Community Information
Take #TheFirstStep towards getting debt help
This week (22-28 March) is Debt Awareness Week. Dealing with debt can be confusing and scary for many. There are hundreds of reasons why people put off getting debt advice – some fear they’ll be judged, others bury their head in the sand and hope things will improve, and many simply aren’t aware that free, impartial debt advice is available.
StepChange Debt Charity estimates that the average person waits 12 months between realising they’re in financial trouble and getting debt advice for the first time, during which their situation can get even worse.
If you are dealing with debt, help is available from national organisations including Step Change website, Citizens Advice and local debt advice services.
Single parents group
United Parents (UP) is a fun and encouraging group for single parents to find support and friendship. Everyone welcome!
The group normally meets on Friday mornings during term time, for tea, coffee, cake and various activities. For the time being though we are meeting virtually via the Zoom app. You can easily download it for free on your phone or pc and we can help you with this if you wish.
WHEN? Every Friday morning from 9.30 to 11.00
To join us: either send us an email at unitedparents@hotmail.com or message us on www.facebook.com/united.parents.southampton
To book a place on a course or to find out more information, please contact us:
023 8021 6003
Southampton Family Trust
SVS, Kingsland Square
St Mary Street
Southampton
SO14 1NW
Southampton City Council has produced a number of COVID-19 translated videos that have been completed for the Vaccine and Test and Trace have been uploaded to YouTube and are ready for you to access and share through your channels and networks. These have been produced by a local Community Enterprise (Drop the Mask) and hopefully will assist in our efforts to ensure we maximise the positive messaging about vaccines.
Vaccinations
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqADc3oBwffwshc8HnCXpkchmcD1LzIH
Test and Trace
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqADc3oBwffPHiQ-f-gsZN-6sSFfBiHJ
Hands, Face, Space
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqADc3oBwfeTuJkHy0EuqCFftxaNPXhj
Symptoms
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqADc3oBwfeo0zT8oueHu2GyQovciDdt
Covid-19 Community Champions
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqADc3oBwfcltFhEYF0IRJCtl9kC1gK2
Southampton City Council has produced a number of COVID-19 translated videos that have been completed for the Vaccine and Test and Trace have been uploaded to YouTube and are ready for you to access and share through your channels and networks. These have been produced by a local Community Enterprise (Drop the Mask) and hopefully will assist in our efforts to ensure we maximise the positive messaging about vaccines.
Vaccinations
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqADc3oBwffwshc8HnCXpkchmcD1LzIH
Test and Trace
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqADc3oBwffPHiQ-f-gsZN-6sSFfBiHJ
Hands, Face, Space
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqADc3oBwfeTuJkHy0EuqCFftxaNPXhj
Symptoms
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqADc3oBwfeo0zT8oueHu2GyQovciDdt
Covid-19 Community Champions
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqADc3oBwfcltFhEYF0IRJCtl9kC1gK2
An Hour to Skill Initiative
We've joined the 'An Hour to Skill' campaign to help boost the skills and job prospects of the nation. Open to everyone, the aim is to inspire people to set aside one hour a week for free online learning.
tinyurl.com/vhy4xhwa
Personal and Professional Development Training
Our personal development catalogue can help create a flourishing workplace with time management, communication, presentation skills and more
tinyurl.com/55zt6v6v
FREE: Mental Health and Wellbeing Resource Pack
Our mental health pack helped a lot of people during difficult times in 2020 and remains free for all.
tinyurl.com/6k6esuwq
FREE: Work-Life Balance Assessment
The continuation of home working for many of us means a healthy work-life balance can be difficult to maintain. Our free tool helps you understand your balance.
tinyurl.com/16ufvupd
Be aware of COVID-19 scams
Action Fraud is raising awareness of another coronavirus vaccine scam, after receiving a large number of reports relating to a phishing email on Monday 25 January.
Remember, the vaccine is only available on the NHS and is free of charge. If you receive an email, text message or phone call appearing to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, or to pay for the vaccine, this is a scam!
If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge. Read the full story.
Do you have questions about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Are you worried about whether the vaccine is safe, or if there are any potential side effects? Maybe you would like to know whether the vaccine contains animal products?
There is a lot of misinformation being shared on social media that is not true and you should not believe everything that you read or hear. It is important that people have access to trusted sources that will reassure that the vaccine is safe and will protect you and your loved ones.
Having the vaccine will help stop the spread of COVID-19, save lives, and protect the NHS and our local health and social care services.
Find out how safe the COVID-19 vaccine is by listening to the important messages shared in this video: If You Could Save Someone’s Life.
Find out more about the vaccine programme in Hampshire and Isle of Wight by taking a look at the frequently asked questions.
Virtual Employability Training
We’re running a free online Employability Course for people who want to develop their employability skills and start preparing to look for work. The course will be delivered online via Zoom, and you will receive resources and a completion certificate through email.
Dates and times (you must be able to attend all 3 sessions):
- Wednesday 10th February 10am-11:30am
- Thursday 11th February 10am-11:30am
- Friday 12th February 10am-11:30am
The course is free for anyone aged 19+ and living in or around Southampton.
The aim of this course is to improve your confidence around getting a job and develop your employability skills. This course acts as an introduction to employability, or to refresh existing knowledge for people who have been out of work or are looking to change their career. The course is fun and relaxed and acts as a stepping stone to accredited employability courses.
Over the 3 sessions, the course will aim to:
- Improve confidence and motivation
- Support with CV writing
- Teach job application tips and tricks
- Develop interview techniques
To join this course, please email Dan or call 07811 165534.
Visit the gallery virtually from home Discover the complete Perseus series of works by Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones in The Baring Room at Southampton City Art Gallery from the safety of your own home. This 3D feature allows you to walk around the exhibit, take a closer look and learn about each of these fantastic works from Southampton's Collection. View online. You can also still view some of the wonderful online exhibitions from the City Art Gallery from home below. Get involved with #MyGivingThanks Watch this brilliant film with Paralympian, Aaron Phipps, sharing what he's thankful for, as part of the Mayflower 400 Southampton's #MyGivingThanks campaign. #MyGivingThanks will create digital memories to bring the people of our city together in shared celebration. The campaign encourages you to share your photos, images, videos, stories or poems of what you are grateful for, however small, through social media using the hashtag #MyGivingThanks. It's easy to get involved and you can even find an online activity pack to inspire you and get you started here. Development and workshop opportunities for local D/deaf and disabled artists Along with partners New Carnival Company and artist Rachel Gadsden, the Mayflower 400 Southampton team is running a development opportunity for local D/deaf and disabled artists. The scheme, starting this week, will provide four artists from a range of disciplines the opportunity to develop or extend skills in online community engagement. This will have a particular focus on delivering to participants with diverse needs and at the end of the scheme, in March, they will be offering free online workshops to community groups across the city. If you run a community group or school that would benefit from one of these workshops then please email Mayflower400@southampton.gov.uk requesting more details. Materials and access support will be provided. Additionally, one-to-one support for the artists will be available from New Carnival Company staff who will also support delivery of the final sessions. There will also be mentoring and support from visual and performance artist Rachel Gadsden. Rachel, will be running sessions online for local disabled children and young people. Her work will be designed for young people with visual impairment and ties into her Mayflower 400 exhibition What this Storm is All About. If you have a group that would be interested in taking part, the Mayflower 400 team would love to hear from you. Make your contribution to a new national memorial Join in a special free digital workshop for Holocaust Memorial Day. Remember Southampton's role as a city of sanctuary for Jewish child refugees who arrived on the Kindertransport and make a personal commitment to stand against all forms of racism. Paint a commemorative stone live on Zoom and it will become part of the UK Holcaust Memorial and Learning Centre in London when it is built. The workshop takes place on Wednesday 20th January at 7pm. All you need to take part is a stone that fits in the palm of your hand and whatever decorating materials you have at home. This could be felt tips, paints or even nail varnish. A few spaces left for our kids online art club Explore the weird and wonderful world of art with artist Ali Eales through drawing challenges, games and projects! Tickets are required for each device being used to access the event, although we are very happy for more than one child to participate on each device. 20 Jan – Capturing the Ghosts of Tudor House: Illustrating people from Southampton's past 27 Jan – Barry Flanagan: When Art Bunnies ATTACK! 3 Feb – Neo-Pop: Mundane Magnificence and the art of Michael Craig-Martin 10 Feb – Behind the Mask: Explore the significance of masks in art and make your own Don't forget we also have some fantastic free educational activity resources to help keep kids busy at home. Find them on each of our venue websites below.
Tonight - In conversation with artist David Ward Thursday 14 January / 7:00pm / Online talk There is still a few hours left to join artist David Ward as he discusses his work with Stephen Foster, curator of our latest exhibition Shadows and Light. This online 'in conversation' event will last approximately an hour. Pioneering women artist talk series Join artist Abi Kremer in a series of talks exploring the work of pioneering artists represented in Southampton City Art Gallery's Collection: Wilhelmina Barns-Graham and Bridget Riley. Wilhelmina Barns-Graham - Wednesday 20 January / 7:00pm / Online talk Quarantine in Tudor Southampton Tuesday 26 January / 7:00pm / Online talk Join this gruesome online history talk with Dr Cheryl Butler, where the plague, pox and the sweating sickness were just some of the epidemics that swept into Tudor Southampton. With limited knowledge on infections, the spread of disease and the cause of pandemics how did our Tudor ancestors cope? |
Although our venues are currently closed, there are still lots of online resources, activities, talks, videos and more to keep us all going during this third national lockdown.
Check out some ideas below and follow our venue social media pages for even more fun and educational ideas, quizzes and more.
Free educational activity packs
If you’re back to home schooling and need some ideas to keep the kids busy, we have some fantastic free educational activity packs which you can find on our venue websites below:
- Tudor House and Garden online activities
- SeaCity Museum online activities
- Southampton City Art Gallery online activities.
Check out lots of fascinating short history and art videos from our Cultural Services Learning Team on their YouTube Channel.
Join Learning Officer Bea at SeaCity Museum in the below video, as she investigates how ways of communicating have changed over the past 2,000 years.
Explore the weird and wonderful world of art with artist Ali Eales through drawing challenges, games and projects!
This course is aimed at 7 - 11 year olds although children of other ages may enjoy it and adults accompanying their children are welcome to participate!
Tickets are required for each device being used to access the event, although we are very happy for more than one child to participate on each device.
As with all our children's activities, an adult will need to stay close at hand to participating children throughout the class.
Session are each Wednesday / 4:30pm / Book individual sessions here
13 Jan – Anthony Gormley and I
20 Jan – Capturing the Ghosts of Tudor House: Illustrating people from Southampton's past
27 Jan – Barry Flanagan: When Art Bunnies ATTACK!
3 Feb – Neo-Pop: Mundane Magnificence and the art of Michael Craig-Martin
10 Feb – Behind the Mask: Explore the significance of masks in art and make your own
In conversation with artist David Ward
Thursday 14 January / 7:00pm / Online talk
Join artist David Ward as he discusses his work with Stephen Foster, curator of our latest exhibition Shadows and Light. This online 'in conversation' event will last approximately an hour.
Pioneering women artist talk series
Join artist Abi Kremer in a series of talks exploring the work of three pioneering artists represented in Southampton City Art Gallery's Collection: Eileen Agar, Wilhelmina Barns-Graham and Bridget Riley.
Get 20% off if you book all three. Or book session individually below.
Eileen Agar - Wednesday 13 January / 7:00pm / Online talk
Wilhelmina Barns-Graham - Wednesday 20 January / 7:00pm / Online talk
Bridget Riley - Wednesday 27 January / 7:00pm / Online talk
Image credit: Bridget Riley, Red Movement 2005 © Bridget Riley 2020. All rights reserved.
Quarantine in Tudor Southampton
Tuesday 26 January / 7:00pm / Online talk
Join this gruesome online history talk with Dr Cheryl Butler, where the plague, pox and the sweating sickness were just some of the epidemics that swept into Tudor Southampton.
With limited knowledge on infections, the spread of disease and the cause of pandemics how did our Tudor ancestors cope?
Impressionism and the impressionists: A whistle-stop tour
Tuesday 2nd February / 7:00pm / Online talk
Join artist and art historian Ali Eales to explore this compelling and ever popular genre.
How to avoid getting cash strapped in 2021
TENANTS' LINK01.01.21
How to avoid getting cash strapped in 2021
COVID-19 has affected many people’s incomes, making it increasingly difficult to manage the household budget and stay out of debt. If you’re counting up the cost of Christmas and want to start 2021 getting on top of your finances, our friendly Welfare Rights & Money Advice team are here to help.
Read on to discover their top money and budgeting tips below:
Work out a budget
Staying in control of your money means having as much information on your income and outgoings as possible. Use an online budget planner to track your spending and work out what you can afford. This will help prevent you ending up in debt or getting caught out by unexpected costs, and in a better position to save for the future.
There are also some great free budgeting apps available and your bank might have an online budgeting tool that takes information directly from your transactions. You can also download the personal budget sheet from our website.
Check your benefit entitlement
If your income has changed it is important to check that that you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to. Check your benefit entitlement.
Tips for saving money
- Use comparison sites to check you’re getting the best deal on contracts like gas, electric, phone and insurance.
- Keep a spending diary – you might be surprised how much you spend that could be saved.
- Try to cut back on non-essential spending such as takeaways, smoking, alcohol etc. and cancel subscriptions you don’t use or need anymore.
- Save on petrol and bus fares by walking as much as you can.
Save for the unexpected
It’s a good idea to include money on your budget planner to save for unexpected expenses such as repairing or replacing a fridge, cooker, washing machine or car and things like birthdays, Christmas and other religious festivals, children’s pocket money and school trips.
By putting small amounts aside regularly you will be able to cope with these events without having to miss payments on other things, especially your rent. It’s a good idea to keep your savings in a separate account from the one you use for day-to-day income and outgoings. Check out Help to Save Account from the Money Saving Expert for more tips and advice on saving.
Get help with debt problems
Our Welfare Rights & Money Advice team can help with debt and money worries. The team offers free confidential advice to help you budget manage your debts. Get in touch or call 023 8083 2339 for a confidential chat.
Sure Start/0-19 Early Help & Prevention Facebook Page
From Monday 4th January Sure Start East, West & Central are merging to one Citywide Facebook page.
“ Sure Start Family Hub Southampton”
There will be activities for families to do at home , singing, stories, healthy cooking, ZOOM sessions, signposting to services re; health, wellbeing, training, employment plus much more
Families with children 0-19 years:
https://www.facebook.com/Surestartfamilyhubsouthampton
Looking for a special Christmas treat? SeaCity café is laying on a festive afternoon tea each day in a COVID-19 secure environment.
Enjoy a selection of tasty seasonal sweet and savoury treats. Check availability and food options here.
A COVID secure Walk-Through Nativity @ St James’ by the park Church is taking place between Sunday 20th to Weds 23rd. The church will be open between 10am-12pm and 2-4pm for people to take a walk through our building, stopping to listen, watch, read and reflect on what's been called "The Greatest story ever told" - through the eyes of Mary and Joseph, the Innkeeper and the Shepherds. Pause to light a candle or pray if you want to. There will be a goodie bag on the way out, for young and old. We recommend that you bringing a smart-phone or tablet, and a pair of headphones if you have them, to be able to enjoy the full experience. To find out more go to https://www.stjamesbythepark.org/christmas.html
For those who are missing the carol services and singing the churches in Shirley have worked together to produce an on line carol service. The premiere will be on Sunday 20th December @ 7pm and will be available, on the website, to watch at any point over the Christmas period. God to https://www.shirleychristmas.org.uk/ for more information and to watch the service, see if you can spot any familiar faces.
Healthier Together is an online resource for parents with school age children. Dr Sanjay Patel has prepared a series of short videos for you on subjects like "How can I explain COVID-19 to my child or class?"
Dr Patel filmed the videos to answer some of the questions being posed to him by parents and children about schools. The videos help explain why schools have put certain processes in place; why it is so important that children, parents and teachers comply with the rules; and why children are very unlikely to get unwell from COVID.
You can watch all of Healthier Together's videos here
Christmas on a budget
Christmas is an expensive time of year and many families feel under pressure to spend more than they can afford in December.
This year, with COVID-19 adding to many people’s money worries, it is more important than ever not to overspend on festive treats.
If you are already struggling to pay your day to day bills on a tight budget the thought of Christmas expenses can be stressful, but by following our tips and planning ahead you can avoid debt this festive season.
- Set yourself a budget of what you can afford and stick to it. Make a list of your Christmas expenses like food, cards, activities and presents, then use the Budget Planner to help manage your finances and show any overspending
- Don’t forget everyday bills like rent, council tax and utilities must still be paid and the consequences can be severe if they’re not. Remember there are no longer ‘non-payment’ rent weeks at Christmas
- Make a pact with family and friends to only buy presents for the children and swap Secret Santa gifts for the adults with a limit of £5 or £10. If lockdown means you’ve got more time on your hands at home, try making or baking homemade gifts instead of buying them
- Sending free e-Christmas cards by email will save on the cost of buying and posting traditional cards and is also much more environmentally friendly
- Plan ahead and only buy food and drink you realistically need (think about how much you threw away last year!)
- Switch to supermarket own-brand products and instantly reduce your grocery bills
- If you can afford to pay for goods outright don’t be persuaded to take out credit unless it really does work out cheaper. Be wary about ‘Buy now, pay later’ offers. Are you sure you’ll have the money then?
