Junior Wardens news

The new financial year started in April with the Junior Wardens supporting the ABP Marathon, as they have done for over 10 years.

This event raises thousands of pounds for worthwhile causes and charities through the runner’s sponsorship. We play our part in this amazing event by running a water station, supporting the runners, cheering them on, and helping to keep them hydrated. We have 20-30 volunteers each year supporting the event. Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years.

We also had three great days with our 'Bugs & Bits 2' events. We had a variety of activities including a bug hunt, nature trail, bugs under microscopes, and installation of the bug hotels the Junior Wardens built on 'Bugs & Bits 1'. We asked the Junior Wardens a series of questions about insects at the start and end of the event to see what they learned. Thanks to joint working with the Parks team, this was a really successful project.

Read the full end of year Junior Wardens Report.

'You Said, We Did' project working with the local community

At the beginning of July, the local Neighbourhood Warden asked the Junior Wardens to support them with the issues of litter fly tipping at Fullerton Close, Weston.

Working with the Warden, I put together a consultation event in Fullerton to speak to tenants about the issues of litter. I also asked them how we could support them in keeping the area clean.

The residents asked for more bins to be placed in the area. They hoped that this would encourage their children and passers-by to use them. They believed that the lack of bins was the major issue.

On the day, I also had one of the tenants mention the graffiti on the backs of the shed areas. The tenant suggested getting the local children to do some artwork on the boards to cover this. This would also cover the graffiti.

How much of a problem is litter in your area?

• 80% - Major problem
• 20% - A bit of a problem

Do you think extra bins would help?

• 100% - Yes

Whose responsibility is it to keep the area clean?

• 80% - Tenants and council
• 10% - Tenants
• 10% - Everyone

Would you be willing to get involved in litter picking your area?

Three tenants volunteered.

As we had such a good turnout from tenants who genuinely wanted to engage and make things better, I planned a return event.

So, on 14 August we went back to Fullerton with Arts for the Children creating designs for the sheds. We had Open Spaces supporting, clearing bulk and tidying overgrown areas.

Family Hubs gave out free school uniforms and talking to parents.

Dave from Decent Neighbourhoods installed new bins.

TPU’s Michael ran badge making and helped with the Junior Wardens' light game.

Thank you all for your support.

Play Day is a vibrant community event that brings people of all ages and backgrounds together for a day of fun and connection.

Designed to be fully inclusive, Play Day offers a diverse range of activities that cater to everyone, ensuring no one is left out. The event features predominantly free activities, making it accessible to all. Visitors can enjoy a mix of sports, arts, and crafts. There are also various interactive activities specifically tailored for young people.

Information stalls are also available. These offer valuable resources and support for children and families. These stalls are staffed by local businesses, charities, and organisations. They reflect the community's commitment to supporting its residents.

Play Day is more than just a day of fun. It is an opportunity to break down barriers and foster a sense of community unity. By bringing people together in a shared space, the event encourages social interaction and mutual support. This helps to build stronger relationships among residents. In essence, Play Day is a celebration of community spirit. It offers a day of enjoyment while strengthening the bonds that hold the community together.

Over 2000 children and families came to join us for the first Play Day organised by the Junior Wardens. This event has run for the past 15 years, organised by Southampton Children’s Play Association. When they sadly closed their doors this year I wanted to keep this amazing event alive, so took on the challenge.

So many organisations and charities supported the event. They provided activities for children and support for parents. A massive thank you to everyone who supported the event.

I am now going to be running this event each year, sticking as usual to the first Friday of the school summer holidays. Come along and join us in 2025, at Hoglands Park, for a bigger and better Play Day.

Feedback

• Chelle: "Thanks Ian, this is a Southampton favourite in the holidays for us.”
• Ralph: "So glad it went ahead, well done Ian and thanks to all who took part."
• Rachel: “Was so pleased to hear Play Day was saved. We've been going for years and kids love it. Great Job.”
• Alison: "We had a wonderful day, thanks to all."
• Mandy: “Amazing day, kids loved it and I got some advice on housing.”

