Good Causes

The St Jerome’s Centre, Kenya

In May 2009 three students, Gemma, Becky, and Ben were doing volunteer work in the town of Nakuru in Kenya. Shocked by the number of homeless kids living on the streets, they decided to build an orphanage.

The St Jerome’s Centre was officially opened in January 2012 and is now a UK registered charity run by a small group of trustees.

Our monthly standing order goes directly to St Jerome’s and contributes towards general running costs and on-going improvements.

We were delighted to receive a video message of thanks from all of the staff and pupils:

Captain Goodwin T H Barnes RAF

Captain Goodwin T H Barnes RAF is buried in Ryde cemetery on the Isle of Wight. He died on 29th October 1918, two weeks before the end of the first World War, aged just 21.

In tribute to Captain Barnes and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country, IMS arranged for the refurbishment of his grave and will ensure it is suitably maintained.

We will remember them.

The Literacy Hubs

The Literacy Hubs is an educational charity that helps communities gain the literacy skills they need to thrive. The charity supports young people aged 8-13 in the crucial years between the end of primary and secondary school when progress can slow significantly.

The Literacy Hub’s current focus is supporting the least advantaged communities in Portsmouth. The young people attend two and a half hours of sessions each week for a whole academic year at one of two immersive and exciting hubs: the Pompey Pirates (a pirate themed hub based in The Charles Dickens Ward) and the Portsea Sailors based at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Sessions involve reading support and working on published projects, which provide opportunities for the development of writing skills, confidence, and perseverance.