Projects we worked together on...

Christmas Get Together, The Gardens, Bishops Waltham

Residents got together at Jubilee Hall, Bishops Waltham on 21st December for Christmas fun and games.  The children enjoyed taking part in and organising all kinds of games including Santa Says and Musical Freeze.  A huge thank you to the parents who volunteered to be turned into snowmen. With a free raffle, refreshments and dancing to the Cha Cha Slide we were all feeling the Christmas spirit by the end of the afternoon. 

Christmas Get Together Cumberland Gate

Residents of Cumberland Gate got together on 19th December at Mulvany Court for a mince pie or two and a chat with neighbours and housing staff.  A number of suggestions were put forward for social activities which the Residents' Association will consider at their next meeting in early January. 

If you would like to find out more about how to get involved with the Residents' Association or have any ideas for future activities please contact Barbara Cooke on 023 8062 8163 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

“Volunteering has given me the chance to share my skills with others”

Residents living in Millbrook, Southampton who are unemployed have been offered information, support and guidance from their dedicated Worklessness Project Officer, Helen Humphries. Helen has been working with residents on a 1:1 basis to help them to find suitable training and employment opportunities.

Volunteering has provided the opportunity for one resident to find her way back. The resident has been able to plan the hours around her family commitments and return to work at her own pace. Since the resident began volunteering in September 2011, her life has changed for the better and her confidence and self-esteem have improved. “Volunteering has helped me to get back to work and I feel I am more than just a mum. I am really happy with where I am at and I hope to eventually achieve paid employment with the organisation or within the support industry.” Talking about the organisation who gave her the opportunity to volunteer, she enthuses at how supportive they have been towards her and they are always checking that she understands what she is doing. The organisation has even encouraged her to achieve her full potential by asking her to teach residents how to cook on a budget – not bad for someone who felt she was just a mum!

“Support throughout Radian is amazing”

Radian provides residents with a variety of opportunities to get involved, whether a few hours can be spared here and there or more time can be committed on a regular basis. One resident, who has only been living in a Radian property for a year, explains how being involved has helped him return to education and work towards an accredited qualification.

Karl Johnson, from Southampton, has been out of formal education and training for over 20 years. When questioned about how he felt returning to education he replied “nervous and worried.” Karl explained that "being involved with Radian helped me to improve my confidence and now I get out more to socialise. My support worker helped me to feel more confident by visiting the college to find out more about the course. Hairdressing is something that I have always wanted to do and I hope to set up a mobile business when I have completed the course.”

If you are currently unemployed and would like information or advice on training and volunteering opportunities, then contact Helen Humphries on 023 8062 8162 or email her: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you would like to find out more about getting involved, then contact Radian Direct on 0300 123 1 567 or visit www.radian.co.uk

Festive fun for Oakfield Gardens

Residents at Oakfield Gardens, Shirley were invited to join us for a Christmas party on Tuesday 13th December. The party was organised in association with A2Dominion Housing Association and residents from Turner’s Oak Court, who hold the event every year. Children enjoyed food, face painting, entertainment from Ninetto the clown and even presents from Father Christmas!  

Neighbourhood Watch Workshops around Southampton

On the 22 November at the Mansbridge Community Room, Portswood Safer Neighbourhoods team hosted a Neighbourhood Watch Workshop for Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and Residents Associations within the Swaythling and Bassett areas. This was an opportunity for Neighbourhood Watch and Residents Association groups within the local community to share ideas and meet representatives from the local policing team.