If you’re worried about debt don’t bury your head in the sand. Talk to our Welfare Rights & Money Advice team who can help you find a way forward and avoid starting the 2021 in debt.
Christmas on a budget
Christmas is an expensive time of year and many families feel under pressure to spend more than they can afford in December.
This year, with COVID-19 adding to many people’s money worries, it is more important than ever not to overspend on festive treats.
If you are already struggling to pay your day to day bills on a tight budget the thought of Christmas expenses can be stressful, but by following our tips and planning ahead you can avoid debt this festive season.
- Set yourself a budget of what you can afford and stick to it. Make a list of your Christmas expenses like food, cards, activities and presents, then use the Budget Planner to help manage your finances and show any overspending
- Don’t forget everyday bills like rent, council tax and utilities must still be paid and the consequences can be severe if they’re not. Remember there are no longer ‘non-payment’ rent weeks at Christmas
- Make a pact with family and friends to only buy presents for the children and swap Secret Santa gifts for the adults with a limit of £5 or £10. If lockdown means you’ve got more time on your hands at home, try making or baking homemade gifts instead of buying them
- Sending free e-Christmas cards by email will save on the cost of buying and posting traditional cards and is also much more environmentally friendly
- Plan ahead and only buy food and drink you realistically need (think about how much you threw away last year!)
- Switch to supermarket own-brand products and instantly reduce your grocery bills
- If you can afford to pay for goods outright don’t be persuaded to take out credit unless it really does work out cheaper. Be wary about ‘Buy now, pay later’ offers. Are you sure you’ll have the money then?
If you’re worried about debt don’t bury your head in the sand. Talk to our Welfare Rights & Money Advice team who can help you find a way forward and avoid starting the 2021 in debt.
Important information for foreign citizens living in the UK
TENANTS' LINK01.12.20
Important information for foreign citizens living in the UK
If you or someone you know is from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, it’s important you know how you will be affected after Brexit and what you need to do to continue living in the UK.
Already have settled or pre-settled status?
If you already have settled or pre-settled status, you are ready for the UK leaving the EU. This means that you can continue to work, live and study in the UK beyond 30 June 2021.
What do I need to do?
If you haven’t already been granted settled or pre-settled status, you need to apply to the EU settlement scheme.
The online application process is straightforward for most people and there is currently no fee. You’ll need proof of your identity and residence when you make your application.
The deadline for those living in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 to apply is 30 June 2021.
Who needs to apply?
An application must be made for every member of the family, as children and babies will need to secure an immigration status as well as adults.
The scheme also applies to non-EU close family members currently living in the UK. It may apply to close family members living abroad too, enabling those persons to join up with their EU/EEA/Swiss family member in the UK.
Even if you have lived in the UK for many years, or have a UK permanent residence document you still need to apply to the scheme.
Need a helping hand?
For more details visit the gov.uk website and for help or support with your application contact Citizens Advice Southampton by email on euss@sotoncab.org.uk or telephone 0800 246 5339.
We’re delighted to announce that we’ll be safely reopening SeaCity Museum and Southampton City Art Gallery on Wednesday 2 December. To keep everyone safe in our venues and to make sure we're COVID-19 secure, we'll still have in place one-way routes, increased cleaning measures and reduced visitor numbers to maintain social distancing and public safety. We are in Tier 2: High Alert, so please note that you can only book per household, up to six people as per Government guidelines. People must not socialise with anyone they do not live with or who is not in their support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place. Pre-book tickets to one of our venues below:
What's on? At SeaCity Museum, all three exhibitions will be open to visitors - Southampton’s Titanic Story, Gateway to the world and Southampton Stories. At Southampton City Art Gallery you can enjoy - Nahem Shoa: Face of Britain and Shadows and Light which is part of Southampton’s Mayflower 400 programme. Also, we are delighted to announce that there will now be a physical version of the Calm in the Collection exhibition on display in the gallery next week. So come and join us - we can't wait to see you again soon! Tudor House Christmas Experience Online Sat 12 Dec / 3pm-4pm / Family tickets £7.50 Sadly, our beloved Tudor House and Garden Museum won't be open in time for Christmas, but you can join the Tudor House elves, Kate and Andy, for an hour of festive fun live from the house online. The hour will be full of games, stories, creative family sessions, some fun history facts and more. Experience the Tudor House Christmas magic online - Book a family ticket here. We also have some festive online and socially distanced family art workshops to look forward to below: Sun 13 Dec / 4pm / Sketch with Santa! Online / £10 As meeting Santa may prove tricky this year, we have an online visit from him at the gallery instead at Sketch with Santa. Book here Sat 5 Dec / 1pm - 2:30pm / Send the Best Christmas Cards Ever! Family Workshop / Southampton City Art Gallery / £6 Experiment with a wide range of materials to Send the Best Christmas Cards Ever Suitable for families with children aged 4 to 14. Book here Sat 19 Dec / 1pm - 2:30pm / Wintry Wire Decorations! Family Workshop / Southampton City Art Gallery / £6 Make your very own Wintry Wire Decorations to add the finishing touch to your tree - as satisfying for grownups as for children aged 7 plus. Book here Mon 21 Dec / 10am - 11am / Christmas Eve Santa Plates / Southampton City Art Gallery / £7 Welcome Santa with a festive snack plate designed and decorated by you! Take a decorated plate home, bake it in the oven (to set your design), and use it year after year. Don’t worry, we’ve not forgotten Rudolf, we’ll make a gift for him too! Book here We want to make your visit is as enjoyable and safe as possible. Due to COVID-19 restrictions anyone attending a workshop will need a ticket. Each booking will be seated at the same table; if you are booking for two households please make two separate purchases. Please ensure all adults book a free accompanying adult ticket. All adults and children aged 11 and over will need to wear a face covering. If workshops need to be cancelled due to local COVID-19 restrictions a full refund will be immediately issued. #MyGivingThanks campaign launched Yesterday #MyGivingThanks, a new campaign to create digital memories that bring the people of Southampton together in a shared celebration of our city and our communities was launched by the Mayflower 400 team. During this difficult time, it’s more important than ever to celebrate and share the important things that make a difference to our lives every day, however small. You can get involved by sharing what you are thankful for online. Post a photo, video, poem, story on social media and share using the hashtag #MyGivingThanks. The campaign will be running until the 14th February so there is plenty of time to get involved and share what you are thankful for. Here's a short film to help to inspire you and get you started - Watch here. You can find out more about #MyGivingThanks on the Mayflower400 website and their Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. This December, Cultural Services will be running an advent on Facebook each day from 1 December until 24 December. Festive posts will appear on different Cultural Services social media pages each day. Look out for Christmassy contributions from Southampton Archives, Southampton City Art Gallery, Southampton Stories, the Local Studies and Maritime Library and Tudor House and Garden. Visit Southampton City Libraries Facebook page on 1 December to discover the significance of the above image from Southampton Archives, and to find out where to go for day two of this joyful advent. Online exhibition talks and tours Online Exhibition Tour: Nahem Shoa: Face of Britain / Thurs 10 Dec / 7pm / From £4.40Join artist and curator Nahem Shoa, for a virtual tour of the amazing Face of Britain exhibition at Southampton City Art Gallery, exploring the themes of the show and works on display. Book here Online Curator Talk: Stephen Foster: Shadows and Light / Thurs 17 Dec / 7pm / From £4.40Join Emeritus professor, Stephen Foster, MBE to explore the Shadows and Light exhibition which forms part of Southampton’s Mayflower 400 programme, marking the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower on its now famous journey to the New World. Book here Sir Edward Coley Burne Jones: Finding Perseus / Tues 1 Dec / 7pm – 8.30pm / From £4.40An exploration of the life and times of Burne-Jones and his fascination with the myth of Perseus. Book here The End of Baroque: A Flowery Death on the Rocks of Rococo / Tues 15 Dec / 7pm – 8.30pm / From £4.40Artist and Art historian guides us through the Rococco, often referred to as the high Baroque movement. Book here Explore the weird and wonderful world of art with artist Ali Eales! Packed with drawing challenges, games and projects, this fun and accessible online course spans Greek myths and contemporary art, with plenty in between! Sessions aimed at 7 - 11 year olds.
Have your say - UK City of Culture 2025 Bidding to become UK City of Culture 2025 is a huge opportunity for Southampton and the competition, which is run every four years, brings great cultural, artistic, social and economic benefits to the winning city. Listening to the residents of Southampton is at the heart of the bid and The UK City of Culture programme will be shaped having identified the needs of the local community. By completing a short online survey, you can express your ideas and have a say in shaping the future of our city. Have your voice heard and help Southampton win the bid. To find out more about the bid visit www.southampton2025.co.uk or keep up to date with the latest news on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @soutampton2025 Have your say - Museum or gallery visit We'd love to hear back about your recent visit to SeaCity Museum or Southampton City Art Gallery to help us improve our offer. Please click on one of the venues below to complete a short feedback survey about your visit. Also if you visited Wampum: Stories from the shells of Native America exhibition at SeaCity Museum recently, please share your thoughts on this survey. It should take approximately three minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for your time and thoughts to help us improve our service. |
Advent Trail: City Life Church, together with other friends and neighbours in the wider Shirley area have organised an Advent Trail. Each day leading up to Christmas a new part of the Christmas story will appear in a window on the trail. By 25th Dec there will be 25 window displays ending with Jesus’s birthday! They will remain until 31 Dec for local families to enjoy. There’s a map of the complete trail (see below) and every window has a sign saying where the next window will be.
Free Coding Activity for Kids!
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Firework-free fun for the family
We could all do with a bit of magic this year. But with organised displays cancelled due to the restrictions, you may be asking yourself: ‘Is fireworks night cancelled this year?’
Do not fear, there are ways to make it good fun, bring the family together and make lovely memories, no fireworks required!
Celebrations without the risk
- Bring back some of the foody delights from your childhood – toffee apples, honeycomb, Parkin cake to name but a few. You could dip breadsticks in melted chocolate and sprinkles for your own edible fireworks. Get the BBQ out for hot dogs and marshmallows, rinsed down with hot chocolate. And don’t forget the jacket potatoes in tin foil!
- Why not go old school with apple bobbing. One of the oldest Bonfire Night traditions and it couldn’t be simpler to do. Just fill a basin with water and throw in some apples. Then grab an apple out with just your teeth (spoiler alert: leave the stalks on to make it a bit easier for the littlies). Get the kids to ask grandparents what games they used to play and bring them back to life with your family.
- Put the Guy back into Guy Fawkes Night – you might not be burning him on a massive bonfire, but you can have fun with the kids making your own Guy with old clothes and stuffing him with paper. Tell them the Guy Fawkes story as you stuff!
- Get creative with the littlies – splashes of paint on black paper make a beautiful fireworks display. Or paint toilet roll tubes and use orange or yellow tissue paper for the rocket.
- If sparklers are part of your staple, it’s best to wear gloves and have a bucket of water handy for spent sparklers, so no-one is tempted to pick up a used one. Children under five are too young to handle sparklers themselves.
- When everyone gets too cold or too tired, cuddle up on the sofa, turn off the lights and watch fireworks displays on TV – you can find loads on YouTube.
Keep in touch for more safety tips www.facebook.com/ChildAccidentPreventionTrust
Fireworks – buy safe, stay safe
With organised fireworks displays cancelled this year, many families will be considering their own display. If you are sure this is for you, it’s important to know how to buy and use fireworks safely.
Know your categories
Fireworks are split into four categories:
- Category 1 are indoor fireworks.
- Category 2 fireworks are suited to family back gardens.
- Category 3 fireworks require a minimum safety distance of 25 meters – far bigger than the average family back garden! While non-professionals can buy them, they are designed for large displays.
- Category 4 are for professional use only.
Top tips for buying safely
- Go to reputable retailers and avoid pop-up shops.
- Only buy fireworks marked with safety standards (EN 15947 or BS 7114).
- When buying online, look for companies who offer helpful advice about what category of firework to buy. If the seller doesn’t list fireworks categories, find one who does.
- Take care buying from online marketplaces. They are not responsible for the safety of the products they sell.
- Category 2 fireworks are the safest for normal family back gardens.
Tips for your fireworks display
- Supervise children. Have a marker, like a rope, for the children to stand behind at a safe distance from the display.
- If the children are dressing up, make sure the costumes have a CE mark and keep them away from flames, sparklers and fireworks.
- Store fireworks in a metal box until you are ready to use them.
- Use a torch – rather than a naked flame – to read the instructions.
- To light a firework, hold it at arm’s length and light it with a taper or firework lighter.
- Don’t go back to a firework once it has been lit. Sometimes they can be very slow to get started and may take you by surprise.
- It’s best to be fully in control when you’re lighting fireworks. Avoiding alcohol until you’ve set them all off is the safest option.
- Never throw spent fireworks onto a bonfire.
- The safest place for a bonfire is at least 18 metres (60 ft) away from the house and surrounding trees and hedges, fences or sheds.
- When you’re clearing up spent fireworks after the display, make sure anyone who is helping uses tongs or gloves to avoid burning themselves.
Keep in touch for more safety tips www.facebook.com/ChildAccidentPreventionTrust
Ghosts of Tudor House online / Thu 29 Oct / From £4.40 each Join us online for some spine-tingling but fun ghost stories from Southampton's most haunted house with Learning Officer, Andy Skinner. Do spirits still haunt the museum? Andy shares some of his own spooky experiences and discusses whether any of these hauntings could possibly be true. The stories will be delivered in a friendly way, but be prepared for some scary tales. Because of this we recommend a minimum age of 8 years.
Zoom on a Broom workshop at the gallery Zoom on a Broom in-venue workshop / Tue 27 Oct / £6.00 each / Southampton City Art Gallery Fancy yourself as a broomstick designer? Taking inspiration from the fastest models on the Quidditch field, you can design a broomstick to suit your inner witch or wizard. Broomsticks provided: just bring imagination. Suitable for 4 years +. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, anyone attending a workshop in our venues will need to pre-book, including adults. Children cannot attend without an adult - adults will need to book a FREE attending adult ticket. Each booking will be seated at the same table; if you are booking for two households please make two separate purchases. Southampton City Art Gallery’s programme of art appreciation talks with Ali Eales continues, exploring artists, art movements and their links to the City’s fine art collection. Tues 4 Nov / 7pm – 8.30pm / Mothers of Modernism – From Gwen John to Georgia O’Keeffe - Book here Tues 17 Nov / 7pm – 8.30pm / Vincent Van Gogh: The Life and Legacy of a Life in Pain(t) - Book here Tues 3 Dec / 7pm – 8.30pm / Sir Edward Coley Burne Jones: Finding Perseus - Book here Tues 15 Dec / 7pm – 8.30pm / The End of Baroque: A Flowery Death on the Rocks of Rococco - Book here Image: Gwen John, Mere Poussepin © Southampton City Art Gallery 2 weeks left to visit Wampum at SeaCity Museum Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America is the story of the Wampanoag Native Americans, whom the Mayflower passengers would have met on their arrival to America 400 years ago. Discover their story at SeaCity Museum this half-term in this amazing exhibition which has only 2 weeks left. Book ticketsWampum belts are a tapestry of art and tribal history. Made from the purple and white shells of the whelk and quahog, wampum beads embody the Wampanoag connection to the sea and to life itself. Watch this short video from the opening of the exhibition and discover a little bit of what you'll see on your visit to the museum: Also listen to Paula Peters, a Wampanoag Scholar, in discussion with Cllr Satvir Kaur, Cabinet Member for Culture & Homes, and Cllr Sue Blatchford, Mayor of Southampton in this short video as they discuss women of the Wampanoag People and insights into their Matriarchal society. You can find out more about Wampanoag culture, Wampum and all the other exhibitions and activities happening in the city as part of Southampton's Mayflower 400 programme on mayflower400southampton.co.uk Shadows and Light at City Art Gallery 24 Oct 2020 - 23 Jan 2021 Curated by Professor Stephen Foster, this exhibition brings together historic and contemporary works of art which relate to light as subject matter. Featuring photography, painting, drawing, sculpture and installation, the exhibition will also include key works from Southampton’s fine art collection. Discover more online. The exhibition also forms part of the Southampton Mayflower 400 programme, marking the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower on its now famous journey to the New World. Book your free tickets |
Keep the kids entertained this half-term with some fantasic, covid-secure in-venue and online activities for all the family to enjoy.
To keep everyone safe, in-venue activities have limited numbers so make sure you get your tickets as soon as possible. Please also be aware that adults and children aged 11 and over will need to wear a face covering.
Mon 26 Oct
Spooky Clay Pumpkins Family Workshop / £6.00 each / Southampton City Art Gallery
Play with clay, experiment with new techniques and make a spooky pumpkin! Join one of the talented learning team for a messy, fun workshop. Suitable for families with children aged 4+.
Tue 27 Oct
Zoom on a Broom workshop / £6.00 each / Southampton City Art Gallery
Fancy yourself as a broomstick designer? Taking inspiration from the fastest models on the Quidditch field where you can design a broomstick to suit your inner witch or wizard. Broom stick included, just bring imagination. Suitable for 4 years +.
Wed 28 Oct
Awesome Egyptians / £6.00 each / SeaCity Museum
Discover the incredible world of the pharaohs in this history and craft session based at SeaCity Museum, including mummifying your own orange!
Thu 29 Oct
Ghosts of Tudor House / From £4.40 each / Online Only
Join Tudor House's own Ghostfinder General in this online Zoom talk to find out the stories of spirits from Southampton's most haunted building.
