with alcohol and addiction.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘This is a massive lifesaver – without it I would struggle to get food. There can be a stigma to being homeless but the volunteers don’t pass judgement. Having a decent meal makes you feel better for the day ahead,’ he said.

Lisa Powley, 57, who use to be homeless and was helped by Helping Hand who she now volunteers for.

Picture: Sarah Standing )Lisa Powley, 57, who use to be homeless and was helped by Helping Hand who she now volunteers for.

Picture: Sarah Standing )
Lisa Powley, 57, who use to be homeless and was helped by Helping Hand who she now volunteers for. Picture: Sarah Standing )

Jordan Gilad, 54, added: ‘If it wasn’t for this service then I wouldn’t eat. My next hot meal will be when Helping Hands return in two days.’

The initiative was established by former community worker, Bev Saunders, 61, who said: ‘I was walking down Commercial Road three years ago and noticed how many people were living on the streets. I began taking sandwiches and hot chocolate for people and other volunteers got involved and donated food. We started a Facebook page and it spiralled from there.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One of those volunteers is Becca Baker the Cup Cake Maker who provides a range of cakes.

Rebecca Ford, who owns Becca Baker Cupcake Maker in Portsmouth, regularly brings cakes for the homeless.

Picture: Sarah Standing )Rebecca Ford, who owns Becca Baker Cupcake Maker in Portsmouth, regularly brings cakes for the homeless.

Picture: Sarah Standing )
Rebecca Ford, who owns Becca Baker Cupcake Maker in Portsmouth, regularly brings cakes for the homeless. Picture: Sarah Standing )

The group also provide a hot Sunday meal as well as support with health issues and guidance as to the procedures and completion of forms to get off the streets.

Bev, affectionately referred to as mum, commented: ‘Some people don’t know how to access help or can’t read or write. One young man wanted to contact his mother but didn’t know how to. We put them back in touch and he is now living with her.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lisa Powey, 47, lost her home and son after falling into rent arrears. Through the support of Helping Hands she now has a home and her son has returned. Lisa currently works as a volunteer for Helping Hands.

Bev Saunders, 61, founder of Helping Hands.

Picture: Sarah StandingBev Saunders, 61, founder of Helping Hands.

Picture: Sarah Standing
Bev Saunders, 61, founder of Helping Hands. Picture: Sarah Standing

‘Bev provided such an amazing service and helped me get back on my feet. I now want to help give something back,’ she said.

Drew Wilkes, 47, who became homeless after losing his job, added: ‘This is such a vital service and Bev never lets you down.’

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.