Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, has nominated The HIVE charity in Portsmouth working with local groups and public services  to build a happier, healthier and more connected city– to receive £1,000 donated by the trade body bacta, which represents seaside arcades, piers and related attractions.

 

Louise Wilders from The HIVE says, “‘We are extremely grateful to bacta for this donation, which will allow us to provide direct support to the families who are still required to isolate at this time, this money will be spent on providing activity packs to children and families across Portsmouth.”

 

Stephen Morgan MP added: “During this public health emergency and economic crisis, our city has been tested to the limits. The HIVE is working on the ground supporting volunteers to look out for the most vulnerable and helping communities to help themselves. With the backing of Bacta, through this generous donation, I know HIVE will be able to help even more local people at this time of need”.

 

Bacta launched its Siding With the Seaside (#sidingwiththeseaside) campaign last year in order to support the seaside communities served by their members and to highlight the lack of government investment that threatens the precious heritage in many seaside towns.

 

Bacta CEO John White says, “The situation was already serious for many seaside towns whose communities have suffered through lack of employment and local investment. However, when we went into lockdown just before the Easter holidays, the position became far more serious as local businesses were forced to shut and the seasonal trade, which is so vital, was lost. Our members made a total of £23,000 available to give to seaside charities via the MPs who we have got to know through our seaside campaigning work and who are best placed to know who would benefit most.”