Big Conversation Portsmouth: MPs join residents to praise community's 'strengthened' spirit during Covid-19 pandemic

MPs have joined residents in praising the community spirit of their constituencies after survey results from The News revealed a positive boost during the pandemic.
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Of the 1,043 people who took our post-lockdown poll, The Big Conversation, 43.01 per cent said they believed their community’s spirit has grown stronger during the pandemic.

This comes thanks to a remarkable outpouring of voluntary support in a bid to keep the region connected during lockdown.

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A comparative 11.4 per cent said they believed their community’s spirit has weakened in the same period.

Portsmouth North MP, Penny Mordaunt. Picture: Habibur RahmanPortsmouth North MP, Penny Mordaunt. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Portsmouth North MP, Penny Mordaunt. Picture: Habibur Rahman

A total of 42.43 per cent said their community’s spirit has remained the same.

The Portsmouth North MP, Penny Mordaunt, said the city’s ‘really strong’ community has been strengthened in ‘many ways’ by Covid-19.

‘Many people checked in on neighbours they hadn’t spoken to before,’ she told The News.

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‘We shopped for each other. We gained greater appreciation for the invisible key workers who kept our city clean, running and stocked.

Stephen Morgan with representatives from Hive Portsmouth earlier in the year.Stephen Morgan with representatives from Hive Portsmouth earlier in the year.
Stephen Morgan with representatives from Hive Portsmouth earlier in the year.

‘But it is in the huge sacrifices we have made for each other that it really makes this true. From businesses being unable to trade, to health and care workers placing themselves in harm’s way – often away from their families – to the discipline shown by so many in following some pretty tough rules. We have taken care of each other and protected our city.’

In Portsmouth South, MP Stephen Morgan said the pandemic has brought ‘no exception’ to the community’s ability to show ‘true grit’ in hardship.

He said: ‘Amid this emergency we have seen outstanding efforts from Portsmouth Hive, projects like the Portsmouth Coronavirus Support Group and countless volunteers working relentlessly to support vulnerable community members.

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‘As we stare down the barrel of a second spike, what we now need to see is government matching our city’s spirit and putting in place a proper track and trace system, and giving our community the support they need.’

Fareham MP Suella Braverman, left, pictured visiting Daisy B’s Kitchen in TitchfieldFareham MP Suella Braverman, left, pictured visiting Daisy B’s Kitchen in Titchfield
Fareham MP Suella Braverman, left, pictured visiting Daisy B’s Kitchen in Titchfield

In Gosport, MP Caroline Dinenage said said she has been ‘completely blown away’ by the town's ‘amazing’ community spirit.

Meanwhile Alan Mak, the MP for Havant, said the pandemic has ‘undoubtedly strengthened' spirits right across his constituency.

‘More than 400 residents joined my volunteer network, helping vulnerable neighbours with shopping, collecting prescriptions and befriending phone calls – and many others volunteered through charities and community groups.’

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Suella Braverman, the MP for Fareham, added: ‘I understand lockdowns and precautionary restrictions are not a pre-cursor to greater community spirit in the traditional sense.

Alan Mak with some of the volunteers from his Local Volunteer NetworkAlan Mak with some of the volunteers from his Local Volunteer Network
Alan Mak with some of the volunteers from his Local Volunteer Network

‘However, I believe the pandemic has fostered a new type of community spirit – a spirit that is unwavering in the face of adversity and prolonged periods of isolation.’

As previously reported, community efforts during the pandemic have also included musical street performances for neighbours, free home fitness classes and free food.

An earlier edition of this story indicated 53.83 per cent of Big Conversation respondents said the sense of community spirit where they live has become weaker during the pandemic.

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This is incorrect. The correct figure for this survey response is 11.4 per cent. This number was incorrectly added to the percentage of respondents who said their community’s spirit has remained the same [42.43 per cent].

The News apologises for any inconvenience caused by the error.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage, left, visits the landlord of The White Horse pub in Gosport to hear about the sector's challenges. Picture: Admiral TavernsGosport MP Caroline Dinenage, left, visits the landlord of The White Horse pub in Gosport to hear about the sector's challenges. Picture: Admiral Taverns
Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage, left, visits the landlord of The White Horse pub in Gosport to hear about the sector's challenges. Picture: Admiral Taverns

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