- Online session - 11am - Book here
Fri 30 Oct
Scary Southampton Walking Tour / £6.00 each / Outside Tudor House
Explore the Old Town with our learning officer Andy to discover grim tales of murder, foul deeds and disappearance! All ages (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)
BOOK these activities and more here: www.wegottickets.com/SouthamptonCulture
Due to Covid 19 restrictions, anyone attending a workshop in these venues will need to pre-book, including adults. Children cannot attend without an adult - adults will need to book a FREE attending adult ticket. Each booking will be seated at the same table; if you are booking for two households please make two separate purchases.
Thu 22 Oct , 2020
'Something wicked this way comes': A Brief History of Witches / From £4.40 each / Online Only
In the build-up to Halloween join Becky Sharp from Southampton City Councils Cultural Services Learning Team, to discover the history of witches and what happened to those who were accused of using magic.
- Online session - 7pm - Book here
Tue 3 Nov, 2020
Mothers of Modernism - from Gwen John to Georgia O'Keeffe / From £4.40 each / Online Only
Ali Eales leads this art appreciation talk, exploring the work of these 20th Century visionaries and their legacy. .
- Online session - 7pm - Book here
Opening at Southampton City Art Gallery
Shadows and Light
24 Oct 2020 - 23 Jan 2021
Curated by Professor Stephen Foster, this exhibition brings together historic and contemporary works of art which relate to light as subject matter. Featuring photography, painting, drawing, sculpture and installation, the exhibition will also include key works from Southampton’s fine art collection. Discover more online.
The exhibition forms part of the Southampton Mayflower 400 programme, marking the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower on its now famous journey to the New World.
Don't forget to book your free tickets in advance - If you visit the gallery before 23 October you can even pop to the SeaCity Café next-door and enjoy 50% off a hot drink*, just show our staff your gallery ticket.
*Offer ends 23 October
SeaCity Museum and Tudor House Museum short videos
Discover some of the fascinating things you’ll find on a trip to SeaCity Museum in these fascinating short videos from Andy Skinner, from Southampton City Councils Cultural Services Learning Team.
- Wampum Belt - In the Southampton Stories exhibition space you'll find Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America, part of the Mayflower 400 Anniversary programme in Southampton, open until 8 November 2020.
- Bronze Age Sword - You'll find this in the Gateway to the World exhibition upstairs.
Don't forget to pre-book your tickets before heading over to SeaCity this half-term.
Unfortunately Tudor House is currently closed, but you can join Andy at the end of the garden at the museum in this short video, where you can find out some more about King John’s Palace.
You'll find lots more amazing things with Andy and Bea as they explore objects and places around the museums here on the Cultural Services Learning YouTube page.
Get involved with our UK City of Culture bid
Don’t forget, we are encouraging everyone to get involved with our UK City of Culture bid. Southampton is bidding to become the UK City of Culture in 2025, a really fantastic opportunity for the city. You can keep up to date via regular emails and get involved here.
The Southampton 2025 team has also launched their social media channels Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – please check them out and share. To decide what sort of things should be included in the bid, the team wants to understand what the city needs and identify where the gaps are. To do this they are asking everyone for a few minutes of their time to complete a short survey or sign up to be part of focus groups.
We're celebrating 30 years of supporting Southampton residents |
This month we're celebrating 30 years of supporting people in Southampton into employment, training and volunteering opportunities. We first started out as City Limits Employment in October 1990, and since then we have worked with over 10,000 residents who are disadvantaged in some way, and our dedicated Employment Officers have supported 3,300 individuals into paid employment in the last 3 decades. Our team has also supported approximately 2,500 voluntary placements and enabled 4000 individuals to complete training courses. In recent years the team has focused on helping people to remain in employment by working with individuals and their employers, helping 300 people to stay in work. The team also helps residents to set up their own businesses and as a team have supported 15 new start-ups. We've changed and adapted to new challenges over the last 30 years, but our philosophy remains the same – anyone can work regardless of their disability or disadvantage, as long as it’s the right time for the individual, it’s the right opportunity and the right support is in place. For more information and to see some graphics detailing our history, visit our website. If you’re a job seeker, employer or resident of Southampton that would benefit from our support to help you find work, please email us or call 023 8091 7585. Virtual Care Careers RoadshowSeetec Pluss are hosting a virtual Careers Roadshow for people interested in a career in care. The event will take place on CHAOS TV on Thursday 5th November 2020, 11am-3pm and is open to anyone who wants to find out more about the variety of jobs in the care industry. There will be a chance to hear from local employers, people already working in care and people who receive care and their families. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions to a panel made up of employers, carers and councillors and explore career progression opportunities within the sector. For more information, please visit the Seetec Pluss website. PATH SurveyAre you an expectant or new parent? We're looking for people to take part in an online survey about their mental health and wellbeing to help shape our Perinatal Mental Health awareness campaign in partnership with the PATH project. Your feedback will help us plan and deliver a multimedia campaign across the UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands aimed at parents, families, healthcare professionals and employers to raise awareness of Perinatal Mental Health. Take the anonymous survey. Jobs at Southampton City CouncilWe are currently recruiting for roles across the council. To see the full list of vacancies, visit our dedicated recruitment website. Featured Jobs: Are you customer focused? Are you determined that all customer contact should be easy, effective and convenient? If so, then you might be just the person we’re looking for! We have an exciting opportunity available for a Customer Service Officer within our Contact Centre. In this role you will be responsible for answering enquiries from customers across a range of channels (telephone, face to face and digital). You will take a customer focused approach to all enquiries, help increase first point resolution and ensure we are a customer focused organisation. Closing Date: 28 October 2020 Tree Surgery Improving (Second) Climber We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to undertake the role of Improving (Second) Climber within Southampton City Council’s Tree Surgery Team. Closing Date: 11 November 2020 Would you like to be part of an ambitious and exciting school community which puts the interests of our children and young people at the centre of everything? The Cedar School is looking to appoint an experienced, enthusiastic and well-organised person to join our busy Admin team. This is a key role within our school where you will be the first point of contact for parents and visitors. You will also provide vital admin support to our Headteacher and SLT. Flexibility is essential, together with the ability to be pro-active and demonstrate excellent communication skills. Please email the School Business Manager for a full application pack Closing Date: 3 November 2020 Useful Information and Links
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Find Wally in Southampton City Art Gallery
Hunt for Wally amongst our collections and exhibitions from 9 October – 1 November 2020, as well as spell out a spooky phrase with letters hidden alongside mini Wally standees, and receive a special “I found Wally!” bookmark on completion of the search, as well as the chance to enter the Where’s Wally? and Kids in Museums grand prize draw competition to win an ArtFund Family Membership and a bundle of Where’s Wally? goodies.
Book FREE tickets to the gallery here. You can also find some additional Where's Waly online activities here.
Young People’s Online Open Exhibition 2020
Young People's Open Exhibition: Journey, Migration and the Sea is now open online. Check out the work by students from Bitterne Park School, The Polygon School and Woodlands Community College. This is part of Southampton’s Mayflower 400. programme.
In the year which marks the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower sailing from Southampton to the New World, students from Southampton schools were invited to respond to the themes of journey, migration and the sea using their own choice of media.
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With everyone now back at school, it’s time to let you know about the TWO campaigns we are running this October. We’d love your school to be involved! It’s very easy to sign up for your free resources.
It's Walktober time again: Walking to Wellbeing in 2020 - Register below by Friday 25 September
For the fourth year running we are celebrating International Walk to School Month with Walktober!
Lockdown has shown us that exercising and spending time outside are essential for wellbeing.
Walktober is about encouraging your pupils, staff and their families to walk as much as possible during the month. Register and you will receive a pack of information containing everything you need to participate including a bespoke outdoor scavenger hunt presented as a short film by Kate at The Mind Runner for use at home or at school to get the Walktober: Walking for Wellbeing month underway.
We have some great prizes this year including Hampshire Outdoor Leader courses for staff, bespoke Mindful Movement courses for pupils and vouchers for family days out in Hampshire. Walktober is free to enter and open to all primary and secondary schools. Please use this link to register your school. Deadline for registration is Friday 25 September.
For more information, please visit our website.
Clean Air Day - Thursday 8 October
(Register below by Wednesday 7 October)
Unusually this year, during October, as well as Walktober, we will also be promoting Walk to School Week (5 - 9 October) and Clean Air Day (8 October), both delayed due to Covid-19.
All our Clean Air Day 2020 resources can be downloaded for free from our website, featuring easy and safe ways to make the air cleaner around your school.
Pupil pack and poster competition: Our resource packs include links to Clean Air Day PowerPoint presentations for use in class. They also include a poster competition linked to this year's key messages for all pupils to participate in. Please share with your pupils and their families.
Schools' competition: For your school's chance to win a handheld air pollution monitor called a Flow Meter, register here and let us know about any Clean Air Day activities and campaigns that you plan to run this term and give us a reason to pick your school as the winner. Deadline for registering is Wednesday 7 October.
Shirley Junior School completes first week of School Streets
Congratulations to Shirley Junior School, which last week became the third school in Southampton to introduce a temporary road closure outside its gates at drop off and pick up times. The 'School Streets' scheme is being trialled by the school in partnership with Southampton City Council and Sustrans to provide additional space for social distancing, encourage more families to travel actively to school and create a safer, healthier and more pleasant environment.
The first week went very smoothly and the scheme has excellent support from staff and families, with some parents already volunteering to help out with manning the closures. There has also been positive feedback from local residents as well as the school community.
It's been really lovely to see children and families happy and calm on their newly car-free school run. A big well done to the school and everyone involved in successfully bringing this scheme to another school in our city. If you're interested in running your own School Streets scheme, get in touch with us here.
Dates for your diary
- Sustrans' Bike to School Week (28 September - 2 October)
- Walktober (Walk to School Month, during October)
- Walk to School Week (5 - 9 October)
- Clean Air Day - (Thursday 8 October)
- Modehsift STARS autumn submissions (31 December)
Virtual Employability Course - October 2020
Are you looking for work in Southampton? Maybe you've been out of work for a while or are thinking about getting a new job after a long time? Or are you thinking about applying for your first job and don't know where to begin?
We are running a free online Employability Course for people who want to develop their employability skills and start preparing to look for work. The course will be delivered online via Zoom, and you will receive resources and a certificate of completion by email after the course.
Dates and times:
- Wednesday 7th October 10am-11:30am
- Thursday 8th October 10am-11:30am
- Friday 9th October 10am-11:30am
The course is free for anyone aged 19+ and living in or around Southampton.
After the course, you will also have the opportunity to receive ongoing support from our other Employment Support Team projects, which are currently being delivered virtually.
Over the 3 sessions, the course will aim to:
- Improve confidence and motivation
- Support with CV writing
- Teach job application tips and tricks
- Develop interview techniques
- Help you plan to move into paid work, volunteering or education
If you're interested in signing up to the course, please email us or call 07811 165534.
Free support for council tenants looking for work
Did you know, if you live in a Southampton City Council property, you can get support from our T.E.E.M project with finding work or becoming self-employed?
Our dedicated team of Employment Officers will work with you on a 1 to 1 basis and support you with things like:
- Job searching
- Application forms
- CVs and Cover Letters
- Advice and signposting around furlough and returning to work
- Signposting to specialist services
- Building confidence
- Gaining work experience and developing skills
T.E.E.M also run a virtual work club on Zoom every Thursday between 3pm and 5pm where you can drop in and get advice and support. To join the virtual work club, you don’t need to have a Zoom account; all you need to do is click this link and enter the password: 356055
To find out more about T.E.E.M, please email Francesca or call 07811 165129
Not a council tenant? Don't worry, we've got lots of projects that can help you find work. Find out more
Solent Employment Support
Solent Employment Support (S.E.S) is our supported employment project that aims to help people with health conditions to achieve their employment goals. We provide tailored support including advice on housing, healthcare and social services to support you to get and keep a job. We also support clients to access training opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills. S.E.S supports individuals in a person-centred way with CV writing, job applications, interview advice and any other employment related activities.
Who can get support from S.E.S?
Anyone with a recognised health condition who is unemployed (including recently unemployed), eligible to receive public funds and has the right to live and work in the UK.
What areas does S.E.S cover?
We are currently offering virtual support by phone, email or video call. If you live in Southampton, the Waterside area, Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport, the Isle of Wight, Eastleigh or the surrounding areas, you'll be able to get support.
What support does S.E.S offer?
- Pre-employment support and help developing skills
- Accessing volunteering and work placements
- Impartial Information, Advice and Guidance around employment goals through 1 to 1 support and individualised support plans
- Ongoing support in the workplace if required
How can I get support from S.E.S?
Email Francesca to find out how we can help, or call 07811 165129.
Find out more on Access Southampton
T Levels Launch
We’re pleased to share the news that T Levels have now started. Students at selected colleges and schools across England are now beginning their two-year, post-GCSE courses in Digital, Construction and Design or Education and Childcare. These are just the start of the 24 T Levels that will roll out over the coming years in subjects as diverse as accounting and digital to engineering and healthcare.
Designed by employers for employers, T Levels are robust qualifications that combine classroom learning with a substantial industry placement so that graduates emerge with the knowledge and practical skills that businesses need plus real experience of being in the workplace. They are based on the world’s best technical education systems to address the skills gap and build a workforce fit for whatever the future brings.
With 1 T Level being equivalent to 3 A Levels, T Level graduates will have opportunities to move straight into work, to further study or an apprenticeship. Find out more about T Levels at www.tlevels.gov.uk
Using Social Media to look for work
Social Media is a great resource for keeping in touch and staying up to date. But it can also be a useful tool when looking for work.
Many people used apps like LinkedIn to look for work and network with employers. If you use LinkedIn, make sure your profile is up to date and professional. Interact with people and share your professional interests to get noticed.
Facebook is another great platform to look for jobs. Many companies, especially smaller businesses, will often advertise vacancies on their Facebook pages, so have a think about companies you'd like to work for and keep an eye on their page. There are also lots of groups set up where employers can advertise their vacancies, so have a look at what groups are in your local area. Remember though, if you're using Facebook to look for work, make sure there's nothing embarrassing on your profile that you wouldn't want an employer to see, and remember to never share personal information about you with strangers online.
If you're a Twitter user, follow companies you're interested in - some companies might also have careers or jobs accounts that are separate from their main account. #SotonJobs Hour takes place on Twitter every Thursday between 1pm and 2pm where job vacancies are shared by employers and Southampton Jobcentre. You can also follow @sotoncareers and @JCPinHants_IOW for the latest job vacancies and advice.
Top tips for using social media to find your next job:
- Make sure your profile is professional and private
- Never share personal information or bank details on social media - always ask for an official business email address
- Look out for scams. Safer Jobs has some useful articles to help you stay alert
Get more information and tips for looking for work on Access Southampton
Celebrating 30 years in October...
October 2020 marks 30 years since we first started supporting people in Southampton back in 1990. Since then, we've helped thousands of people to find employment, training and volunteering in the city. Next month we'll be celebrating the work we've done as well as sharing our plans for the future, so make sure you're following us on social media for the latest updates!
Opening tomorrow - A Mile in My Shoes at Westquay A Mile in My Shoes at Westquay, is an innovative artistic experience, where visitors are invited to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes and listen to the that persons fascinating story. The stories cover different aspects of life, exploring themes of shared humanity, from grief and loss to love and joy, so visitors take an empathetic as well as a physical journey. It also includes 8 new stories from Southampton – including a Paralympian, Prof. Tom Wilkinson who is leading the Covid drug trials, and Lou Taylor from Black History Month. Find more information about the Southampton participants in whose shoes you can walk here. Make sure you Book your tickets here. A Mile in My Shoes will be at Westquay on the Esplanade from 12 to 20 September 2020 as part of Southampton’s Mayflower 400 anniversary programme. Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America at SeaCity Museum Discover the story behind this newly-crafted wampum belt created by the Wampanoag people of the Mashpee and Aquinnah nations at SeaCity Museum. Make sure you book your tickets here before visiting the museum. This is the first time the belt has been displayed in the UK. Through this nationally-touring exhibition, commissioned by The Box, Plymouth, Wampanoag artists share their story with images, ideas and wampum - the sacred shells of Native America. They explore the history, art and culture of the Native Americans who met the passengers of the Mayflower when they arrived in North America. Watch the opening video of Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America here. Discover more about this powerful exhibition, the making of the belt and its significance to the Wampanoag people in a series of short films here. Explore the world of art with Ali Eales! Packed with drawing challenges, games and projects, this fun and accessible online course spans cave painting and contemporary art, with plenty in between! Ali’s Autumn Art Club is for 7-11yrs, running Wednesday's, 4.30pm, for six weeks. Tickets cost £7.50 per household. 16 Sept: Wild Beasts and Little Monsters - Meet the Fauves 23 Sept: Van Gogh's Sunflowers 7 Oct: Autumn Impressionism 14 Oct: Portraits - From Cave Paintings to Kings and Queens 21 Oct: Cartoons and Comic Books - From Lichtenstein to Marvel Tales from Tudor SouthamptonExplore the dark and dangerous world of Southampton in the sixteenth century - a time of privateers, plague, war and famine! Southampton's archaeology and archives team present an incredible picture of what life was like in the town at that time, in this fun and engaging talk suitable for all. Thurs 17 Sept, 7pm, Tickets from £3.50 - Book online ticket Street Art: Art in Public but not Public ArtIn the year Southampton boasts its own Banksy, Ali Eales explores the phenomenon of street art in all its forms. Thurs 24 Sept, 7pm, Tickets from £3.50 - Book online ticket |
Cycle September has officially started! Sign up to discover the benefits of cycling and you could even win some amazing prizes including bikes, accessories, vouchers and more.
Taking part is easy: ride anytime, anywhere for just 10 minutes or more and log your rides on the Love to Ride platform to be entered into the prize draws. You can even register your workplace as a team and compete against other organisations in a bid to win prizes for you and your colleagues. Get as many people involved as possible and keep encouraging each other to earn points and climb higher up the leader boards.
This is Cycle September's third year in Southampton and, with even more people cycling at the moment, we're determined to make this year's challenge bigger and better than ever before!
To find out more and get started, visit the Love to Ride website.
Events throughout September
Want to take part in Cycle September but your bike needs a check over? Maybe you're looking for some support to help you develop your cycling skills? From Bike Doctors and repair workshops to guided rides, there are lots of free local events taking place throughout the month to help get you and your bike ready to take on the challenge of Cycle September. Click here to find out more.
Pop-up cycle lanes
Over the past few months, we've seen an increase in the number of people cycling in Southampton. With more people now starting to travel again, we want to make sure this continues.
As part of plans to support social distancing and active travel, Southampton City Council is now trialling the following 'pop-up' cycle lanes to help people cycle with greater ease while keeping a safe distance from people walking.
You can find out more about all of the above schemes, including how to comment on the changes, over on our website.
New Norm, New Life, New You
One of the key positives to emerge from the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic is an increase in people getting outdoors and being more active.
More and more of you have been enjoying the benefits of getting around on foot or by bike for essential journeys and as part of your daily exercise or just for fun.
As we start getting back to work and school, why not keep this healthier way of life going and continue the journey towards a healthier, happier future for everybody?
We are here to help you plan your route, plan your travel and provide you with great tips on how to keep active and stay safe!
Visit our website to find out more.
Get #PumpedUpToCycle
Following a recent resurgence in cycling across the country, Cycling UK has launched its Pumped Up campaign to inspire even more people to enjoy the thrill and freedom of riding a bike.
The organisation is now looking to recruit members of an all-new Pumped Up crew to help support the campaign. Depending on your availability, there are three ways you can get involved:
- Promote - use your own social media channels to spread the word about Pumped Up and celebrate the joys of cycling
- Pedal - organise rides or take family and friends out on their bikes
- Partner - volunteer as a Pumped Up Partner, researching cycle provision in your area and signposting local people to sources of support that will help them to build their cycling confidence
These are volunteer led initiatives and are independent of the My Journey programme. For details of other formal cycling support services available through the My Journey programme, including professional cycle training, please visit our website.
The Pumped Up campaign is also calling on everyone to get out on their bikes and log their rides on the Cycling UK website as part of the World's Biggest Bike Ride on Saturday 12 September. Do your bit by joining in the fun and why not also log your rides on that day on the Love to Ride website too for extra Cycle September points?
To find out more about the Pumped Up campaign and the many more resources available, visit the Cycling UK website here.
The Event
‘Youth Ambassador’
Wednesday 7th October at 6pm
Virtual platform- ZOOM
Tickets are available on eventbrite.co.uk- search ‘Youth Ambassador’
Parents/carers will need to buy a FREE ticket and complete a short survey
Becoming a COVID-19 Community Champion
To support the communities in which we live, work and learn, we’re looking for COVID-19 Community Champions to work with our Public Health and Stronger Communities Teams to share messages about how to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
As a COVID-19 Community Champion, you will be given the information you need through regular briefings and other channels to raise awareness and help people make informed choices.
Anyone can join. You’ll be a voice for those around you, your household, school, work, club, group of friends, your local communities, or even make sense of the latest facts for yourself.
To sign up as a champion, please complete the registration form
In the mean time you can view a video on the scheme involving the Director of Public Health Debbie Chase at https://www.southampton.gov.uk/communitychampions
Following a recent emollients safety campaign by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (IWFRS) has put together a webpage and bulletin to raise awareness of the fire risks that can be posed from using emollient creams.
Please be aware that there has not been any fire related deaths in the Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and IOW area involving emollient creams however this publication is being shared to increase knowledge of all agencies and professionals who work with people who use emollient creams, and highlight potential fire risks when using them.
The advice and information can be seen on the attached publication or accessed on the Hampshire and IOW Fire and Rescue Service Emollient Creams Webpage, which can be accessed here - https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/keeping-safe/loveyourhome/firehazards/emollients-safety/.
https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/school-zone-src
We like many other providers of PE & Sport Services were relieved at the Governments announcement last week to renew the PE & Sport Premium for the 2020-21 Academic Year.
With just a week or so to go until the end of this Academic Year we still have some availability remaining to work regularly with Schools from September onwards. We also have a great offer that we think Schools will really appreciate. You can find more info about this below…
ACE Sports & Education is a small, locally run Business that provides Infant, Primary, Junior & Independent Schools with excellent and high quality PE & Sport Services.
We are passionate in delivering our PE & Sport Programmes to Children and School Staff and our aim is to provide Schools with the very best provision through engaging & high quality PE Lessons, After School Clubs, Lunchtime Clubs, Staff CPD & PPA Cover. We want to inspire Children to learn through Sport & Physical Education and to leave a positive impact on every person, everywhere we work.
We are looking to work regularly with a couple of new Schools from the New Academic Year onwards and are excited to offer new Schools the following offer…
FREE PE & SPORT LESSONS
We are offering the first 4 weeks of Lessons totally FREE from the start of next term!
This can include any PE Lessons, Staff CPD Lessons, PPA Lessons and School Funded Clubs.
We believe that allowing Children to be active and learning through Physical Education and Sport will be more important than ever in the coming months and what better way to do it than using our expert services!
An example of our Offer… A School signs up for an Academic Year of PPA Lessons & a Lunchtime Club every Thursday afternoon beginning in September. All lessons in the the first 4 weeks will be completely FREE effectively giving Schools a month of free provision.
It's a great way to see what we can offer and find out why so many local Schools love using our services.
This offer is available to any School we have yet to work with!
WHAT WE OFFER
For more information on our Services CLICK HERE and scroll through the “Schools” section of our website.
SCHOOLS WE WORK WITH
We already work with a number of Schools who would only be too happy to recommend us. These include Chandlers Ford Infant School, Merdon Junior School, Bartley Junior School, Sherborne House School, Glenfield Infant School, Netley Marsh Infant School, St Michaels & All Angels Infant School & Copythorne Infant School.
OUR STAFF
Our Lead PE Staff (Charlie & Jack) are all PESS Level 5 & 3 Qualified and hold a number of Sports Specific Qualifications.
We have many years experience in Teaching PE Lessons, Working alongside Teachers and running Sports Clubs.
You can find out more about our Staff HERE
Southampton City Libraries offering select and collect service
From this week, Southampton City Libraries are now offering a select and collect service. All Council run libraries will initially be open for limited hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 12.30pm & 2pm to 4.30pm (with the exception of Lordshill which will open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday) for this collection service. Customers will be able to reserve items online at www.southampton.gov.uk/libraries or via telephone on 023 8083 3007. Items will be prepared for collection and made available on dedicated shelves. All 6 council run libraries are accepting returns via collection bins located outside, though operating hours for this vary dependant on each library. No overdue fees will be charged until 6 September 2020.
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Virtual work clubs
If you’ve lost your job, you’re on furlough and unsure of the future, or you need help to find a new role, simply drop in to our virtual work club. The free club takes place once a week on Zoom when our employment advisors are online to discuss anything to do with finding a new job or returning to work. You can also ask to speak in private with a member of our team to receive one-to-one confidential support.
You don’t need to have a Zoom account to join the virtual work club; all you need is a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer. Simply click here and enter the password 356055 to join in any time between 3pm and 5pm each Thursday when employment advisors are online to help.
And if you’re looking for a new job, you can visit our online Jobs Fair on 29 July without leaving home! Connect with local employers, see the latest job vacancies and attend employability workshops. Send us an email if you’re interested in attending the virtual jobs fair.
Also, make sure you’re subscribed to our Employment Support and Jobs e-alert to receive information on how to improve your chances of finding work.
Free Family Grease Musical Theatre workshop
•Dates: Mon 6 & Wed 8 July
•Time: 3.45pm-5.00pm
Join us for these free fun family workshops where you will enjoy singing and dancing to popular numbers from Grease. Participants will be guided through two online sessions of energetic dance, singing and drama, developing performance skills as you learn routines to the hits. An exciting offer within the course is that children will have the option to complete their Discover Arts Award
You will need:
• Computer / laptop / device to use zoom
• Free Zoom account
• Comfortable non – restrictive clothes
• Space to move around safely
•Water
This course is funded by Southampton City Council and priority will be given to residents within the Southampton boundary.
To secure your free place you must register through our Jotform. Please follow the below link: https://form.jotform.com/201694529551359
For any questions or further information please email: engage@mayflower.org.uk
A Spoonful of Song and Dance – Free Family Musical workshop
•Dates: Mon 13 & Wed 15 July
•Time: 3.45pm-5.00pm
You will have a super time at this Mary Poppins inspired free online course. Grab the family to learn together where you will enjoy singing and dancing to numbers from the musical. Participants will be guided through two online sessions of energetic dance, singing and drama, developing performance skills as you learn routines to the hits. An exciting offer within the course is that children will have the option to complete their Discover Arts Award.
• Computer / laptop / device to use zoom
• Free Zoom account
• Comfortable non – restrictive clothes
• Space to move around safely
•Water
These sessions are supported by Southampton City Council and priority will be given to residents within the Southampton boundary.
To secure your free place you must register through our Jotform. Please follow the below link: https://form.jotform.com/201694792767370
For any questions or further information please email: engage@mayflower.org.uk
Hampshire Police Recruitment Event
Thursday 12 March / 6am-2.30pm / Shirley Baptist Church, Church Street, Shirley SO15 5LG
Policing is a career like no other, and Hampshire is one of the best places to serve your community. You might not even know you have the skills we are looking for.
Problem solving, compassion, resilience, respect, courage and teamwork. These are all qualities we value in officer, staff and volunteer roles. So, if you think you might have the Skills to Serve why not attend one of our March 2020 recruitment events?
You'll be able to meet some of our police officers, PCSOs and police staff such as contact handlers and analysts, who on a daily basis make a real difference to people's lives. Find out more about the roles, why Hampshire has the highest police officer starting salary in the South East, get top tips on applying, meet our positive action team and support networks, and ask any other questions you might have.
For more information or to register visit the Eventbrite website.
Depending on lockdown restrictions this December we have a few online and socially distanced family art workshops to hopefully look forward to. If workshops need to be cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions a full refund will be immediately issued.
Sun 13 Dec / 4pm / Sketch with Santa! Online / £10
As meeting Santa may prove tricky this year, we have an online visit from him at the gallery instead at Sketch with Santa. Book here
Sat 5 Dec / 1pm - 2:30pm / Send the Best Christmas Cards Ever! Family Workshop / £6
Experiment with a wide range of materials to Send the Best Christmas Cards Ever Suitable for families with children aged 4 to 14. Book here
Sat 19 Dec / 1pm - 2:30pm / Wintry Wire Decorations! Family Workshop / £6
Make your very own Wintry Wire Decorations to add the finishing touch to your tree - as satisfying for grownups as for children aged 7 plus. Book here
Mon 21 Dec / 10am - 11am / Christmas Eve Santa Plates / £7
Welcome Santa with a festive snack plate designed and decorated by you! Take a decorated plate home, bake it in the oven (to set your design), and use it year after year. Don’t worry, we’ve not forgotten Rudolf, we’ll make a gift for him too! Book here
We want to make your visit is as enjoyable and safe as possible. Due to COVID-19 restrictions anyone attending a workshop will need a ticket. Each booking will be seated at the same table; if you are booking for two households please make two separate purchases. Please ensure all adults book a free accompanying adult ticket. All adults and children aged 11 and over will need to wear a face covering.
We're now on FacebookIf you're a Facebook user, make sure you like and follow our new Facebook page. We'll be sharing updates on our projects, careers advice and information and much more to help you in your job search. Don't forget, you can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram November Lockdown Update |
Southampton City Council’s Employment Support Team are continuing to support the city’s residents during the Covid-19 pandemic. After the announcement of new national restrictions, we want to remind everyone we are still here to support you by offering virtual support in accordance with government guidelines. Phone meetings, online communications and video conferencing are available for clients wanting to receive support to look for work during this challenging time. All our projects are continuing to accept referrals and our Virtual Work Club is up and running on Zoom every Thursday from 3pm-5pm. Details of all of our projects, contact details and referral forms can be found on Access Southampton. We remain person centred in our approach as much as possible, and are always developing new ways of supporting those referring to and accessing our service. As we celebrate 30 years of our team’s work in Southampton, we are also looking ahead to the future by planning for the immediate and longer term effects of the pandemic. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us on our social media or by emailing us. In the meantime, please stay safe, and we look forward to continuing working with partners, referrers and clients. November Careers PlanIf you follow us on social media, you may have seen our November Careers Plan. We know that the current national restrictions have made it even harder to look for work in these challenging times, so we're sharing our tips for how you can use this time to plan and prepare for finding your next job. Whether you're looking for your first job or are looking for a new job or career change, our November Careers Plan will point you in the direction of where you can get support as well as top tips and useful information. Find out more Young Adults Employment HubWe're excited to be launching Southampton's Young Adults Employment Hub in partnership with the DWP and No Limits. We will be offering a range of support for the city's young people to help them into training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities. We will also signpost to advice and support around housing, benefits, health and wellbeing to provide a holistic and person-centred service for young people. We will utilise a wealth of virtual tools including web chat, video conferencing, online resources and podcasts so we can still work with people during the pandemic. We'll be announcing more in the next few weeks, so keep an eye on Access Southampton for more information. Jobs at Southampton City CouncilWe are currently recruiting for roles across the council. To see the full list of vacancies, visit our dedicated recruitment website. Featured Jobs Apprentice Recruitment Assistant (Emerging Talent) We are looking for a confident and conscientious individual to undertake the role of Apprentice Recruitment Assistant (Emerging Talent.) You will be working within the Emerging Talent team and work closely with the HR Recruitment team with responsibility for supporting in the recruitment of individuals on to our talent programmes such as Kickstart and our apprenticeships. We’re looking for someone who is interested in recruitment and the development of individuals, has good organisational skills and attention to detail. A sound knowledge of IT systems would also be highly beneficial and the ability to talk to staff at all levels across the organisation and applicants on a daily basis. At Southampton City Council we are committed to paying Foundation Living Wage as a minimum and we believe apprentices should also be paid fairly. Your salary as an apprentice will be £18,562 annually and may increase in line with any national rise in Foundation Living Wage. Closing Date: 29 November 2020 Environmental Health Officer - Commercial Are you a qualified and experienced environmental health practitioner looking to join Southampton City Council? The coronavirus emergency has created an exciting opportunity for an environmental health officer to join our team. You will be involved in controlling the potential transmission of coronavirus by supporting Southampton’s local case contacting service to ensure engagement with cases and contacts, and public health controls are followed. You will also focus on advising and regulating businesses operating within the city. You will need practical experience of working with businesses to ensure they comply with food hygiene, health and safety and environmental protection legislation and you should be confident taking enforcement action when necessary. Closing Date: 30 November 2020 Rehab and Reablement Assistant Exciting opportunities have arisen at Southampton City Councils CQC Outstanding rated Urgent Response Social Care Service. Rehab & Reablement Carers 3 x 31.5hrs Urgent Response is an Integrated Health and Social care Service offering short term Rehab & Reablement support to adults in their own homes across the City of Southampton. Assisting individuals to maximise their independence with daily living tasks. Successful applicants will be expected to visit Covid-19 positive clients as and when required while following government guidelines and with correct PPE. Closing Date: 26 November 2020 #WeAreTheNHS Recruitment CampaignThe last few months have highlighted the dedication and resilience of those working on the frontline of healthcare, demonstrating their unwavering commitment and passion in keeping the UK public safe. With the NHS experiencing significant and high-profile public support, they want to inspire the next generation to consider a life-changing career and play a vital role in shaping the future of the NHS. Now in its third consecutive year, the ‘We are the NHS’ campaign is back to celebrate the extraordinary work of nurses, allied health professionals and healthcare support workers and inspire a new generation to embark on a career in the health service. The campaign shines a light on some of the most in-demand roles in the NHS; all varied, exciting and challenging in equal measure. Nurses, allied health professionals and healthcare support workers touch the lives of thousands, providing expertise, care and compassion when it matters most. This year, candidates for university courses relevant for nursing and allied health professions have access to a support system to guide them step by step through the application process, alongside tailored support. Additional NHS funding is available for those studying towards a degree required for nursing and allied health professions. The NHS is actively recruiting and welcomes talented and passionate individuals to join its ranks, from all walks of life. Search NHS Careers for more information on available roles. Useful Information and Links |
Ali's Autumn Art Club
Running every Wednesday in term time, 4.30-6pm. To book, please go to We Got Tickets. Price for Ali’s Autumn Art Club are £7.50 a session.
The course is aimed at 7-11 year olds although other ages may enjoy it. Clear instructions and details for how to log in to this talk will be emailed on purchase. Tickets are required for each device being used to access the event, although we are very happy for more than one child to participate on each device. As with all our children's activities, an adult will need to stay close at hand to participating children throughout the class. Tickets are non-refundable, unless cancelled by the organiser.
- 18 November - The Art of Georgia O'Keeffe
- 25 November - Portraits with Josh and Tom
- 2 December - Cubism for Kids: The Fantastic Fractured World of Picasso and Braque
- 9 December - Christmas Cartoons and Cards
BU Libraries Plus Homework Club
During the new national COVID-19 restrictions, between Friday 6 November 2020 and Wednesday 2 December 2020, Southampton City Libraries will be offering limited library services. Services available at your local libraryCentral, Bitterne, Lordshill, Shirley, Portswood and Woolston libraries will be offering a Select and Collect service, returns and pre-booked public computer access for essential purposes. Our community partners in Burgess Road Library and Cobbett Hub & Library are finalising their offer, both will remain closed Friday 6 November 2020. YMCA Weston Community, Millbrook Community and Thornhill Community libraries remain closed. Full details of opening hours are listed online. Returning itemsNo overdue fees will be charged until further notice and all loans have been extended beyond Tuesday 17 December 2020. Return bins remain available at the entrances of libraries for those wishing to just return items quickly. All returned books are quarantined for 72 hours and borrower accounts may not show returned items for 5 working days. Loaning itemsWith Select and Collect, customers can reserve items online or via telephone on 023 8083 3007 (option 1, then 3), Monday to Friday - 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm. Items will then be prepared for collection. Library browsing will be unavailable before Wednesday 2 December 2020. Computer accessComputer access must be pre-booked and is restricted to essential purposes only. To book a public computer contact us via telephone on 023 8083 3007 (option 1, then 3), Monday to Friday - 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm. Printing from computers will be available but you will need correct coins as no change will be given. Photocopying services will be unavailable. Library from homeWith physical newspapers and magazines currently unavailable, many can be read online via the Digital Library. Our Digital Library also includes e-books and e-audiobooks as well as many other useful resources. Many of the events and group activities that would normally take place physically in our libraries will continue to be offered online including rhyme and story times, author talks and craft activities. To ensure you don’t miss out, follow us on social media, @SouthamptonCityLibraries on Facebook and @SotonLibraries on Twitter. Local Studies and Maritime LibraryLocal Studies and Maritime Library is closed but can be contacted via email, local.studies@southampton.gov.uk and via telephone on 023 8083 3007 (option 1, then 3), Monday to Friday - 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm. SafetyMeasures advised by Public Health England will be in place to ensure staff and public stay safe. You can expect the following at our libraries:
Contact usIf you have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact us online or via telephone on 023 8083 3007 (option 1, then 3), Monday to Friday - 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm. |
Southampton Remembers Remembrance Sunday on 8 November and Armistice Day on Wednesday 11 November are days to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts. The Southampton Remembrance Sunday Service this year will not take place. The key elements of the Remembrance Service have been filmed in advance at the Cenotaph and at different war memorials across the city. The service will be shared on the Visit Southampton website and on Council Facebook and YouTube channels on Sunday 8 November at 11:02am. Marking RemembranceAs this year's commemoration is very different for all of us, please consider alternative ways to mark this important occasion to help prevent the spread of the virus and at all times remember to adhere to government guidelines and the We are encouraging all residents to stand on their doorstep at 11am and honour the 2-minute silence on Remembrance Sunday and some churches across the city will be ringing their bells at 11.02am. It is appreciated that you may wish to lay a wreath at this important time, but you must remember you should not make any unnecessary journeys during the new restrictions and advise you to consider visiting your local war memorial as part of your daily exercise. View a map of the local war memorials We will remember themA new Remembrance bench has recently been installed at Veracity Sports Ground between Itchen and Merryoak. This has joined the suite of four benches that have been placed around the city to commemorate the contribution that armed forces personnel made to World War One. Create your own special Remembrance poppyIn this video the Southampton Cultural Services’ Learning team share some ideas on how to create your very own remembrance poppy. You can also download and print an iconic remembrance poppy from The Royal British Legion website. Hang your poppy in your window to show your support for the armed forces community throughout November and share your pictures with us on social media using the hashtags #NeverForgotten and #SouthamptonRemembers, so we can share them with our social media followers. 100 Years of The Cenotaph in SouthamptonFriday 6 November 2020 marks 100 years since the unveiling of the Sir Edwin Lutyens designed Cenotaph. The memorial was the first of dozens by Lutyens to be built in permanent form and it influenced his later designs, including The Cenotaph on Whitehall in London. These images are from Southampton's unveiling event in 1920 and from a Remembrance Service in 1921 - Images from Southampton Archives. History of the Cenotaph Councillor Sue Blatchford, Mayor of Southampton, tells the story of The Cenotaph The Cenotaph Virtual Tour You may not be able to visit The Cenotaph over the coming week to pay your respects but we can bring the war memorial to you with this virtual tour. For more information please view our
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Ghosts of Tudor House online / Thu 29 Oct / From £4.40 each Join us online for some spine-tingling but fun ghost stories from Southampton's most haunted house with Learning Officer, Andy Skinner. Do spirits still haunt the museum? Andy shares some of his own spooky experiences and discusses whether any of these hauntings could possibly be true. The stories will be delivered in a friendly way, but be prepared for some scary tales. Because of this we recommend a minimum age of 8 years.
Zoom on a Broom workshop at the gallery Zoom on a Broom in-venue workshop / Tue 27 Oct / £6.00 each / Southampton City Art Gallery Fancy yourself as a broomstick designer? Taking inspiration from the fastest models on the Quidditch field, you can design a broomstick to suit your inner witch or wizard. Broomsticks provided: just bring imagination. Suitable for 4 years +. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, anyone attending a workshop in our venues will need to pre-book, including adults. Children cannot attend without an adult - adults will need to book a FREE attending adult ticket. Each booking will be seated at the same table; if you are booking for two households please make two separate purchases. Southampton City Art Gallery’s programme of art appreciation talks with Ali Eales continues, exploring artists, art movements and their links to the City’s fine art collection. Tues 4 Nov / 7pm – 8.30pm / Mothers of Modernism – From Gwen John to Georgia O’Keeffe - Book here Tues 17 Nov / 7pm – 8.30pm / Vincent Van Gogh: The Life and Legacy of a Life in Pain(t) - Book here Tues 3 Dec / 7pm – 8.30pm / Sir Edward Coley Burne Jones: Finding Perseus - Book here Tues 15 Dec / 7pm – 8.30pm / The End of Baroque: A Flowery Death on the Rocks of Rococco - Book here Image: Gwen John, Mere Poussepin © Southampton City Art Gallery 2 weeks left to visit Wampum at SeaCity Museum Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America is the story of the Wampanoag Native Americans, whom the Mayflower passengers would have met on their arrival to America 400 years ago. Discover their story at SeaCity Museum this half-term in this amazing exhibition which has only 2 weeks left. Book ticketsWampum belts are a tapestry of art and tribal history. Made from the purple and white shells of the whelk and quahog, wampum beads embody the Wampanoag connection to the sea and to life itself. Watch this short video from the opening of the exhibition and discover a little bit of what you'll see on your visit to the museum: Also listen to Paula Peters, a Wampanoag Scholar, in discussion with Cllr Satvir Kaur, Cabinet Member for Culture & Homes, and Cllr Sue Blatchford, Mayor of Southampton in this short video as they discuss women of the Wampanoag People and insights into their Matriarchal society. You can find out more about Wampanoag culture, Wampum and all the other exhibitions and activities happening in the city as part of Southampton's Mayflower 400 programme on mayflower400southampton.co.uk Shadows and Light at City Art Gallery 24 Oct 2020 - 23 Jan 2021 Curated by Professor Stephen Foster, this exhibition brings together historic and contemporary works of art which relate to light as subject matter. Featuring photography, painting, drawing, sculpture and installation, the exhibition will also include key works from Southampton’s fine art collection. Discover more online. The exhibition also forms part of the Southampton Mayflower 400 programme, marking the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower on its now famous journey to the New World. Book your free tickets |
Keep the kids entertained this half-term with some fantasic, covid-secure in-venue and online activities for all the family to enjoy.
To keep everyone safe, in-venue activities have limited numbers so make sure you get your tickets as soon as possible. Please also be aware that adults and children aged 11 and over will need to wear a face covering.
Mon 26 Oct
Spooky Clay Pumpkins Family Workshop / £6.00 each / Southampton City Art Gallery
Play with clay, experiment with new techniques and make a spooky pumpkin! Join one of the talented learning team for a messy, fun workshop. Suitable for families with children aged 4+.
Tue 27 Oct
Zoom on a Broom workshop / £6.00 each / Southampton City Art Gallery
Fancy yourself as a broomstick designer? Taking inspiration from the fastest models on the Quidditch field where you can design a broomstick to suit your inner witch or wizard. Broom stick included, just bring imagination. Suitable for 4 years +.
Wed 28 Oct
Awesome Egyptians / £6.00 each / SeaCity Museum
Discover the incredible world of the pharaohs in this history and craft session based at SeaCity Museum, including mummifying your own orange!
Thu 29 Oct
Ghosts of Tudor House / From £4.40 each / Online Only
Join Tudor House's own Ghostfinder General in this online Zoom talk to find out the stories of spirits from Southampton's most haunted building.
- Online session - 11am - Book here
Fri 30 Oct
Scary Southampton Walking Tour / £6.00 each / Outside Tudor House
Explore the Old Town with our learning officer Andy to discover grim tales of murder, foul deeds and disappearance! All ages (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)
BOOK these activities and more here: www.wegottickets.com/SouthamptonCulture
Due to Covid 19 restrictions, anyone attending a workshop in these venues will need to pre-book, including adults. Children cannot attend without an adult - adults will need to book a FREE attending adult ticket. Each booking will be seated at the same table; if you are booking for two households please make two separate purchases.
Thu 22 Oct , 2020
'Something wicked this way comes': A Brief History of Witches / From £4.40 each / Online Only
In the build-up to Halloween join Becky Sharp from Southampton City Councils Cultural Services Learning Team, to discover the history of witches and what happened to those who were accused of using magic.
- Online session - 7pm - Book here
Tue 3 Nov, 2020
Mothers of Modernism - from Gwen John to Georgia O'Keeffe / From £4.40 each / Online Only
Ali Eales leads this art appreciation talk, exploring the work of these 20th Century visionaries and their legacy. .
- Online session - 7pm - Book here
Opening at Southampton City Art Gallery
Shadows and Light
24 Oct 2020 - 23 Jan 2021
Curated by Professor Stephen Foster, this exhibition brings together historic and contemporary works of art which relate to light as subject matter. Featuring photography, painting, drawing, sculpture and installation, the exhibition will also include key works from Southampton’s fine art collection. Discover more online.
The exhibition forms part of the Southampton Mayflower 400 programme, marking the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower on its now famous journey to the New World.
Don't forget to book your free tickets in advance - If you visit the gallery before 23 October you can even pop to the SeaCity Café next-door and enjoy 50% off a hot drink*, just show our staff your gallery ticket.
*Offer ends 23 October
SeaCity Museum and Tudor House Museum short videos
Discover some of the fascinating things you’ll find on a trip to SeaCity Museum in these fascinating short videos from Andy Skinner, from Southampton City Councils Cultural Services Learning Team.
- Wampum Belt - In the Southampton Stories exhibition space you'll find Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America, part of the Mayflower 400 Anniversary programme in Southampton, open until 8 November 2020.
- Bronze Age Sword - You'll find this in the Gateway to the World exhibition upstairs.
Don't forget to pre-book your tickets before heading over to SeaCity this half-term.
Unfortunately Tudor House is currently closed, but you can join Andy at the end of the garden at the museum in this short video, where you can find out some more about King John’s Palace.
You'll find lots more amazing things with Andy and Bea as they explore objects and places around the museums here on the Cultural Services Learning YouTube page.
Get involved with our UK City of Culture bid
Don’t forget, we are encouraging everyone to get involved with our UK City of Culture bid. Southampton is bidding to become the UK City of Culture in 2025, a really fantastic opportunity for the city. You can keep up to date via regular emails and get involved here.
The Southampton 2025 team has also launched their social media channels Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – please check them out and share. To decide what sort of things should be included in the bid, the team wants to understand what the city needs and identify where the gaps are. To do this they are asking everyone for a few minutes of their time to complete a short survey or sign up to be part of focus groups.
We're celebrating 30 years of supporting Southampton residents |
This month we're celebrating 30 years of supporting people in Southampton into employment, training and volunteering opportunities. We first started out as City Limits Employment in October 1990, and since then we have worked with over 10,000 residents who are disadvantaged in some way, and our dedicated Employment Officers have supported 3,300 individuals into paid employment in the last 3 decades. Our team has also supported approximately 2,500 voluntary placements and enabled 4000 individuals to complete training courses. In recent years the team has focused on helping people to remain in employment by working with individuals and their employers, helping 300 people to stay in work. The team also helps residents to set up their own businesses and as a team have supported 15 new start-ups. We've changed and adapted to new challenges over the last 30 years, but our philosophy remains the same – anyone can work regardless of their disability or disadvantage, as long as it’s the right time for the individual, it’s the right opportunity and the right support is in place. For more information and to see some graphics detailing our history, visit our website. If you’re a job seeker, employer or resident of Southampton that would benefit from our support to help you find work, please email us or call 023 8091 7585. Virtual Care Careers RoadshowSeetec Pluss are hosting a virtual Careers Roadshow for people interested in a career in care. The event will take place on CHAOS TV on Thursday 5th November 2020, 11am-3pm and is open to anyone who wants to find out more about the variety of jobs in the care industry. There will be a chance to hear from local employers, people already working in care and people who receive care and their families. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions to a panel made up of employers, carers and councillors and explore career progression opportunities within the sector. For more information, please visit the Seetec Pluss website. PATH SurveyAre you an expectant or new parent? We're looking for people to take part in an online survey about their mental health and wellbeing to help shape our Perinatal Mental Health awareness campaign in partnership with the PATH project. Your feedback will help us plan and deliver a multimedia campaign across the UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands aimed at parents, families, healthcare professionals and employers to raise awareness of Perinatal Mental Health. Take the anonymous survey. Jobs at Southampton City CouncilWe are currently recruiting for roles across the council. To see the full list of vacancies, visit our dedicated recruitment website. Featured Jobs: Are you customer focused? Are you determined that all customer contact should be easy, effective and convenient? If so, then you might be just the person we’re looking for! We have an exciting opportunity available for a Customer Service Officer within our Contact Centre. In this role you will be responsible for answering enquiries from customers across a range of channels (telephone, face to face and digital). You will take a customer focused approach to all enquiries, help increase first point resolution and ensure we are a customer focused organisation. Closing Date: 28 October 2020 Tree Surgery Improving (Second) Climber We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to undertake the role of Improving (Second) Climber within Southampton City Council’s Tree Surgery Team. Closing Date: 11 November 2020 Would you like to be part of an ambitious and exciting school community which puts the interests of our children and young people at the centre of everything? The Cedar School is looking to appoint an experienced, enthusiastic and well-organised person to join our busy Admin team. This is a key role within our school where you will be the first point of contact for parents and visitors. You will also provide vital admin support to our Headteacher and SLT. Flexibility is essential, together with the ability to be pro-active and demonstrate excellent communication skills. Please email the School Business Manager for a full application pack Closing Date: 3 November 2020 Useful Information and Links
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Find Wally in Southampton City Art Gallery
Hunt for Wally amongst our collections and exhibitions from 9 October – 1 November 2020, as well as spell out a spooky phrase with letters hidden alongside mini Wally standees, and receive a special “I found Wally!” bookmark on completion of the search, as well as the chance to enter the Where’s Wally? and Kids in Museums grand prize draw competition to win an ArtFund Family Membership and a bundle of Where’s Wally? goodies.
Book FREE tickets to the gallery here. You can also find some additional Where's Waly online activities here.
Young People’s Online Open Exhibition 2020
Young People's Open Exhibition: Journey, Migration and the Sea is now open online. Check out the work by students from Bitterne Park School, The Polygon School and Woodlands Community College. This is part of Southampton’s Mayflower 400. programme.
In the year which marks the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower sailing from Southampton to the New World, students from Southampton schools were invited to respond to the themes of journey, migration and the sea using their own choice of media.
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With everyone now back at school, it’s time to let you know about the TWO campaigns we are running this October. We’d love your school to be involved! It’s very easy to sign up for your free resources.
It's Walktober time again: Walking to Wellbeing in 2020 - Register below by Friday 25 September
For the fourth year running we are celebrating International Walk to School Month with Walktober!
Lockdown has shown us that exercising and spending time outside are essential for wellbeing.
Walktober is about encouraging your pupils, staff and their families to walk as much as possible during the month. Register and you will receive a pack of information containing everything you need to participate including a bespoke outdoor scavenger hunt presented as a short film by Kate at The Mind Runner for use at home or at school to get the Walktober: Walking for Wellbeing month underway.
We have some great prizes this year including Hampshire Outdoor Leader courses for staff, bespoke Mindful Movement courses for pupils and vouchers for family days out in Hampshire. Walktober is free to enter and open to all primary and secondary schools. Please use this link to register your school. Deadline for registration is Friday 25 September.
For more information, please visit our website.
Clean Air Day - Thursday 8 October
(Register below by Wednesday 7 October)
Unusually this year, during October, as well as Walktober, we will also be promoting Walk to School Week (5 - 9 October) and Clean Air Day (8 October), both delayed due to Covid-19.
All our Clean Air Day 2020 resources can be downloaded for free from our website, featuring easy and safe ways to make the air cleaner around your school.
Pupil pack and poster competition: Our resource packs include links to Clean Air Day PowerPoint presentations for use in class. They also include a poster competition linked to this year's key messages for all pupils to participate in. Please share with your pupils and their families.
