IT and computer skills

The centre is a sport and activity facility. The centre has a large sports hall, a dance studio and meeting spaces available for hire.

Charles Dickens Activity Centre is home to many groups such as salsa dancing, volleyball, football, boogie bounce, fitness classes plus many more.

Fratton Community Centre runs a variety of activities and events all year round for all ages:

Age Range 11+

Hillside Youth Club gives young people a place to go outside of school, free of charge and offers them a sense of belonging. The activities and support from youth workers allows the young people to learn new skills, build confidence and resilience for the future- as well as have fun! It really can be life changing to come along and join in!

The John Pounds Centre is Portsmouth’s flagship community and enterprise facility boasting a 350-seat capacity multi-use Sports Halls, Gym/Fitness Suite, Meeting & Training Rooms, IT Suite, Arts Spaces, Library, Youth Rooms, Nursery, Launderette, Office Space, and Cafe, providing affordable and accessible activities and services to local residents and the wider city.

The John Pounds Centre has established a reputation for its quality of service as it seeks to encourage Wellbeing & Healthy lifestyles to all its members.

Learning & Skills Solutions are a private company providing free, flexible Maths and English (ESOL) training programmes for adults aged 19 and above. Training is delivered by very experienced Tutors in a relaxed and friendly environment. Face to face and Zoom classes available. A warm welcome awaits.

Vocational courses / qualifications also available with many linked to job opportunities.

New CSCS Test Centre opening July 2023 !
Join us for our new English/maths for Construction programme. This includes a free Level 1 Health & Safety Construction Environment qualification and free CSCS Test and Card.

The Learning Place is Portsmouth City Council's Community Learning Service.

Our service an adult education service, which includes Family Learning. It offers courses to anyone over the age of 19 and families in the community.

ages are 19+ and their 19th birthday must have been before 1st August of the current academic year that the course is running.

The Community Learning Service Provides opportunities for high quality friendly and enjoyable learning, covering themes of Learning For Work, Learning for Life, and Learning for Pleasure.

msm personal choice small logo


Personal Choice has been set up as we recognise that older people and their relatives and/or carers in Portsmouth, particularly the Charles Dickens ward need more accessible information, advice, support and opportunities for social integration to address the problems of economic and social deprivation and improve their independence and well being. We also aim to support older people in the years preceding retirement to address issues that could lead to poverty and isolation in later years.



Advice Centre: Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm
Monday: Chair Exercises 2pm - 2.45pm
Tuesday: Job/Computer Club - 2pm - 4pm
Wednesday: Lunch Club - 12:30pm - 2pm
Wednesday: 'Prime Time' Social Group - 2pm - 3pm
Friday: Tea, Coffee, Chat' 10am - 4pm
Monthly Trips

Warm welcome, feel free to drop in at any time.

All libraries in Portsmouth offer a range of books and resources for adults, carers and children that aim to help you improve your health and wellbeing. All our libraries have Wellbeing Zones where you can browse up to date books and leaflets on any aspect of mental and physical health. Our staff are also happy to signpost you to local services that can help you manage your own health.

The Prince’s Trust programme is for 16–30-year-olds who are unemployed and lacking in qualifications or confidence.
It’s a great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones.