ICA was formed in 1999 to support Portland's most vulnerable residents. This support is delivered through a range of targeted activities and services with the help of a small, part-time staff team and an amazing group of volunteers.
Why the community needs us
Portland is an area impacted by high levels of deprivation, with residents experiencing higher-than-average incidences of poor physical and mental health, increasing levels of isolation and loneliness and some of the worst social mobility prospects in the country. A continued lack of investment also means this situation is getting worse.
ICA is helping to tackle these challenges through the delivery of 11 separate workstreams. These include:
*Helping Hands - Support for older residents (and those impacted by significant health conditions and/or disabilities) via 20+ services and activities, from befriending and transport to lunch clubs, exercise classes, and singing, board gaming and social groups.
*Growing Local - Food and the environment.
*Families, children and young people - ICA are working in collaboration to deliver a range of family and youth focused activities, including a youth volunteering scheme, life and leadership skills training, consultation activities and events. ICA also manage the Portland Youth Council.
*Community Crafters - Using creativity and crafting to reduce isolation and loneliness, expand community networks, strengthen intergenerational bonds, and showcase Portland’s amazing crafting talents.
*Community Hub - Information, advice and signposting.
*Volunteer Bureau - Support for those wishing to volunteer or offer volunteering roles.
Our impact on the community
Regular evaluation shows that our activities have a really positive impact on people's lives. For example, older clients feel less isolated and lonely with maintained or improved physical and mental health, all of which helps them to live happier, healthier and more independent lives for longer. Younger participants report increased skills, aspirations and confidence. Volunteers enjoy making a positive contribution to their community and also benefit from increased levels of happiness and the training, learning and social opportunities we offer them.
BUT, with rising costs and shrinking grant funding opportunities, ICA needs your support if we are to continue delivering our work and, in the process, help ensure the needs of all Portland's residents are recognised, respected and fulfilled.