Schools' competition: For your school's chance to win a handheld air pollution monitor called a Flow Meter, register here and let us know about any Clean Air Day activities and campaigns that you plan to run this term and give us a reason to pick your school as the winner. Deadline for registering is Wednesday 7 October.
Shirley Junior School completes first week of School Streets
Congratulations to Shirley Junior School, which last week became the third school in Southampton to introduce a temporary road closure outside its gates at drop off and pick up times. The 'School Streets' scheme is being trialled by the school in partnership with Southampton City Council and Sustrans to provide additional space for social distancing, encourage more families to travel actively to school and create a safer, healthier and more pleasant environment.
The first week went very smoothly and the scheme has excellent support from staff and families, with some parents already volunteering to help out with manning the closures. There has also been positive feedback from local residents as well as the school community.
It's been really lovely to see children and families happy and calm on their newly car-free school run. A big well done to the school and everyone involved in successfully bringing this scheme to another school in our city. If you're interested in running your own School Streets scheme, get in touch with us here.
Dates for your diary
- Sustrans' Bike to School Week (28 September - 2 October)
- Walktober (Walk to School Month, during October)
- Walk to School Week (5 - 9 October)
- Clean Air Day - (Thursday 8 October)
- Modehsift STARS autumn submissions (31 December)
Virtual Employability Course - October 2020
Are you looking for work in Southampton? Maybe you've been out of work for a while or are thinking about getting a new job after a long time? Or are you thinking about applying for your first job and don't know where to begin?
We are running a free online Employability Course for people who want to develop their employability skills and start preparing to look for work. The course will be delivered online via Zoom, and you will receive resources and a certificate of completion by email after the course.
Dates and times:
- Wednesday 7th October 10am-11:30am
- Thursday 8th October 10am-11:30am
- Friday 9th October 10am-11:30am
The course is free for anyone aged 19+ and living in or around Southampton.
After the course, you will also have the opportunity to receive ongoing support from our other Employment Support Team projects, which are currently being delivered virtually.
Over the 3 sessions, the course will aim to:
- Improve confidence and motivation
- Support with CV writing
- Teach job application tips and tricks
- Develop interview techniques
- Help you plan to move into paid work, volunteering or education
If you're interested in signing up to the course, please email us or call 07811 165534.
Free support for council tenants looking for work
Did you know, if you live in a Southampton City Council property, you can get support from our T.E.E.M project with finding work or becoming self-employed?
Our dedicated team of Employment Officers will work with you on a 1 to 1 basis and support you with things like:
- Job searching
- Application forms
- CVs and Cover Letters
- Advice and signposting around furlough and returning to work
- Signposting to specialist services
- Building confidence
- Gaining work experience and developing skills
T.E.E.M also run a virtual work club on Zoom every Thursday between 3pm and 5pm where you can drop in and get advice and support. To join the virtual work club, you don’t need to have a Zoom account; all you need to do is click this link and enter the password: 356055
To find out more about T.E.E.M, please email Francesca or call 07811 165129
Not a council tenant? Don't worry, we've got lots of projects that can help you find work. Find out more
Solent Employment Support
Solent Employment Support (S.E.S) is our supported employment project that aims to help people with health conditions to achieve their employment goals. We provide tailored support including advice on housing, healthcare and social services to support you to get and keep a job. We also support clients to access training opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills. S.E.S supports individuals in a person-centred way with CV writing, job applications, interview advice and any other employment related activities.
Who can get support from S.E.S?
Anyone with a recognised health condition who is unemployed (including recently unemployed), eligible to receive public funds and has the right to live and work in the UK.
What areas does S.E.S cover?
We are currently offering virtual support by phone, email or video call. If you live in Southampton, the Waterside area, Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport, the Isle of Wight, Eastleigh or the surrounding areas, you'll be able to get support.
What support does S.E.S offer?
- Pre-employment support and help developing skills
- Accessing volunteering and work placements
- Impartial Information, Advice and Guidance around employment goals through 1 to 1 support and individualised support plans
- Ongoing support in the workplace if required
How can I get support from S.E.S?
Email Francesca to find out how we can help, or call 07811 165129.
Find out more on Access Southampton
T Levels Launch
We’re pleased to share the news that T Levels have now started. Students at selected colleges and schools across England are now beginning their two-year, post-GCSE courses in Digital, Construction and Design or Education and Childcare. These are just the start of the 24 T Levels that will roll out over the coming years in subjects as diverse as accounting and digital to engineering and healthcare.
Designed by employers for employers, T Levels are robust qualifications that combine classroom learning with a substantial industry placement so that graduates emerge with the knowledge and practical skills that businesses need plus real experience of being in the workplace. They are based on the world’s best technical education systems to address the skills gap and build a workforce fit for whatever the future brings.
With 1 T Level being equivalent to 3 A Levels, T Level graduates will have opportunities to move straight into work, to further study or an apprenticeship. Find out more about T Levels at www.tlevels.gov.uk
Using Social Media to look for work
Social Media is a great resource for keeping in touch and staying up to date. But it can also be a useful tool when looking for work.
Many people used apps like LinkedIn to look for work and network with employers. If you use LinkedIn, make sure your profile is up to date and professional. Interact with people and share your professional interests to get noticed.
Facebook is another great platform to look for jobs. Many companies, especially smaller businesses, will often advertise vacancies on their Facebook pages, so have a think about companies you'd like to work for and keep an eye on their page. There are also lots of groups set up where employers can advertise their vacancies, so have a look at what groups are in your local area. Remember though, if you're using Facebook to look for work, make sure there's nothing embarrassing on your profile that you wouldn't want an employer to see, and remember to never share personal information about you with strangers online.
If you're a Twitter user, follow companies you're interested in - some companies might also have careers or jobs accounts that are separate from their main account. #SotonJobs Hour takes place on Twitter every Thursday between 1pm and 2pm where job vacancies are shared by employers and Southampton Jobcentre. You can also follow @sotoncareers and @JCPinHants_IOW for the latest job vacancies and advice.
Top tips for using social media to find your next job:
- Make sure your profile is professional and private
- Never share personal information or bank details on social media - always ask for an official business email address
- Look out for scams. Safer Jobs has some useful articles to help you stay alert
Get more information and tips for looking for work on Access Southampton
Celebrating 30 years in October...
October 2020 marks 30 years since we first started supporting people in Southampton back in 1990. Since then, we've helped thousands of people to find employment, training and volunteering in the city. Next month we'll be celebrating the work we've done as well as sharing our plans for the future, so make sure you're following us on social media for the latest updates!
Opening tomorrow - A Mile in My Shoes at Westquay A Mile in My Shoes at Westquay, is an innovative artistic experience, where visitors are invited to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes and listen to the that persons fascinating story. The stories cover different aspects of life, exploring themes of shared humanity, from grief and loss to love and joy, so visitors take an empathetic as well as a physical journey. It also includes 8 new stories from Southampton – including a Paralympian, Prof. Tom Wilkinson who is leading the Covid drug trials, and Lou Taylor from Black History Month. Find more information about the Southampton participants in whose shoes you can walk here. Make sure you Book your tickets here. A Mile in My Shoes will be at Westquay on the Esplanade from 12 to 20 September 2020 as part of Southampton’s Mayflower 400 anniversary programme. Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America at SeaCity Museum Discover the story behind this newly-crafted wampum belt created by the Wampanoag people of the Mashpee and Aquinnah nations at SeaCity Museum. Make sure you book your tickets here before visiting the museum. This is the first time the belt has been displayed in the UK. Through this nationally-touring exhibition, commissioned by The Box, Plymouth, Wampanoag artists share their story with images, ideas and wampum - the sacred shells of Native America. They explore the history, art and culture of the Native Americans who met the passengers of the Mayflower when they arrived in North America. Watch the opening video of Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America here. Discover more about this powerful exhibition, the making of the belt and its significance to the Wampanoag people in a series of short films here. Explore the world of art with Ali Eales! Packed with drawing challenges, games and projects, this fun and accessible online course spans cave painting and contemporary art, with plenty in between! Ali’s Autumn Art Club is for 7-11yrs, running Wednesday's, 4.30pm, for six weeks. Tickets cost £7.50 per household. 16 Sept: Wild Beasts and Little Monsters - Meet the Fauves 23 Sept: Van Gogh's Sunflowers 7 Oct: Autumn Impressionism 14 Oct: Portraits - From Cave Paintings to Kings and Queens 21 Oct: Cartoons and Comic Books - From Lichtenstein to Marvel Tales from Tudor SouthamptonExplore the dark and dangerous world of Southampton in the sixteenth century - a time of privateers, plague, war and famine! Southampton's archaeology and archives team present an incredible picture of what life was like in the town at that time, in this fun and engaging talk suitable for all. Thurs 17 Sept, 7pm, Tickets from £3.50 - Book online ticket Street Art: Art in Public but not Public ArtIn the year Southampton boasts its own Banksy, Ali Eales explores the phenomenon of street art in all its forms. Thurs 24 Sept, 7pm, Tickets from £3.50 - Book online ticket |
Cycle September has officially started! Sign up to discover the benefits of cycling and you could even win some amazing prizes including bikes, accessories, vouchers and more.
Taking part is easy: ride anytime, anywhere for just 10 minutes or more and log your rides on the Love to Ride platform to be entered into the prize draws. You can even register your workplace as a team and compete against other organisations in a bid to win prizes for you and your colleagues. Get as many people involved as possible and keep encouraging each other to earn points and climb higher up the leader boards.
This is Cycle September's third year in Southampton and, with even more people cycling at the moment, we're determined to make this year's challenge bigger and better than ever before!
To find out more and get started, visit the Love to Ride website.
Events throughout September
Want to take part in Cycle September but your bike needs a check over? Maybe you're looking for some support to help you develop your cycling skills? From Bike Doctors and repair workshops to guided rides, there are lots of free local events taking place throughout the month to help get you and your bike ready to take on the challenge of Cycle September. Click here to find out more.
Pop-up cycle lanes
Over the past few months, we've seen an increase in the number of people cycling in Southampton. With more people now starting to travel again, we want to make sure this continues.
As part of plans to support social distancing and active travel, Southampton City Council is now trialling the following 'pop-up' cycle lanes to help people cycle with greater ease while keeping a safe distance from people walking.
You can find out more about all of the above schemes, including how to comment on the changes, over on our website.
New Norm, New Life, New You
One of the key positives to emerge from the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic is an increase in people getting outdoors and being more active.
More and more of you have been enjoying the benefits of getting around on foot or by bike for essential journeys and as part of your daily exercise or just for fun.
As we start getting back to work and school, why not keep this healthier way of life going and continue the journey towards a healthier, happier future for everybody?
We are here to help you plan your route, plan your travel and provide you with great tips on how to keep active and stay safe!
Visit our website to find out more.
Get #PumpedUpToCycle
Following a recent resurgence in cycling across the country, Cycling UK has launched its Pumped Up campaign to inspire even more people to enjoy the thrill and freedom of riding a bike.
The organisation is now looking to recruit members of an all-new Pumped Up crew to help support the campaign. Depending on your availability, there are three ways you can get involved:
- Promote - use your own social media channels to spread the word about Pumped Up and celebrate the joys of cycling
- Pedal - organise rides or take family and friends out on their bikes
- Partner - volunteer as a Pumped Up Partner, researching cycle provision in your area and signposting local people to sources of support that will help them to build their cycling confidence
These are volunteer led initiatives and are independent of the My Journey programme. For details of other formal cycling support services available through the My Journey programme, including professional cycle training, please visit our website.
The Pumped Up campaign is also calling on everyone to get out on their bikes and log their rides on the Cycling UK website as part of the World's Biggest Bike Ride on Saturday 12 September. Do your bit by joining in the fun and why not also log your rides on that day on the Love to Ride website too for extra Cycle September points?
To find out more about the Pumped Up campaign and the many more resources available, visit the Cycling UK website here.
The Event
‘Youth Ambassador’
Wednesday 7th October at 6pm
Virtual platform- ZOOM
Tickets are available on eventbrite.co.uk- search ‘Youth Ambassador’
Parents/carers will need to buy a FREE ticket and complete a short survey
Becoming a COVID-19 Community Champion
To support the communities in which we live, work and learn, we’re looking for COVID-19 Community Champions to work with our Public Health and Stronger Communities Teams to share messages about how to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
As a COVID-19 Community Champion, you will be given the information you need through regular briefings and other channels to raise awareness and help people make informed choices.
Anyone can join. You’ll be a voice for those around you, your household, school, work, club, group of friends, your local communities, or even make sense of the latest facts for yourself.
To sign up as a champion, please complete the registration form
In the mean time you can view a video on the scheme involving the Director of Public Health Debbie Chase at https://www.southampton.gov.uk/communitychampions
Following a recent emollients safety campaign by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (IWFRS) has put together a webpage and bulletin to raise awareness of the fire risks that can be posed from using emollient creams.
Please be aware that there has not been any fire related deaths in the Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and IOW area involving emollient creams however this publication is being shared to increase knowledge of all agencies and professionals who work with people who use emollient creams, and highlight potential fire risks when using them.
The advice and information can be seen on the attached publication or accessed on the Hampshire and IOW Fire and Rescue Service Emollient Creams Webpage, which can be accessed here - https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/keeping-safe/loveyourhome/firehazards/emollients-safety/.
https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/school-zone-src
Summer schemes
SCC has worked with Testlands Community hub to provide a discounted rate of 50% for the families of key/critical workers over the 6 week school holiday.
Families will need to sign up via the website(https://www.testlands.com) and this is on a first come, first serve basis. Please see the criteria for qualification and evidence will need to be provided to obtain the discount. There are additional places available for those that are non-key/critical workers on top of the allocated amount for the community to also access, but without the discount.
PE
We like many other providers of PE & Sport Services were relieved at the Governments announcement last week to renew the PE & Sport Premium for the 2020-21 Academic Year.
With just a week or so to go until the end of this Academic Year we still have some availability remaining to work regularly with Schools from September onwards. We also have a great offer that we think Schools will really appreciate. You can find more info about this below…
ACE Sports & Education is a small, locally run Business that provides Infant, Primary, Junior & Independent Schools with excellent and high quality PE & Sport Services.
We are passionate in delivering our PE & Sport Programmes to Children and School Staff and our aim is to provide Schools with the very best provision through engaging & high quality PE Lessons, After School Clubs, Lunchtime Clubs, Staff CPD & PPA Cover. We want to inspire Children to learn through Sport & Physical Education and to leave a positive impact on every person, everywhere we work.
We are looking to work regularly with a couple of new Schools from the New Academic Year onwards and are excited to offer new Schools the following offer…
FREE PE & SPORT LESSONS
We are offering the first 4 weeks of Lessons totally FREE from the start of next term!
This can include any PE Lessons, Staff CPD Lessons, PPA Lessons and School Funded Clubs.
We believe that allowing Children to be active and learning through Physical Education and Sport will be more important than ever in the coming months and what better way to do it than using our expert services!
An example of our Offer… A School signs up for an Academic Year of PPA Lessons & a Lunchtime Club every Thursday afternoon beginning in September. All lessons in the the first 4 weeks will be completely FREE effectively giving Schools a month of free provision.
It's a great way to see what we can offer and find out why so many local Schools love using our services.
This offer is available to any School we have yet to work with!
WHAT WE OFFER
For more information on our Services CLICK HERE and scroll through the “Schools” section of our website.
SCHOOLS WE WORK WITH
We already work with a number of Schools who would only be too happy to recommend us. These include Chandlers Ford Infant School, Merdon Junior School, Bartley Junior School, Sherborne House School, Glenfield Infant School, Netley Marsh Infant School, St Michaels & All Angels Infant School & Copythorne Infant School.
OUR STAFF
Our Lead PE Staff (Charlie & Jack) are all PESS Level 5 & 3 Qualified and hold a number of Sports Specific Qualifications.
We have many years experience in Teaching PE Lessons, Working alongside Teachers and running Sports Clubs.
You can find out more about our Staff HERE
Southampton City Libraries offering select and collect service
From this week, Southampton City Libraries are now offering a select and collect service. All Council run libraries will initially be open for limited hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 12.30pm & 2pm to 4.30pm (with the exception of Lordshill which will open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday) for this collection service. Customers will be able to reserve items online at www.southampton.gov.uk/libraries or via telephone on 023 8083 3007. Items will be prepared for collection and made available on dedicated shelves. All 6 council run libraries are accepting returns via collection bins located outside, though operating hours for this vary dependant on each library. No overdue fees will be charged until 6 September 2020.
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Virtual work clubs
If you’ve lost your job, you’re on furlough and unsure of the future, or you need help to find a new role, simply drop in to our virtual work club. The free club takes place once a week on Zoom when our employment advisors are online to discuss anything to do with finding a new job or returning to work. You can also ask to speak in private with a member of our team to receive one-to-one confidential support.
You don’t need to have a Zoom account to join the virtual work club; all you need is a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer. Simply click here and enter the password 356055 to join in any time between 3pm and 5pm each Thursday when employment advisors are online to help.
And if you’re looking for a new job, you can visit our online Jobs Fair on 29 July without leaving home! Connect with local employers, see the latest job vacancies and attend employability workshops. Send us an email if you’re interested in attending the virtual jobs fair.
Also, make sure you’re subscribed to our Employment Support and Jobs e-alert to receive information on how to improve your chances of finding work.
Family Magazine - Please click the link below for the Family Magazine
https://issuu.com/familiesonline/docs/hampshire_west_4e0c5960da4f4e?fr=sYzg2NTE0NzY0MDY
Three Day Employability Course - Free!