Our supporters

Without local businesses, community groups, and organisations across the city I would not be able to produce Play Day. So, a massive thank you to you all.

Southampton Voluntary Services

“We had a fantastic time engaging with families at the Play Day and were delighted by how much interest there was in volunteering and how the voluntary sector can support families. In my role at SVS [Southampton Voluntary Services], I am really keen to promote the brilliant things going on in communities (for families) and the Play Day was a great opportunity to do this. As a parent, I was so pleased to see a fantastic event be so well attended and give so many a great day out. I look forward to the next one.”

Solent University

“Just wanted to say a massive thankyou to you and your team for keeping the event alive this year.

“Playday is always in my calendar, and I support every year as it provides a vital service to the community especially being able to gather so many organisations at one event, that the whole community can access.

“A fun and an enjoyable day.

“Count on my support moving forward and happy to help as much as possible.”

Testlands

“Overall, I think the event was amazing! It was great seeing so many people all trying new things and enjoying a mini bit of sport with us!"

Itchen Sixth Form College

“A big thank you from Itchen College, we had a fantastic day attending Play Day, meeting members of the community and talking to them about our adult education offer.”

“Well organised, enjoyed by parents and children.

“Shout out to the community volunteers who reacted quickly to the report of a [lost] child."

Southampton University Legal Clinic

“Thank you so much for allowing our Southampton University Legal Clinic to attend the event at Hoglands Park, it was an amazing opportunity to reach out to the community and make them aware of our services in case they are ever in need of our assistance. It was so nice to see so many other organisations there as well that are all about helping the community.”

Family Hub

“The Family Hub team can't wait! We will be hosting fun fitness inspired activities for all ages to get involved in. The team [will] also be able to give advice and information about our services.

“Such a great day. We signed up 100 new families on the day who we can now support.”

Francesca, Employment Support, Southampton City Council

“I thought it was a fantastic event - great to see so many children, young people and parents having fun, being active and engaging with the services you had there! Really looking forward to next year!!!”

Debbie Chase, Director of Public Health, Southampton City Council

“It was great to see so many families from across the city come together at the Play Day. There was a variety of stalls and activities, making it easy for parents to connect with services and offers and make new friends whilst their children were having fun!

“My thanks to all the agencies and community groups that came together that day to make this such a success and I look forward to another event in the future."

Lepsa, Tenant Participation, Southampton City Council

"Wow, what an event! As I was approaching Hoglands Park I could hear the chatter and the children's laughter, so nice to hear! The whole place was buzzing.

“A very nice atmosphere, brilliantly organised event. Thank you Ian."

Other supporters

• Wicketz
• Phil Space
• Southampton Football Club

We had a great day in Mansel Park on Tuesday 9 April 2024. This was for our Bugs and Bits Two.

We had a variety of activities including a bug hunt, nature trail, bugs under microscopes, and installation of the bug hotels the Junior Wardens built on 'Bugs and Bits One'.

We asked the Juniors a series of questions about insects at the start and end to see what they learned.

Thank you to Dawn (Senior Ranger), Nicola from the Community Engagement Team, and the Neighbourhood Wardens for their support with this project. Well done to all the Junior Wardens as well who were great, well behaved, and obviously learned a lot on the day.

Junior Neighbourhood Wardens offered support to runners and charities at the recent Southampton Marathon.

A massive thank you to all the Junior Wardens and parents who helped at the water station on Sunday 7 April 2024. You were all amazing.

We even had a guest appearance from Alan as 'Pikachu'. Everyone had a great day supporting all the runners and charities. You should all be really proud of yourselves!

Thank you to all who helped to support and educate our Junior Wardens.

Bugs & Bits: Weston, Millbrook and Northam

We had great few days working with our Ranger Team and Hampshire & IOW Wildlife Trust, supported by local neighbourhood wardens.

The Junior Wardens were involved in 'Bugs & Bits' activity sessions at Weston Adventure Playground, All Saints Church Millbrook, and Northam Community Link. We were building bug hotels, bee tree hangers, and bird boxes which will go up across each area in April at our Bugs & Bits 2.

