The government has announced that landmark legislation will ban cuckooing, an activity that exploits vulnerable people. Cuckooing is when the home of a vulnerable person is taken over by criminals to use it for illegal activities, such as drug dealing. The offence will carry a maximum penalty of five...
Local News
Disabled bus pass holders hand-deliverd letters to councillors imploring them not to impose cuts which make their lives even tougher
Disabled residents hand-delivered letters to Hampshire County Council cabinet members in Winchester this week (12 March) in a last-ditch effort to persuade them to cancel planned cuts to their bus passes. The cuts will damage the independence and well-being of thousands of people who cannot drive because of their...
Chess mate wanted to play & run ABP Southampton marathon for charity
Kevin Sawers from Bitterne is looking for a mate to play chess with while simultaneously running the 10k ABP Southampton Marathon in April for a charity helping eradicate loneliness. The 47-year-old’s ‘opening gambit’ is to play and run the race in aid of Communicare, which helps vulnerable, isolated people...
SEE Southampton open the Westgate for 2025 season
The team at SEE Southampton have been working hard behind the scenes in conjunction with the City Council Archaeology Unit, updating exhibitions at the western walls’ historic Westgate. The not-for-profit organisation’s free to enter exhibition is now open for the 2025 with its main ‘Provisioning the Pilgrims’ displays –...
Charity plea for gardeners to plant extra seeds for fundraising sale
Greenfingered locals are being asked to sow some extra seeds, take additional cuttings or pot-on plants to donate to a charity Spring Plant Sale in the city. Communicare is hosting the event at the community bakery CommuniBakes in May and is asking for plant donations to sell to raise...
Peace Protest: “From Southampton to Palestine, we are the red line!”
By Charlotte Ndupuechi. A Peace Protest for Palestine took place today (22/2/25) in the centre of Southampton organised by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (PSC). The Southampton branch of PSC was joined by Bournemouth Palestine Solidarity Movement who brought their long Red Line – a lengthy strip of red fabric, up...
Campaigners and charities urge Hampshire County Council to halt cuts to bus pass for disabled and older people
Community campaigners, disability rights groups, and local charities have come together to oppose planned cuts to Hampshire County Council’s Concessionary Travel Scheme. These cuts would restrict the ability for disabled and older persons’ bus pass holders to travel at key times. The proposed cuts, coming into effect on the...
October Books to hold Valentine’s poetry fundraiser
Southampton’s only community-owned bookshop makes an urgent appeal for support this Valentine’s: October Books Poetry Fundraiser. Amid the chaos of everyday life, creating and nurturing creative, safe spaces in our city has never been more essential. This Valentine’s weekend, make a meaningful impact by joining Southampton’s October Books for...
Hampshire given the green light for devolution by joining the Devolution Priority Programme
By Mabel Wellman. Picture by Mike Daish. At the beginning of January the four “main” councils of Hampshire took to vote on whether or not to be included on the Devolution Priority Programme. These were the Isle Of Wight, Southampton City, Portsmouth City and Hampshire County Councils. Devolution would...
Seed Swap at Bitterne Station this spring
Local community food growing project, Bitterne Park Growing Places, has teamed up with Southampton Seed Swap to organise this year’s seed swap on Saturday 8 March at Bitterne Station from 11am to 2pm. The event is free to attend but donations are welcome to cover costs. A wide selection...