Wednesday 18, Thursday 19 and Friday 20 March / 10am-3pm / Seminar Room, Central Library, Southampton, SO14 7LW + Free lunch The course is free for anyone aged 19+ and living in or around Southampton. The aim of this course is to improve your confidence around getting a job and develop your employability skills. This course acts as an introduction to employability, or to refresh existing knowledge. Over the 3 days, the course will aim to:
To register to attend this course, please send them an email or call 074 6733 7376 |
Woodcraft Folk Event
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Southampton to celebrate International Women’s DaySouthampton City Council will be sharing success stories of inspirational Southampton women on International Women’s Day, the global awareness day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Taking place on Sunday 8 March 2020, the theme for International Women’s Day this year is #EachforEqual, which celebrates women's achievements, raises awareness against bias and takes action for equality. As part of the celebrations there are a number of events and activities taking place in the city: Saturday 7 March / Women Artists in the Collection talk / Southampton City Art Gallery / 2pm-3pm / £8 Emma Fallon will talk about the life and work of women artists in the Southampton collection. Sunday 8 March / The Woman Who Would Be Mayor / SeaCity Museum / 11am-midday / £8 Meet Mrs Lucia Foster Welch, Southampton’s first female mayor in this compelling performance devised and performed by Southampton based actor and historian, Jane Glennie. Stay to explore the rest of the museum at your leisure. Sunday 8 March / Tudor Women history talk / Tudor House & Gardens / 3.30pm-4.30pm / £3.50 Join Becky Sharp on International Women’s Day to discover and discuss what life was like for women in Tudor England, especially for those who wanted to change the rules. Sunday 8 March / International Women's Day Walk around the Common / FREE event / Registration at 1.30pm outside the Hawthorns Centre for 2.00pm start Organised by Southampton Women’s Forum and Sustrans volunteers, a social walk starting and finishing at the Hawthorns Centre to show support for women and to make this a fairer world. Optional tea/coffee at the Hawthorns café afterwards. For more information send them an email.
Hampshire Police Recruitment EventThursday 12 March / 6am-2.30pm / Shirley Baptist Church, Church Street, Shirley SO15 5LG Policing is a career like no other, and Hampshire is one of the best places to serve your community. You might not even know you have the skills we are looking for. Problem solving, compassion, resilience, respect, courage and teamwork. These are all qualities we value in officer, staff and volunteer roles. So, if you think you might have the Skills to Serve why not attend one of our March 2020 recruitment events? You'll be able to meet some of our police officers, PCSOs and police staff such as contact handlers and analysts, who on a daily basis make a real difference to people's lives. Find out more about the roles, why Hampshire has the highest police officer starting salary in the South East, get top tips on applying, meet our positive action team and support networks, and ask any other questions you might have. For more information or to register visit the Eventbrite website. |
Saturday 14 March / 10.30am-2pm / Highfield Church Centre, Highfield Lane, SO17 1RL
Free entry for customers
Local good neighbours charity Communicare in Southampton are holding another popular vintage and craft fair.
There will be a wide variety of stalls selling crafts, jewellery, homemade and vintage goods – a great opportunity to buy Mother’s Day and Easter gifts. There will be live music, food, a raffle, and plenty of homemade cakes!
There is a small car park suitable for drop off and on street free parking in the surrounding area. Proceeds from the day will go towards helping the charity alleviate loneliness and isolation in the city of Southampton.
For more information call 023 8021 6016 or send them an email.
500 days to go!
Sunday 23 February marked 500 days to go until Southampton welcomes the UEFA Women’s EURO 2021 Football tournament – and we can't wait!
To celebrate, UEFA released the full match schedule – which includes confirmation that Southampton FC’s St Mary’s Stadium will host three matches including England’s final group game on Friday 16 July 2021 – in what promises to be a record-breaking edition of the European tournament next summer. Other Southampton group stage fixture dates are Thursday 8 July and Monday 12 July 2021.
You can watch a film here, which shows how excited the Southampton FC Women’s team, Bitterne Park School Girls Football Team and the OTARS Learning Disability Sports team (amongst others) are about the tournament coming to Southampton!
To register for tickets, as well as tournament news, competitions and volunteering opportunities, visit the FA website.
Southampton Sporterium
The Southampton Sporterium on 20 June is the first of its kind in the city and will include a long-distance ride – or Sportive – starting from the city centre and taking riders on a loop (of either 100km or 60km) of the surrounding Hampshire countryside. Cyclists will also be invited to take part in a timed race – or Criterium – which will challenge participants to complete as many laps as possible on a fast-paced, one-mile circuit around Southampton’s parks. The Criterium will commence with non-competitive racing in the morning, followed by corporate and unrated cyclists, and finally culminating in British Cycling Championship cycling in the evening. The event will also provide a range of fun cycling activities for families to enjoy throughout the day. Find out more and get involved > |
500 Days to Go!
Sunday 23 February marked ‘500 Days to Go’ until Southampton welcomes the UEFA Women’s EURO 2021 Football tournament and we can't wait!
To celebrate, UEFA released the full match schedule – which includes confirmation that Southampton FC’s St Mary’s Stadium will host three matches including England’s final group game on Friday 16 July 2021 – in what promises to be a record-breaking edition of the European tournament next summer. Other Southampton group stage fixture dates are Thursday 8 July and Monday 12 July 2021.
You can watch a film here, which shows just how excited the Southampton FC Women’s team, Bitterne Park School Girls Football Team and the OTARS Learning Disability Sports team (amongst others) are that the tournament is coming to Southampton!
To register for tickets, as well as tournament news, competitions and volunteering opportunities visit TheFA.com/WEURO2021.
Advice and support sessions for parents
Do you have a child aged 8 to 16? Would you like help to support them with tricky or stressful issues? We're supporting No Limits to deliver the following four parenting information sessions:
All sessions run 6.30-9pm and are being held at 35 The Avenue, Southampton, SO17 1XN - Find out more and book your place.
500 Days to Go!
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Half Term Activities
We only have a few spaces left for some of our half-term activities next week. Unless it's a drop-in session please book your activities on 023 8083 4536.
Mon 17 Feb -
Drop-in Pokémon Moneyboxes! (All ages) / 10.30am-12.30pm / Art Gallery / £4.50
Transform scrap materials in to a pokémon to store your pennies. Which character will you create? No need to book - just turn up next Monday.
Wed 19 Feb -
Off With Their Heads (7yrs+) / 10.30am-3pm / Tudor House / £18
Discover the truly terrible Tudors in our half-term workshop 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀, a jam-packed day of incredible art, crafts and amazing history! Create a shield and a knot garden and discover objects from over 500 years ago.
Fri 21 Feb -
Titanic Science (7-12yr) / 10.30am-3pm / SeaCity Museum / £18
Discover the inner workings of the RMS Titanic this half-term in our fun filled Titanic Science workshop. What keeps a ship afloat? And how did this allegedly unsinkable ship sink? Find out more next Friday.
Sat 22 Feb -
Mini Monets (2-6yrs) / 11am-12noon / Art Gallery / Feb 241 offer! - £6 for 2
Explore the gallery and get messy in this fun-packed session using a range of materials and methods and create a beautiful piece of artwork to take home. Usually £6 per child but we have a 241 offer for February only so you can bring a friend for free!
ARTefacts (7-13yrs) / 10.30am-12.30pm / Tudor House / £9
Discover the hidden histories of Southampton using artefacts from the museum collection and then create your own.
Pre-book on 023 8083 4536
Rhyme Time at Shirley Library
Shirley Library
19 Feb '20 10:30am - 19 Feb '20 11:00am
Rhyme time is a fun and interactive singing activity designed for under 5s. The session is free and there is no need to book - just turn up!
Sticking Together craft morning at Lordshill Library
Lordshill Library
15 Feb '20 10:30am - 15 Feb '20 12:00pm
"Sticking Together" craft mornings are suitable for children aged 3-11. The session is free and there is no need to book - just turn up!
Rhyme Time at Lordshill Library
Lordshill Library
18 Feb '20 11:00am - 18 Feb '20 11:30am
Rhyme time is a fun and interactive singing activity designed for under 5s. The session is free and there is no need to book - just turn up!
Sticking Together craft morning at Lordshill Library
Lordshill Library
22 Feb '20 10:30am - 22 Feb '20 12:00pm
"Sticking Together" craft mornings are suitable for children aged 3-11. The session is free and there is no need to book - just turn up!
Rhyme Time at Millbrook Community Library
Millbrook Community Library
17 Feb '20 02:00pm - 17 Feb '20 03:00pm
Rhyme time is a fun and interactive singing activity designed for under 5s. The session is free and there is no need to book - just turn up!
Homework Help Club at Central Library
Southampton Central Library
15 Feb '20 01:00pm - 15 Feb '20 03:00pm
22 Feb '20 01:00pm - 22 Feb '20 03:00pm
Free homework club for 5-18 year olds. Bring along a piece of homework and one of our volunteers from the University of Southampton will help you with it. Please note this is not a tutoring service or 1:1 support. Online booking essential to monitor attendance numbers.
TICKET INFORMATION
Free, online booking required.
https://libraries-plus.ticketleap.com/
Southampton Central Library
20 Feb '20 02:00pm - 20 Feb '20 02:30pm
Rhyme time is a fun and interactive singing activity designed for under 5s. The session is free and there is no need to book - just turn up!
Board Games & Jigsaws at Central Library
Southampton Central Library
21 Feb '20 10:30am - 21 Feb '20 12:30pm
A social activity offering board games including chess and backgammon alongside jigsaws and puzzles. Hot drinks available from our Macmillan volunteers for a small donation.
Park Lives Activities
Social Football
Come down to St James Park on
Saturday 15th & 22nd February 2020 2:30PM - 3:30PM
Have a kick about! Bring your parents and siblings and see if you are the best football family in the area! The session will involve games and a weekly match organised by our experienced session leader.
ParkLives Southampton
Southampton residents can take advantage of hundreds of free and fun activity sessions in parks and green spaces across the region with ParkLives.
From jogging and cricket, to Family Fun sessions and paddle board yoga, ParkLives is designed to appeal to all ages and abilities, giving people the opportunity to get out and enjoy their parks and green spaces with a range of sports, games and activities on offer.
The programme offers 20 different activities, all completely free, and led by a trained activity leader from the local area. For more information visit the ParkLives website
Child-Friendly City Conference
Southampton Lantern Festival Parade 2020
Saturday 8 February / 3.30pm / Guildhall Square, Above Bar Street, SO14 7DU
This parade is a visual feast of colour and light as a sea of lanterns accompanies the dazzling luminous Dragon.
The UK Shaolin Temple’s Chinese Lantern Parade marks the official closing of Southampton’s 2020 Chinese New Year Celebrations. Like many Chinese New Year customs, the Lantern Festival promotes togetherness; where family and friends meet amidst the glow of many lanterns.
The parade commences at the Bargate, travels down the high street, and finishes in the Guildhall Square. Don’t miss an opportunity to snap a picture with our star Dragon. Book your free tickets here.
Football sessions at the park
Saturday 2.30-3.30pm / St.James' Park, SO15 5SD
Hosted by Friends of St. James' Park, Active Nation / ParkLives will be running weekly Football sessions.
Come down to St James Park on Saturdays to have a kick about! Parents and siblings are welcome, come and see if you are the best football family in the area!
The session will involve games and a weekly match organised by an experienced session leader. For more information visit their facebook events page.
Looking for something fun, messy and engaging for the kids this February half-term? You'll find something for everyone at our museums and art gallery. Our kids clubs and half-term activities are now starting to book up. Don't miss Wizard School at Tudor House, Art School Sculptures in the Art Galley, or Treasure Plastercasts at SeaCity Museum. View all half-term activities here. Unless it’s a drop in session, please book your activity on 023 8083 4536.
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Southampton Chinese New Year celebration - Year of the RatSaturday 25 January / Southampton Guildhall Square and 02 Guildhall Southampton 10.30am – 1pm / FREE morning activities and parade at the Guildhall square 1.30pm – 3.30pm / Afternoon extravaganza at the O2 Guildhall, Southampton |
The celebrations also mark the second year in which the city of Southampton has banded together to celebrate the Southampton community. Once again, Southampton City Council and many other Southampton based community groups, education bodies, and businesses, are coming together to bring these celebrations for the benefit, and enjoyment of the Southampton community. The UK Shaolin Temple returns once again to host the celebrations.
For more information call 023 8063 2601 or visit the website.
Sunday 26 January / 9am / Westquay Shopping Centre / Book here
2020 is the year of the rat and to celebrate, the Southampton Chinese Association will be here to entertain all with traditional performances including:
- Lion dance
- Dragon dance
- Kung Fu / martial arts display
- Tai chi display
- Chinese musical instruments: including flute and guzheng
- Chinese opera
- Chinese traditional dances
- Chinese and English songs
- Western dance
- Piano performance
- Chinese costume showcase
and a range of workshops, including calligraphy and lantern-making workshops.
Top tips for Safer Internet Day 2020
The UK Safer Internet Centre has launched top tips and advice pages especially for Safer Internet Day 2020.
These pages contain tips, advice, and resources to help young people and their families enjoy technology and the internet together in a safe and positive way. There are tailor-made top tips for:
These top tips are a great way of starting a conversation this Safer Internet Day. Take a look now to help you prepare for the 11th of February.
*Don't forget to tell us about your plans for the day by registering as an official supporter*
Safer Internet Day 2020 Educational Resources for Parents and Carers
Safer Internet Day 2020 will be celebrated globally on Tuesday 11th February 2020, and in the UK we are focussing on the theme of online identity.
For Safer Internet Day 2020, the UK Safer Internet Centre has created educational resources for young people aged 3-18 years old. In this blog, we will be taking a closer look at the resources which have been tailor-made for parents to engage with their child about online issues.
Looking for something fun, messy and engaging for the kids this February half-term? You'll find something for everyone at our museums and art gallery.
Wizard School is back at Tudor House, you can make your own clay animals at the Art Galley or discover some Titanic Science at SeaCity Museum. View all our activities here.
Unless it’s a drop in session, please book your activity on 023 8083 4536.
We also have a new regular club: ARTefacts (7-13yrs) where you can discover the hidden history's of the city using artifacts from the museum collection and then create your own. Starting Saturday: 22 Feb / 10.30am-12.30pm / Tudor House / £9 / Pre-book
Chinese New Year celebrations in Southampton - save the dates
Sat 25 Jan: Chinese New Year Celebration at Guildhall Square 10.30am - 1pm (free) and O2 Guildhall (Ticket Entry) 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Sun 26 Jan: Chinese New Year at Westquay from 11am
Sat 8 Feb: Southampton Lantern Festival Parade at Guildhall Square 3.30pm - 7pm
Click on the link - Christmas Trail
The Fab Course
Please note this is a Women Only Course. If you would like to discuss it in more detail I am in the Community Room (old Junior School Office) every Monday morning 9-10am alternatively you can contact SCFT direct on the number provided.
15 December / 2-5pm / St Mary's Fire Station, Brinton's Road, SO14 0DB
Head along to St Mary's Fire Station and experience Santa's Grotto, a selection of food, live music and a nativity musical.
Southampton Central Neighbourhood Policing Team will be hosting in partnership with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. Also in collaboration with Unity 101 Community Radio and local community and faith groups. Tickets to visit Santa cost £2 and are available on the day.
Singing in the Square
Saturday 14 December / 5pm / Guildhall Square, Above Bar Street
Join the Rose Road Association and sing along to your all time favorite Christmas songs with two fabulous Southampton choirs, including the wonderful 'Sing Now' choir. Song sheets will be handed out on the night so everyone can join in!
So if you want to warm your heart for Christmas in the glow of a giant Christmas tree, head along and help make Christmas magical for disabled young people in the area.
For more information visit the Rose Road website.
Southampton Christmas Glow Ride
Free - 8 December / 4pm / Guildhall Square
Join My Journey and local bike groups from Breeze, British Cycling, Sustrans and Cycling UK for an evening of Christmas cheer! Bling up your bike in your best seasonal decor for a bike ride with a difference, lighting up the parks and city centre streets as you go. There will be a Cycle Savvy Pitstop on hand offering free bike safety checkups, free giveaways from My Journey Southampton and Love My Ride offering prizes with its Spin the Wheel Game! Even though this is a free event please book tickets so that participant numbers can be confirmed.
Wessex Swimming
SHEEP IN SHIRLEY
Churches Together in Shirley and District (CTiS) invites you to join in the Sheep in Shirley Event
From 30th November– 21 December, up and down Shirley High Street, St James Park Café and St James by the Park Church Office knitted sheep will be hiding. They may be in the windows, or they could be hiding anywhere in the shops or cafes.
Children (and adults!) may locate 24 sheep and find out what each one is called. You can pick up the Sheep In Shirley entry from Shirley Library, Santo Lounge or St James Park Café. Completed sheep hunt forms can be returned to the same places.
However you and those you love choose to spend your Christmas, Churches Together in Shirley and District wish you peace, joy and hope both now and in 2020.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
Monday 25 / Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 November / 10am-3pm / Seminar Room, Central Library, SO14 7LW |
The course is free for anyone aged 19+ and living in or around Southampton.
The aim of this course is to improve your confidence around getting a job and develop your employability skills. This course acts as an introduction to employability, or to refresh existing knowledge.