While building, we taught the Junior Wardens about bees, bugs, birds, and more. This gave them an understanding of their local environment and showed them how they can make a difference!

At the beginning of each session, we asked the Junior Wardens questions to assess their current knowledge. We asked these again at the end to see what they had learned.

Planter & Woodland Project

The Junior Wardens are supporting Family Hub Blackberry Hub in Thornhill. They are revamping the front of Blackberry Hub.

The planters to the main entrance had become rotten and started to become dangerous. Working jointly with the Community Payback team, the first stage of the project was completed on Friday last week by two really hard-working lads. Thank you!

The Junior Wardens will be putting all the finishing touches to the planters in May, starting with weeding and putting in some colourful new plants. We will have two other activities on the day including a clean air and woodland session. "Men's Shed Bitterne" have also produced some carvings of woodland creatures. The Junior Wardens will paint and attach these to the planters. Once finished, the Hub will have a bright and welcoming new entrance.

Before

After

Intergen was back for a New Year

We started the year of Intergen activities with our welcome back evening. This was followed by an evening of pancake making.

We had an early pancake day where everyone made pancake batter from scratch. They then took it in turns to cook their own pancakes. Some were brave enough to flip theirs, including our surprise guests Councillors Andy Frampton and Yvonne Frampton. We ended the evening with bingo, which always goes down well. To find out more for 2024 see Junior Wardens.

A great day had by all at the fire station days in Hightown, Redbridge and St Marys.

A big thank you to all who supported on the day, in particular to the fire crews and Fire Education team.

Sessions were run and supported by:

• Hampshire Fire and Rescue
• The Police
• Our Public Safety and Community teams
• Wardens

We had 96 young people attend over the three days - everyone seemed to have a great time!

We organised these free events for 7 to 15-year-olds. There was a round robin of fun and educational sessions. As Bonfire Night and Halloween were approaching, these sessions were designed to help keep our young people safe. They also promoted respect when trick or treating.

Sessions over the afternoon were:

• Home fire safety
• Firework safety
• First aid (burns)
• Trick or treat advice
• Tour of the fire station
• Demo and hands-on session with the fire brigade

Some of the feedback

• Fire fighter demonstration was great.
• Had a great day Thank you.
• It was awesome.
• Had a great day Thank you.
• Had a fab time and we will be recommending it to all their friends for next year.

Did you learn anything today?

• 70% - loads
• 25% - lots
• 5% - a bit

This is the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens report for May half term, 2023.

30 May 2023

The Junior Wardens were at Weston Adventure Playground. We were building a community garden to be used for the Junior's Club on a Friday. It can also be used by the general community to grow fruit, vegetables, and flowers. The community may also use it as a sensory garden.

We worked jointly with Southampton Children's Play Association and Plants for People to put on two full days of:

• Building
• Gardening
• Arts and crafts
• Outdoor play

Over the two days we engaged with 122 children and families. 

Corporate Plan goal: create more attractive open spaces.

31 May 2023

The Junior Wardens ran a sports session in Holyrood, Central. We had a good turnout with a lot of familiar faces, but also a few new ones. It went down really well with lots of requests to come back again.

Testlands: "Yesterday was a huge success, we engaged with over 30 young people throughout the session. The group started at 14 and finished with 30 - just shows the impact you can have by laying on engaging activities for the community. It was great to build relationships with these young people and reconnect with some ex-students. We as a team thoroughly enjoyed working with them all. 

Corporate Plan goal: Getting out and active and promoting healthy living. 

1 June 2023

The Junior Wardens ran a Residents Celebration day at Dempsey and Kathleen Road, Sholing. They did this in conjunction with Tenant Engagement, Community Engagement, and Decent Neighbourhoods. Decent Neighbourhoods have completely transformed the areas around the blocks to make spaces more useable and welcoming.

We invited residents to come and join us in celebrating its completion. We offered free tea, coffee, hot dogs, and cakes. There was also music and games.

We had a good turnout.  Numerous families engaged with us and shared their view on the work ahead.

Corporate Plan goal: create more attractive and welcoming green and open spaces.

