Southampton children set to celebrate 20 years of community spirit
Southampton City Council will mark 20 years of its Junior Neighbourhood Wardens scheme with a free landmark celebration event next month.
The scheme, which started on 11 August 2003, empowers young people to get involved in community activities, projects, and events across Southampton, and in turn encourages them to develop pride in their city and compassion for others.
Over the last two decades, the scheme has welcomed over 6,000 children, who have gone on to lead fulfilling lives and make positive contributions to their communities. Several former Junior Neighbourhood Wardens will be attending the celebration event to share and reflect on their experiences.
Junior Neighbourhood Wardens
20th Anniversary Celebration
Tuesday 8 August 2023, 11am-3pm
Mansel Park Pavilion, Millbrook SO16 9RS
Free entry
Everyone is welcome to come along to enjoy:
- Face painting
- Bouncy castles
- Food and refreshments
- Music and DJ
- Sports and science workshops
- Taekwondo and dance shows
The event will be opened by the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Valerie Laurent, and provide an opportunity to recognise and thank Junior Neighbourhood Wardens past and present for their selfless contributions to Southampton life.
Councillor Laurent said: “I am so looking forward to this event, which will celebrate Southampton children being their best selves and making a positive impact in their city. I hope everyone can come down to Mansel Park to enjoy a day of fun, and that it inspires new Junior Neighbourhood Wardens to join this fantastic and inspirational programme.”
The scheme is also being relaunched on the day with a special new membership card, which comes with lots of benefits thanks to Active Nation. New members will receive their card when they attend their first event.
Since 2003, the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens have:
- Taken part in hundreds of litter picks and community gardening projects
- Raised thousands of pounds for local charities such as Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and Second Chance Animal Rescue
- Created community artwork, including a large mural at Bentley Green, Harefield
- Supported older people at 112 intergenerational activities (since 2016)
- Taken part in hands-on life skills activities (first aid, fire safety and recycling)
- Won a community award from the police for community partnership working
- Supported over 6,000 young people to become our next generation of good citizens
Gone on to work for the police and armed forces, and as carers, nurses, and Neighbourhood Wardens.
As part of Child Friendly Southampton, the Junior Neighbourhood Warden scheme helps children and young people in Southampton to have a good start in life, live safely, be healthy and happy, and go on to have successful opportunities in adulthood.
We are thankful to CLC Group, Southampton Children’s Play Association (SCPA), Dulux, Elliotts, Testlands Hub, Sport Solent and John Ansell for supporting the scheme.
