Sign-up today to the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens and enjoy free activities
With half-term approaching and parents beginning to think of fun, interesting ways to keep the children active, families with children aged 7-12 and above are being invited to find out more about Southampton City Council’s Junior Neighbourhood Wardens
Applying to join the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens is open to children across the city and completely free. Becoming a warden allows children to join in with fun and educational events throughout the year such as designing and creating bird and bug boxes to enhance the local community to arts and crafts, face painting and gardening. A full list of upcoming events can be found online at Junior Warden events. This includes a free fire safety day at St Mary’s Fire Station on 31 October in preparation for Bonfire Night and Halloween.
The Junior Neighbourhood Wardens, commissioned by Southampton City Council, strive to encourage children to be good citizens and friendly neighbours. It helps children to:
- Make new friends
- Learn new skills to get the best start in life
- Build self-confidence
- Keep active and stay healthy
- Take part in community projects
- Protect the city’s green spaces
- Take part in activities to promote community cohesion
The scheme also gives young people and families access to great discounts on local activities, such as swimming pools, gyms, and entry to sports centres.
Former Junior Neighbourhood Wardens, sisters Jasmine and Rosina 16 and 17 who are now Team Leaders, credit the scheme with helping them develop deeper ties to their local community. Jasmine, who first joined the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens in 2014, said:
“Joining the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens gave me a huge amount of confidence and pride in my community. We got to participate in some amazing activities that were really fun such as the marathon or panto, making some good friends as well as creating lasting memories.”
Jasmine’s younger sister Rosina, who joined the Wardens in 2016, added:
“Being in the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens helped me learn some really important life skills, such as fire safety. I also helped raise money for lots of good local causes, which was really fulfilling. I would definitely encourage other children to sign-up as there are so many great activities to do.”
The scheme currently counts 170 children in its ranks, including eight Team Leaders aged 13-18 and 162 wardens. Earlier this year, the Wardens took on responsibility for running the city’s annual Summer Play Day at Hoglands Park for the first time, demonstrating their commitment to enriching the local community.
Ian Mitchell, Junior Neighbourhood Warden Co-ordinator said:
“Our vision of the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens scheme is to empower young people and provide them with the skills, knowledge and opportunities they need to lead fulfilling lives and make positive contributions to their communities. We believe wholeheartedly in the power of the children's voice and strive to create a safe and Child Friendly environment, where every young person has the best start in life.”
Jamie Brenchley, Director of Housing at Southampton City Council said:
“Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to promote citizenship and instil a sense of responsibility and compassion in our youth, ensuring they have the tools they need to become their best selves and make a positive impact in their city.”
Councillor Andy Frampton, Cabinet Member for Housing at Southampton City Council, added:
“The Junior Neighbourhood Wardens provide a fantastic outlet for children to explore and enhance their city taking pride and learning new skills. This further demonstrates our commitment to enable children and young people to be happy and healthy in Southampton, a key priority in our work to become a child friendly city.”
It is not too late to sign your children up to be a part of the October half-term activities. To find out more about the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens along with information on how to apply, visit Junior neighbourhood wardens.
