What's On
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Residents Meeting
Meetings are held in Radian offices three times a year. If you would like to receive an invitation to the next meeting please contact Jade
Polhill by using the details at the bottom of this article.
Previously the group has looked at publications and how they reflect diversity of all residents. The ‘Hot Topic’ of discussion for the next meeting will be Housing Management. Solent Housing Manager, Robert Reid, will lead on a discussion about how issues such as anti social behaviour, reporting repairs and neighbourhood issues may affect LGBT residents living in a Radian property. We will also be updating residents on the positive actions that have progressed since the last meeting regarding publications.
For more information contact Jade Polhill on 023 8062 8170 or email
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Mansbridge Housing Surgery
The Radian Mansbridge Office, Gilbury Close, Mansbridge
Every Tuesday Time: 14:00 - 16:00
Every Tuesday afternoon the Mansbridge Housing Team run a surgery. No appointment needed, just drop by.
For more information or please call Radian Direct on 0300 123 1 567.
Mansbridge Bingo Club
Mansbridge Community Room, Octavia Road
Held every Wednesday Time: 19:30 - 21:00
Bingo is held in the Mansbridge Commuity Room every Wednesday. Everyone is welcome. The cost is £4.20 for 9 games. For more information or please call Alan Broom on 023 8058 6765 or just turn up on the night to join in the fun.
Are you affected by the Economic Crisis?
Mansbridge Office, Gilbury Close, Swaythling, SO18 2RF.
The Citizen's Advice Bureau operates fortnightly on Friday Time: 9:30 - 12:30 (Appointments Only)
Are your finances getting you down? Help is at hand. If you are a Social or Private Resident and require Financial Assistance the Citizens Advice Bureau can help resolve people’s legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policy makers.
If you qualify for the above and would like further information you may contact Citizen's Advice Bureau on: 023 9285 5853 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Parenting Workshops
Gilbury Close Meeting Room, Gilbury Close, Mansbridge.
Drop in every Wednesday Time: 9.30 – 11.30 (Term Time Only)
Do you feel like life is a tug of war and you’re not getting anywhere? Do you feel like your children are not listening to you? Are you blamed for their behaviour?
Then please drop in for a coffee and a chat with a parent support advisor from Southampton City Council.
Avon and Solent Disability Panel
The Disability Panel meet at different locations throughout the year. If you would like to join the panel and recieve information about where the next meetings are taking place, please contact Giv Thornton using the contact details at the bottom of the article.
Radian now have a new Disability Panel for the Solent and Avon areas. This Panel meets regularly to look at housing issues affecting people with disabilities. Whether you have a mental health problem, a physical disability or have a condition that makes some functions difficult for you, you would be welcome on this Panel. We meet about every two to three months in an informal setting, and discuss ways that we can make life easier for people. If you would like to find out when the next meeting is being held or want to join the panel and be part of this friendly group, make some new friends and help others, then contact Giv Thornton on 023 8062 8169 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you have problems with transport we will arrange a taxi to collect you and take you home after the meeting.
Tootlers Recorder Club
Mansbridge Community Room, Octavia Road.
Tootlers Recorder Club meet on the second and fourth Thursday of every month. Time: 7.15pm – 9.30pm
Would you be interested in joining an amateur recorder playing group? They are a recently established group for all levels of recorder players, young and old, ultimately seeking to play a wide range of music. Tootlers meet on the second and third Thursday of every month in the Mansbridge Community Room from 7:15pm until 9:30pm.
Please register your interest by telephone to Jane on 023 8055 1660 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We welcome your enquiry. A keyboard player would also be welcomed.
Mansbridge Composting project
Next year residents in Mansbridge will be able to help themselves to free compost and chippings from the Radian composting site that is going to be placed in the wooodland area next to The Meadows.
The site will save Radian a lot of money and therefore more time can be spent in Mansbridge improving our service to you. The scheme will also reduce our carbon footprint and help the environment.The compost site will only be used by Grounds Maintenance in Mansbridge and will only be used during the day. No other waste will be allowed to be left on the site.
A door knock has recently been conducted with residents in Monks Way and The Meadows. Radian also consulted the Mansbridge Gardening Club and Mansbridge Residents Association who all thought it was a great idea.
For more information, contact the Grounds Maintenance Team on 0300 123 1 567.
Crafting Club
Mansbridge Community Room, Octavia Road
Held on the third Thursday of each Month. Time: 19:00 - 21:00
New share an art/craft group starting in Mansbridge. From match stick modelling to scrap booking, jewellery making to painting, whatever your craft come and share it with others who enjoy making and creating. The sessions are free to attend but you will need to bring your own materials.The dates are as follows:
Thursday 15 December, Thursday 19 January and Thursday 16 February.
To book a place or for more information, please leave a message on 079 8110 3704 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
How do I cook for just one person?
Cooking for one isn’t always fun, and can often be more expensive. That’s why local residents are keen to meet and share experiences on how make the food budget go further while still eating healthily. Solent area panel member Enid Horton has years of catering experience and is keen to share her recipe ideas with others.
By contributing tips and recipes, cooking for one can be an enjoyable and tasty experience!
If you’d like to find out more about how you can take part, then please contact Barbra Cooke on 023 8062 8163 or email Barbara at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Mansbridge Forum
Mansbridge Forum at the Gilbury Close Office
The Mansbridge Forum is a group of residents and agencies who meet every 3 months to discuss issues and improvements within the Mansbridge community. To join or for more information contact Community Involvement on 0300 123 1 567 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Back to Work Schemes with Helen Humphries
Do you live in the Solent Area? Are you unemployed and looking for ways back to work? Do you want to find out more about training available in your area?
Radian could help you.
Helen Humphries, Worklessness Project Officer, has been helping residents in Millbrook and Lordshill get back to work either through, education, training or volunteering. Helen has been supporting residents in these areas since April 2010 by offering Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) about returning to work, volunteering or gaining qualifications in an area of choice.
Examples of Project Successes:
- One resident who had no qualifications and lacked confidence has successfully completed her Level 2 qualification in Childcare. The resident now works in a local children’s centre and is currently completing her Level 3 qualification.
- One resident who wanted to return to work volunteers at a local housing organisation which supports young people. The resident hopes to work towards achieving an accredited qualification.
If you are currently unemployed and would like information or advice on training, employment and volunteering opportunities, then contact Helen Humphries on 023 8062 8162, text her on 075 8437 1113 or email her: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Alternatively speak to your Neighbourhood Officer or Income Officer who will pass your details to Helen.
Radian disability conference
Wessex Conference Centre, Sparsholt, Winchester, SO21 2NF
Tuesday 14th February 2012 - 10.00 a.m. to 4.15 p.m.
This free conference is for everyone who has a physical disability, a learning difficulty, a mental health issue or for anyone who cares for someone who has.
Why are we holding it?
We need to know how we can improve our services and we need you to tell us what you think is important.
This is a free event. The venue has disabled access. We will arrange transport for you if you need it. There will be refreshment breaks and lunch provided. If you’d like to attend or you have any questions, please contact Giv Thornton on 023 8062 8169 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Who will be speaking?
Peter Beresford will talk about how important it is that people get involved and about the various ways they can do this – thinking outside the box! He has been involved with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and is Director of Policy Research at Brunel University.
Ali Westmoreland is from the Government Office for Disability Issues and will be talking about the consultation they are carrying out on ‘fulfilling potential’. This is your chance to take part in this consultation.
We also have a number of outside guests attending the workshops which will cover benefits, adaptations, caring for someone, learning disabilities and mental health, home design and fulfilling potential.
Click here for directions to the Wessex Conference Centre.
