A free public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing recently took place at Mountbatten Leisure Centre in Hilsea, Portsmouth.
The screening formed part of a growing UK-wide programme of events designed to help ensure that both the public and decision-makers are clearly and honestly informed about the climate and nature crisis – and what it may mean for communities across the country.
In November 2025, more than 1,200 MPs, peers and leaders from business, culture, faith, sport and the media gathered at Westminster Central Hall for the National Emergency Briefing – a landmark event bringing together leading experts to assess the UK’s exposure to climate and nature risks.
The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, set out the implications of climate and nature breakdown for food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security, alongside evidence-based actions that could reduce these risks.
This national event has now been adapted into a 50-minute public film, The People’s Emergency Briefing, which launched nationwide on 7th April and is now being screened in communities across the UK.
With screenings taking place nationwide, local events form part of a broader effort to build a shared understanding of climate and nature risks across the UK, and to support constructive public dialogue about future choices.
Chris Packham said;
“I’d encourage people everywhere to attend a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing. It creates exactly the kind of honest local conversation we now urgently need, both about what these changes mean where we live, and about what we can do together to address them.”
The film brings together leading scientists to present a clear picture of the challenges ahead, while creating space for local communities to consider what these issues may mean in their local area, and how they can support their MP to call for stronger action.
Following the film, attendees were invited to take part in a structured discussion, designed to support open, constructive conversation about the issues raised and what they may mean locally. The event brought together residents, community leaders, councillors and decision-makers.
Mountbatten Leisure Centre is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live on behalf of Portsmouth City Council.
On behalf of BH Live, David Marsh, Sustainability and Energy Manager, shared;
“We were delighted to have hosted this free screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing at Mountbatten Leisure Centre, providing a space for local people to come together and discuss issues that affect us all.
“At BH Live, we’re committed to reducing our environmental impact and creating healthier, more sustainable communities through our venues and services. It was fantastic to host an event that encouraged informed, constructive conversations and positive action across Portsmouth.”
BH Live works closely with local authorities and partners to accelerate its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing local biodiversity at its leisure and event venues across Dorset, Hampshire, and Croydon.
Its leisure centres and event venues across Dorset and Hampshire have achieved Green Mark Level 2 accreditation, recognising the charity’s environmental management practices and commitment to continuous improvement.
Recent sustainable investments at BH Live Active leisure centres in Portsmouth include solar panel installations and a swimming pool support cover at Mountbatten Leisure Centre (funded by Portsmouth City Council’s Swimming Pool Support Fund).
As BH Live looks ahead to the coming year, there’s a real sense of excitement. More improvements, new partnerships, and fresh ideas are already taking shape, all helping BH Live create greener, healthier communities.
Going forward, the charity has also pulled together a five-year environmental strategy plan to continue reviewing opportunities to minimise its energy usage, and introduce more efficient processes across its leisure centres and venues.
More information about Mountbatten Leisure Centre is available online at bhliveactive.org.uk/Mountbatten.
More information about BH Live is available online at bhlive.org.uk.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues.
BH Live (Enterprises) Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the parent organisation, established to manage the non-charitable activities, primarily relating to Conferences and Exhibitions.
Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council, Croydon Council, and Southampton City Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
Head office address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH, DORSET
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Mountbatten Leisure Centre
Mountbatten Leisure Centre is owned by Portsmouth City Council and is operated in partnership with registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.
Portsmouth’s flagship leisure and event venue. Located in the heart of Hilsea, Mountbatten is located just a short distance from Portsmouth’s city centre. Its large and well-equipped gym, accessible by lift, has multiple zones with something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness.
Dedicated training areas offer cardio machines, free weights, functional fitness spaces and more. With health and wellbeing professionals on hand, there is also an exercise referral team to offer guidance and support if recovering from an illness, injury or long term health condition. Group exercise classes run seven days a week and include Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyCombat, Sprint, Grit, Group Cycle, Bootcamp, Shapes, yoga, Pilates, aqua, TechnogymTM Group Cycle, circuits, and more.
There is a 50 metre swimming pool (divided into two) with regular public swimming sessions, lane swimming, pool-based classes and lessons. There is also a smaller teaching pool for little ones and lessons. Mountbatten is also home to AquaDash – a large pool inflatable course – great fun for young people, team building away days, and parties. Spa facilities include a sauna, spa bath and steam room.
Mountbatten offers a broad health and wellbeing programme which focuses on helping people with long-term conditions to stay active and build their confidence in one one-on-one or group settings.
Mountbatten is also home to a Clip ‘N Climb leisure attraction and MountAirXL, a giant inflatable complete with slides, jumps, and adventure zones.
Multi-sport activities and events are held in the centre’s eight-court sports hall throughout the year in partnership with local clubs and schools. An outdoor velodrome and athletics track hosts regular training, events and competitions throughout the year.
Open to members and non-members, a Terrace Café has free customer WiFi and a children’s soft play facility. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks, meals and drinks.
ANPR is in operation at Mountbatten Leisure Centre. There is free customer parking for up to four hours, seven days a week. Accessible spaces are available for Blue Badge holders. Charges apply for longer stays – see car park signage for details.
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/mountbatten.
Get social with us:
Facebook – @mountbattenlc
Instagram – @bhliveactive
Address: BH Live Active Mountbatten, Alex Way, Portsmouth, PO2 9QA, HAMPSHIRE