Who we are
Portsmouth’s Play Youth and Community (PYC) Service sits within Portsmouth City Council’s Housing, Neighbourhood and Buildings Directorate. We support children, young people and families across the city through open-access, inclusive services funded by the council and external grants. Our work is rooted in fairness, community and the belief that every child deserves a safe and supportive place to grow.
Read our latest annual report.
What we do
We run a broad range of community services. These include six staffed adventure playgrounds, four youth clubs, three additional youth projects and four community centres. We also manage the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme on behalf of the Children’s, Families and Education Directorate.
Our purpose
Our spaces support children from their early years through to adulthood. Each setting offers a safe and welcoming environment where young people can build confidence, make friends and take part in activities that support their wellbeing. We focus on informal learning, personal development and creating a sense of belonging. Our staff are trained in safeguarding, restorative practice and family support, which helps us offer a high standard of care.
Workshops and early intervention
We run workshops on issues that affect young people, such as domestic abuse, healthy relationships, knife crime, exploitation and healthy eating. These sessions aim to reduce harm and anti-social behaviour, while improving young people’s chances in later life. They give young people clear information and practical tools to make safer choices.
Adventure playgrounds
Our adventure playgrounds are built on the principle of freely chosen play, in line with Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The sites give children space to explore, create and take part in play that stretches their imagination. Staff are there to support them, encourage safe risk-taking and help them build confidence.
Youth work
Our youth clubs offer young people a place to be themselves. They can explore their identity, build confidence, develop decision‑making skills and strengthen their relationships with others. Youth workers help them reflect on their choices and support them to make decisions that lead to better outcomes.
Community centres
Our community centres are informal, inclusive spaces that bring people together. They help break down barriers between groups, build trust and support mental and physical wellbeing. Activities range from boxing and craft groups to U3A sessions and wellbeing workshops. The centres are available for hire at affordable rates, with strong safeguarding policies in place.
Listening to our community
We place great value on listening. We involve children, young people and adults in shaping our services, and we take part in citywide consultations. This helps us build a sense of shared ownership and ensures our work reflects the needs of our communities.
Working together
Our service works closely with schools, libraries, museums, faith groups, youth justice teams, young carers, children’s social care and the police. The HAF programme shows what can be achieved when partners across the city work together. We are proud of the difference we are making for children and young people in Portsmouth.