What's next?

We are already planning for the summer and the Junior Wardens 20th anniversary.

• Central - We are taking part in the Love Where You Live event at Hoglands Park on 28 July
• East - We are going to run gardening, clearing, and art projects
• West - We are planning the 20th anniversary of the Junior Wardens in Mansel Park on 8 August

Comments from people who engaged with us in half term

• "It's nice to have a new area for kids and it looks so much nicer."
• "We love having an outdoor usable space, fenced away from dogs and associated mess. We've since had three BBQs with all our neighbours."
• "Can you come back again tomorrow? We loved playing football today."
• "Can we do this every day?"

For more information on Junior Wardens projects as well as updates on other local community groups, visit us on Facebook.

2 April 2023

The Junior Wardens support the ABP Marathon every year. This helps to raise money for numerous charities both locally and nationally. We run the largest water station with over 20 volunteers at Coopers Lane, Woolston. It was a bit colder this year, but this did not dampen spirits. The team kept giving out water and cheering on the runners.

Corporate Plan goal: promote healthy living and create healthier environments.

4 April 2023

The Junior Wardens held a residents consultation day at Wyndham Court, Central. The consultation was about the central garden area of Wyndham. We asked what we could do to brighten the area and make it more useable for residents. We had a range of games to engage with the young people. We also invited the Hawk Man who keeps the pigeons at bay at Wyndham. Hot dogs and refreshments were served. All the feedback will guide our works in the future.

Corporate Plan goal: create more attractive open spaces.

5 April 2023

The Junior Wardens ran a residents day at Wharncliffe Rd, Woolston approximately six months ago. This was in conjunction with Tenant Engagement. The goal was to start a new residents group. A group has since been set up. It has good attendance and is the first group to have children sitting as members.

One of the first ideas to come from the group was to re-start the Sunset gardening club at Riverside House.

After meeting with the residents, we arranged a Junior Warden gardening project to provide a garden area. The Wardens Project Team, residents, and local children, worked with us to build the new garden area. Well done to all involved!

Resident Comment: "After a previous event with Ian we have received a much-needed boost to get the gardening club back up and running. We are encouraging children to get involved & they are so excited. The club has also brought families together from the blocks, building a stronger local community, Thank you, Fiona.”

Corporate Plan goal: Create more attractive and welcoming green and open spaces.

12 April 2023

The Junior Wardens ran a Love Where You Live event in Bentley Green last summer. This was in conjunction with Community Engagement.

Local residents had the chance to talk to us and share their ideas on what they wanted to see improved in the area. One idea was to make a mural on the kick wall in the park. This had been graffitied.

The local children made some designs and gave us their ideas. We put these together and re-visited the children at the park over February half-term so they could choose their favourites. In the Easter break, we invited the children back to put their designs onto the wall with support from a local artist.

Corporate Plan goal: Create cleaner, more attractive, and welcoming green and open spaces.

20 April 2023

The Junior Wardens launched their first school litter picking group at St Mary’s CE Primary School. CLC kindly sponsored us, supplying litter pickers, high visibility vests, hoops, and bags.

The school should take a group of pupils out on a weekly litter pick. On their walk they collect general waste and recycling into bags. They learn about what we can and cannot recycle in Southampton. They then report the numbers of bags of waste and recycling back to us. They also raise issues like fly tipping using an online form.

On the day, we collected over 15 bags of litter, including seven of recycling and eight of waste.

Corporate Plan goal: create cleaner, more attractive, and welcoming green and open spaces. Reduce litter and fly-tipping. Improve recycling rates.

What is next?

We are already planning for next half term in May and June:

• Central - We are organising a sporting event in Holyrood, getting young people active
• East - We will build a new garden area for the Juniors Club, which runs out of the Venny in Weston. This will be an ongoing resource for learning, healthy living, and cooking
• West - We are working on plans to revamp a very large planter in Odiham Close. We are also hoping to set up a small gardening club, made up of our tenants, to maintain the planter

You can visit us on Facebook for more information on Junior Wardens projects as well as updates on other local community groups.