Over the 3 days, the course will aim to:
- Improve learners’ confidence and motivation
- Support learners with CV writing
- Teach job application tips and tricks
- Develop interview techniques
- Help learners plan their move into paid work
To refer to this course, please email Daniel Stickland or call 078 1116 5534
A countdown to Christmas in Shirley
12noon-3.30pm / Lantern making and Christmas Fair in St James' Park
4-5.30pm / Christmas Light Switch on at Shirley Precinct - including music by Sing Now Choir and special guests
For more information visit their facebook page.
Southampton Story SpectacularThursday 21 November / 6pm / Bargate |
Listen to tales of Southampton’s past, present and future at the Southampton Story Spectacular.
The iconic Bargate will be brought to life through a spectacular projection mapping visual experience. Using the latest technology watch as the Bargate moves with each story. Join the Christmas Giant and the legendary Sir Bevois as they regale tales of Southampton’s past, present and future.
Each event will start at 6pm, between the Flying Santa shows, across three days from the 21 - 23 November. For more information go to the Visit Southampton website.
Tudor House / Sat 7, Sun 8 Dec / 10am-5pm / Get into the Christmas spirit at Tudor House and Garden with a weekend of family festivities. Book a visit to Father Christmas or one of the activities below and you’ll get to explore the house for free. Saturday 7 Dec ActivitiesVisit Father Christmas (Kids) /10am-5pm / £7 Gingerbread Men and More (grown-ups) / 10.30am-1pm / £20 Embossed Christmas Cards (All ages) / 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm / £4 Cellar Light Tours (All ages) / 11am, 2pm and 3pm / Adults £4.50 / Children £2.50 Christmas Lantern Tour (grown-ups) / 7pm-8.45pm / £8 Sunday 8 Dec ActivitiesVisit Father Christmas (Kids) /10am-5pm / £7 Christmas Peg Fairy (Families, 5yrs+) / 1.30-3pm and 3.30-5pm / £7 Festive Wreath Workshop (grown-ups) / 10.30am-1pm / £25 Cellar Light Tours / 11am, 2pm and 3pm / Adults £4.50 / Children £2.50 |
Click on the link above
Homework help is back!
The University of Southampton volunteers that form SouthamptonHub are back and ready to help with all those homework troubles! The free homework help clubs return to both Central and Portswood libraries on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Catering to children aged 5-18, places must be booked online in advance. Central Library / Saturday 9 November / 11am - 1pm |
Winter Watercolour Advent Calendars (7-13yrs)Sat 23 Nov / 10.30am - 1pm / Southampton City Art Gallery / £12 Develop your drawing and painting skills working with inks and watercolours while creating an original and stunning calendar to take away with you. Pre-book on 023 8083 4536
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DIY Elf on a Shelf! (4yrs+)Sat 30 Nov / 10.30-11.30am or 3.30-4.30pm / Southampton City Art Gallery / £6 Now in its third year, this workshop has become a Gallery tradition. Make your very own mischievous elf in time for December. Pre-book on 023 8083 4536 |
Activites in October (click on activities)
Do you have a Baby, Toddler or Pre-school Child, see below a link to a New website providing lots of ideas on how to support your child's early learning
https://hungrylittleminds.campaign.gov.uk/
Jubilee Sailing Trust's Autumn Pumpkin Festival
Saturday 12 October, 12noon-5pm Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley
Adults £5, Children free - admission fee covers parking cost
Registered charity, the Jubilee Sailing Trust, is holding an Autumn Pumpkin festival and Scarecrow Avenue fund raising extravaganza!
With giant pumpkins, circus skill displays, puppet shows, children's activities - sports and games, craft and gift stalls, local food and produce, a live band and bar stocked with real ale and cider, there's something for adults and children alike!
Bring along your own scarecrow and join in the fun!
Find out more about the Trust on their website.
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LIBRARY WEEK
Libraries Week is a week-long celebration of the nation’s much-loved libraries, with a focus in 2019 on celebrating libraries in the digital world. This year highlights the different ways we can help people of all ages through digital support, services and activities.
Throughout the week we have lots of activities with a digital focus for adults and young people including family history help and support, computer help and training and creative activities for children and families.
All activities are completely free and drop in with no booking required.
Central Library
Find your family history / Monday 14 October / 2pm to 4pm
Come along to the Local Studies and Maritime Library to get hands on help with your family history, from where to start for beginners to professional tips from our resident experts.
TEEM work club / Thursday 10 October / 3pm to 5pm
Council employment team helping you move towards work in a friendly environment.
Woolston Library
Make the most of Borrowbox / Wednesday 9 October / 1pm to 3pm
Hands on help showing you to make the most out of our eBook and eAudiobook lending service.
Family history / Wednesday 9 October / 5pm to 7pm
Come along to our friendly family history club where we'll show you how to access the best online resources for free and help you with your research.
Portswood Library
Make the most of Borrowbox / Wednesday 9 October / 10am to 12noon
Hands on help showing you to make the most out of our eBook and eAudiobook lending service.
Pixel picture making and Emoji hunting / Saturday 12 October / 10.30am to 3.30pm
Craft activity for children of all ages (under 8s must be accompanied by an adult) alongside a scavenger hunt around the library.
Digital Storytimes!
Throughout next week we will bring storytime to you in the form of our digital storytimes!
Every evening at 7.30pm, expect a new video of a familiar library face (or faces!) reading you and your little ones a bedtime story. Be sure to follow us on Facebook to ensure you don't miss out.
Storytimes are a fun and interactive storytelling activity designed for under 5s, they run across all of our libraries in the city and are always free with no need to book - just turn up! For details on when and where; check our activities calendar or with your local library.
Help Using Computers
Our digital champions are patient, experienced computer users that offer their free time to help you on a one-to-one basis. Teaming up with a digital champion is a great option for beginners that wish to learn more about how to use a computer within a relaxed and friendly environment. Sessions are drop in during the times detailed below unless otherwise stated.
Bitterne Library / Monday 7 October / 1pm to 3pm
Central Library / Tuesday 8 October / 10.30am to 12.30pm
MIllbrook Community Library / Wednesday 9 October / 10am to 12noon
YMCA Weston Community Library / Wednesday 9 October / 10am to 6pm
Burgess Road Library / Wednesday 9 October / 4.30pm to 7pm
Lordshill Library / Wednesday 9 October / 10am to 12noon
Central Library / Thursday 10 October / 10.30am to 12.30pm
Lordshill Library / Friday 11 October / 10am to 12noon
Shirley Library / Saturday 12 October / 11.30am to 1pm
The Avenue cycle scheme enters next phaseWork will commence this Sunday 6 October to build new cycleways on The Avenue from Lodge Road to Northlands Road. Improvements will include segregated on and off-road cycle lanes and improved cycle and pedestrian crossings. The scheme is part of our plan to create the SCN5 Northern Cycle Freeway from Southampton city centre to Chandler’s Ford. Once complete, the route will play a crucial role in supporting more people to travel sustainably – a key commitment in our Green City Charter. The project will commence with an overnight closure of The Avenue this Sunday and will then take place in multiple phases, lasting approximately 20 weeks with a two week break over Christmas. We will be doing what we can to minimise disruption throughout but would advise road users to expect delays and plan ahead using our My Journey website. For full details of the works, please visit our transport website. |
New autism e-learning course open to allWe are proud to announce a new, free Autism eLearning training, to help develop a better understanding of the condition. The open access Autism eLearning training has been co-produced with Autism Hampshire, numerous people on the autistic spectrum across Hampshire and four local authorities (Southampton City Council, Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council and Portsmouth City Council). The online training, in-line with the new Autism Core Capabilities Framework produced by Health Education England, is aimed at everyone coming into regular contact with people on the autistic spectrum and their families. Councillor Lorna Fielker, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, said: “It is important that autism is better recognised and understood, to enable inclusion and independence for those with the condition. The online training course will provide information and practical suggestions to support friends, family members or anyone who comes into contact with someone on the spectrum.” It takes approximately one hour to complete and consists of information slides and videos of experts sharing their real life experiences. A certificate will be provided upon successful completion of the course. Access the eLearning module: www.southampton.gov.uk/elearning/autism |
Walktober: Walking to WellbeingWe've teamed up with the Go Jauntly walking app to help you get your steps up for this year's Walktober challenge. Discover new walks on the Go Jauntly app and take on a series of waking challenges for your chance to win a family pack of return Red Jet tickets. The deadline for entries is Friday 8 November. Visit the Go Jauntly website to find out more and get started. Good luck and enjoy exploring more of your local area on foot! |
Join our Walktober walksAs part of Walktober, we're running a series of fun, free walks from Bitterne every Wednesday throughout October. This is a great opportunity to get active, socialise and meet new people! Find out how to get involved here. |
Cycle September: last chance to winToday is the last day of Cycle September. If you've been busy cycling but still need to log some rides, well done! You have until 23:59 tomorrow to record your rides on your Love to Ride account and go into the prize draw. Good luck! |
Music in the City
Saturday 28 September / 12noon/ Various venues in Southampton
Southampton’s biggest and best FREE music event is back for the 11th year, celebrating the wonderful diversity of musical talent from the Solent Area.
From Rock to Jazz, Classical to Americana, Folk to Blues in some of the best settings Southampton has to offer. From 800 year old historic buildings to the newest and the best coffee houses, restaurants and bars.
Our City will come alive with music in 22 venues with sounds and settings second to none. For more information visit the Music in the City website.
11 things you should know about loot boxes
POSTED ON 19 SEPTEMBER 2019
Parents and carers may have seen stories about loot boxes in the news in the last few weeks. The UK Safer Internet Centre have written this article to lay out all of the key information about loot boxes, what they mean for young people and their online safety, and what you can do to encourage safe and responsible usage.
What loot boxes are
‘Loot boxes’ are virtual items users can purchase in games with real money. In the box users will find a randomised selection of items that customise or alter the user’s experience of the game. The user will not receive any physical objects in the offline world as a result of these boxes.
The items in a loot box could be skins (that change the appearance of their character), new weapons or tools (that improve their characters ability), or access to new characters (e.g. a player for a FIFA team).
The kinds of games which feature loot boxes
Loot boxes are common in battle royale (last man standing) and first-person shooter games, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, Overwatch, Star Wars Battlefront II, and others.
They can also be found in sports games, such as FIFA, Pro Evolution Soccer, Madden, and others.
How they compare to other in-game purchases
Loot boxes are not the only way to spend real life money in games. You may have also heard of microtransactions – these are purchases a user can make in the in-game shop to buy one specific item or service. The key difference between microtransactions and loot boxes is the absence of randomness.
In other in-game purchases, players get to choose exactly what they are buying, knowing its value and usefulness before purchasing. With loot boxes, players don’t know what is within them until they are purchased and their content can vary from low value items to ones which majorly change gameplay.
Why young people like loot boxes
Loot boxes are exciting! The randomness, the possibility of winning big, and the opportunity to upgrade or alter their experience of the game all make loot boxes appealing to young people.
What it looks like when loot boxes go wrong
In the news there have been reports of children racking up thousands of pounds in purchases within games. The BBC asked readers to share their stories of their children making in-game purchases, with one spending over £3,000.
What it looks like when loot boxes go right
Loot boxes can enhance a user’s experience of a game. Having new skins or weapons can make a player feel that their avatar is unique, making the game more enjoyable.
They can also help a player progress in the game by giving them higher-quality items.
How to ensure your kids are using loot boxes safely and responsibly
The first step is to have a conversation. Approach it with openness and good faith – not finger-pointing and distrust. Ask you children about the games they play, if these have loot boxes and discuss whether they have bought these themselves.
Make sure your child clearly understands that:
- loot boxes cost real money, even if they are purchased with an in-game currency
- they may be designed to encourage repeat-purchases
- you expect them to respect any rules you set about money and responsibility
Both PlayStation and Microsoft allow you to set spending limits on accounts, so you can be sure that your child cannot spend large amounts in a single purchase or over a certain period of time.
What you should do if your child gets in trouble with loot boxes
Support and contact details for some of the major game publishers can be found below:
- Blizzard – makers of Overwatch
- Activision – makers of Call of Duty
- Epic Games – makers of Fortnite
- EA – makers of Star Wars Battlefront II, Apex Legends, and FIFA
- Konami – makers of Pro Evolution Soccer
- Nintendo – makers of Animal Crossing
- Ubisoft – makers of Assassin’s Creed
What the research says
Research by the Gambling Commission revealed that 31% of 11-16-year olds had opened loot boxes in a computer game or in an app.
Research published by the Royal Society states that “it may be the case that loot box spending in adolescents causes problem gambling”.
A replication study found similar results, stating: “These results suggest either that loot boxes act as a gateway to problem gambling, or that individuals with gambling problems are drawn to spend more on loot boxes.”
However, research is limited, as loot boxes are a relatively new phenomenon.
What policy says
In September 2019, MPs called for loot boxes to be regulated under gambling law and ban their sale to children.
In April 2018, the Belgium Gaming Commission ruled that loot boxes are “in violation of gambling legislation” but, at the time of writing, loot boxes are not regulated or considered a form of gambling in the UK.
Where you can go for more information
Check out our compilation of gaming resources for parents and carers if you want to have a better understanding of gaming in general.
You may want to write up a Family Agreement about online safety.
If you are especially concerned about your child’s behaviour and how it might link to gambling, contact The National Gambling Helpline, operated by GamCare.
BBC Own It has a great resource on loot boxes that speaks clearly and effectively to young people.
ParkLives Southampton
Enjoy free outdoor activities - for all ages and abilities
Southampton residents can take advantage of hundreds of free and fun activity sessions in parks and green spaces across the region with ParkLives.
From jogging and cricket, to Family Fun sessions and paddle board yoga, ParkLives is designed to appeal to all ages and abilities, giving people the opportunity to get out and enjoy their parks and green spaces with a range of sports, games and activities on offer.
The programme offers 20 different activities, all completely free, and led by a trained activity leader from the local area.
For more information visit the ParkLives website.
Plenty to see and do in Southampton
From the Boat Show, to music festivals to heritage open days, throughout September there is many events taking place in Southampton that are suitable for the whole family:
Southampton Boat Show – 13-22 September, Mayflower Park and waterfront
Heritage Open Days – 13-22 September, Various locations *FREE event*
Southampton Port Tours – 14 September, Bugle Street *sold out*
Folk Dance Southampton - 14 September, City Centre *FREE event*
Neon Night Mission Run – 21 September, Southampton Common
Hampshire Food and Drink Emporium – 21-22 September, Hoglands Park *FREE event*
Dog Show & Family Fun Day - 22 September, St James' Park *FREE event*
Ride Live Theatre - 22 September, Holyrood Estate *FREE Event*
Summertime Live - Ibiza Classics – 27 September, Hoglands Park
Docklands Dance Music Festival – 28 September, Hoglands Park
Music in the City – 28 & 29 September, Various Locations *FREE Event*
The Visit Southampton website has plenty of information about these and future events taking place in Southampton.
Do you have a Southampton event you'd like to see on the Visit Southampton website? Read about how you can add your event.
Southampton Gymnastics
Could you benefit from help from our Employment Support?
The council's Employment Support Team offers advice and support to people who are disabled or disadvantaged to find work or training, or helping them to get back in to work.
Listen to Jay's story in our short animation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57jAEd3RfEU
Southampton Slamma Three
Sat 7 Sept / 10am - 6pm / Guildhall Square / Free
Entering its third year, Southampton Slamma celebrates everything about skateboarding. The event is set to combine art displays, live music and super-fun skateboarding mini challenges. #Slamma3
Sat 14 - Sun 15 Sept - Save the date
You won't want to miss the many free activities as part of the Southampton Heritage Open Days next week. There's the Heritage Fayre at Westquay, free entry to Tudor House & Garden, heritage buses, free entry to Bursledon Brickworks and more! Look out for more information next week's update |
Creepy Crawlies - pre - school wildlife groupWednesdays - Autumn term - 18 September, 9 October, 13 November, 11 December - 10–11.30am |
Explore the Common and its wildlife, with your child, at The Hawthorns’ pre-school wildlife group.
Creepy Crawlies is a pre-school group providing a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to enjoy and find out about the natural world on our doorstep.
For more information or to book your place visit our website:
https://www.southampton.gov.uk/people-places/parks-open-spaces/hawthorns/creepy-crawlies.aspx
Southampton parkrun
Free weekly 5km timed run / Every Saturday /
9am - Southampton Common
What is Southampton parkrun? It's a 5km run - you against the clock.
It's free! but please registerbefore your first run. You only need to register with parkrun once.
Don't forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode. If you forget it, you won't get a time. For more information
visit their website: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/southampton/
Get spooky this Halloween at Southampton's annual Pumpkin Hunt, hosted at Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre.
Join us for a day full of guaranteed fun for the entire family – including the option to come "Styled to Scare" in your most frightening fancy dress!
This four hour event will allow thousands of residents to hunt the pumpkins hidden within the 92 acres at Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre! You will be given your first clue at the spooky stall before it’s time to get hunting!
There will be a tombola held at the end of the Pumpkin Hunt (with all proceeds going towards our Special Olympics Solent appeal).
What to expect:
1. Pumpkin Hunt - follow the clues, find all the pumpkins and win prizes!
2. Ghost Jar - guess how many spooky sweets are in the ghost jar. Guess correctly and you'll win the whole jar of sweets!
3. Best Fancy Dress wins prizes!
4. Tombola prizes in aid of Special Olympics Solent!
Pre-Register here for just £1.50 per person
All ticket sales go to Special Olympics Solent who provide year round spots coaching and competition for those with learning disabilities. Pre-registering allows you to beat the queues and get hunting faster!
Walking to Wellbeing Southampton Schools