Junior Wardens news

The new financial year started in April with the Juniors 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 each year, 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 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 Juniors built on Bugs & Bits 1. We asked the Juniors at the start a series of questions about Insects and again at the end to see what they learnt. 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 Junior Wardens were asked by the local Neighbourhood Warden to support them with issues of litter & fly tipping in and around Fullerton Close, Weston.

Working with the Warden, I put together a consultation event in Fullerton to speak to Tenants about the issues of litter and ask them what we could do to support them to keep the area clean.

The residents asked for more bins to be placed in the area to encourage their children and passers by to use them, which they believed was the major issue.

On the day I also had one of the Tenants mention the graffiti on the backs of the shed areas and suggested getting the local children to do some artwork on the boards to cover this and at the same time 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?

3 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.

The Family Hubs were giving out Free school uniform and talking to parents.

Decent Neighbourhoods, Dave 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, and various interactive activities specifically tailored for young people.

In addition, information stalls are available, offering valuable resources and support for children and families. These stalls are staffed by local businesses, charities, and organisations, reflecting 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 unity within the community. By bringing people together in a shared space, the event encourages social interaction and mutual support, helping to build stronger relationships among residents. In essence, Play Day is a celebration of community spirit, offering 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, not only providing activities for children but 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, 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, 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 Juniors built on Bugs and Bits One.

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

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 Juniors as well who were great, well behaved, and obviously learnt 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 Juniors and parents who helped at the Marathon water station on Sunday 7 April 2024. You were all amazing.

We even had a guest appearance from Alan/Pikachu. Everyone had a great day supporting all the runners and the charities they were raising money for. You should all be really proud of yourselves.

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

Bugs & Bits

Weston, Millbrook and Northam

A great few days’ working with our Southampton City Council Rangers Team, 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 & Northam Community Link. We were building Bug Hotels, Bee Tree Hangers & Bird Boxes which will be put up across each area in April at our Bugs & Bits 2.

While building we were talking to the Juniors about bees, bugs, birds and more to give them an understanding about their local environment and see how they can make a difference.

At the beginning of each session the Juniors were asked a series of questions to assess their current knowledge & again at the end to see what they had learned.

Planter & Woodland Project

The Junior Wardens are supporting one of our Family Hubs and revamping the front of Blackberry Hub in Thornhill.

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 also have two other activities on the day including a Clean Air session & Woodland session. "Men's Shed Bitterne" have also produced some carvings of woodland creatures for Juniors to paint and attach to the planters. When we finish 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 followed by an evening of pancake making.

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

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, police, and Southampton City Council's public safety and community teams, and wardens. We had 96 young people attend over the three days and everyone seemed to have a great time.

We organised these free events for 7–15-year-olds, with 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 and to promote respect when out 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/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

Junior 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, but also can be used by the general community to grow fruit, veg, flowers and a sensory garden.

We worked jointly with SCPA and Plants for People to put on two full days of building, gardening, arts and crafts and outdoor play. Over the two days we engaged with 122 children and families. 

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

1 June 2023

The Junior Wardens in conjunction with Tenant Engagement, Community Engagement and Decent Neighbourhoods ran a residents celebration day at Dempsey & Kathleen Rd, Sholing. Decent Neighbourhoods have completed a project here, completely transforming the areas around the blocks to make spaces more useable and welcoming.

We invited residents to come and join us in celebrating it's completion, offering free tea, coffee, hot dogs and cakes along with music and games.

We had a good turnout with a number of families coming out to engage with us and sharing their view on the works that had to be done.

Corporate Plan: 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 be running some 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?"

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

2 April 2023

The Junior Wardens support the ABP Marathon every year, which helps raise money for numerous charities across the local area 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 didn’t dampen spirits, giving out water and cheering on the runners.

Corporate Plan: 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, and 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, the Hawk Man who keeps the pigeons at bay at Wyndham as well as Hot Dogs and refreshments. We will be using all the feedback to lead on works in the future.

Corporate Plan: create more attractive open spaces.

5 April 2023

The Junior Wardens in conjunction with Tenant Engagement ran a residents day at Wharncliffe Rd, Woolston approximately six months ago in an attempt to start a new residents group. Since then, a group was set up, not only with good attendance but 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 the residents with their own garden area. With support from the Wardens Project Team, residents, and local children we set about building 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. Create more attractive, and welcoming green and open spaces.

12 April 2023

The Junior Wardens in conjunction with Community Engagement ran a Love Where You Live event in Bentley Green last Summer. At this event, 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 do a mural on the kick wall in the park that had been graffitied. The local children did some designs and gave us their ideas which we put together and re-visited the children at the park in 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. Create cleaner, more attractive, and welcoming green and open spaces.

20 April 2023

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

The idea is the school takes a group of pupils out on a weekly basis to litter pick. On their walk they collect general waste and recycling into relevant bags, learning as they go about what as a city we can and can’t recycle. They then report numbers of bags of waste and recycling as well as issues such as fly tipping, back to the council using an online form. On the day we collected over 15 bags of litter, including seven of recycling and eight of waste.

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

What's next?

We are already planning for next half term in May/June.

• Central - we are organising a sporting event in Holyrood, getting young people out and active
• East - we are going to be building 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.