 
Leader's Corner: Making a Big Difference in Southampton
This week, I had the pleasure of visiting The Big Difference, a food distribution charity that works with over 100 partner charities, community groups, and schools in and around Southampton, to help tackle poverty and food waste. Thanks to The Big Difference, schools were supplied with Easter goods before they broke up, so every child could enjoy a treat during the holiday.
No child should ever go hungry, so I’m glad to say that parents of children who are eligible for free school meals were able to access supermarket vouchers over Easter through the Southampton Household Support Fund. The government has allocated Southampton City Council £3.9 million to enable us to continue helping those most in need with everyday essentials. The fund is open to residents living in Southampton who are over 16 years of age and in financial difficulties.
If you are supported by a practitioner, like a social worker or an advice service, they can refer you for financial help. If not, contact your Ward Councillors who can also refer you. Citizens Advice offers guidance on budgeting, bills, and tariffs, and can refer you for Household Support Fund help from mid-May.
I love being able to see in person the amazing work that's taking place across our community. It makes me feel proud to live in a city where so many people are willing to share their time and talent to help others. Volunteering doesn't just help communities. It can also benefit volunteers’ mental and physical health. There are some wonderful volunteering opportunities available across Southampton. Find out more on our website. We've all heard the saying: "From little acorns mighty oaks grow." This is true of so many community projects, which blossomed into reality having just been a thought in someone's head. If you've got an idea that could make a difference to your neighbourhood, you could be eligible for a grant to bring it to life. As a council, we're committed to supporting communities and the voluntary sector to make the greatest impact possible, as outlined in our Corporate Plan 2022 – 2030. Funding is available to local voluntary and community groups that benefit Southampton city residents from a wide range of organisations. Sign up for our Funding Bulletin and have the latest grants news sent straight to your inbox.
 Camera enforcement to start at East Park Terrace
Camera enforcement of the bus/taxi/cycle only sustainable travel corridor on East Park Terrace will begin next Monday, 28 April.
The East Park Terrace sustainable travel corridor came forward as part of the Transforming Cities funded proposals for the city centre and which saw a significant level of support from the public during a consultation in November 2022.
While the majority of drivers are complying with the bus/taxi/cycle only restriction at East Park Terrace, the council has made the decision to introduce camera enforcement because our monitoring has shown regular contraventions to the restriction. Our experience with other schemes that introduced a similar restriction shows that compliance will improve with camera enforcement.
For six months, vehicles, other than authorised vehicles, that drive through the restriction will receive a warning notice, and on their second contravention they will receive a penalty charge notice.
Read more about the enforcement on our website.
 Ready, set, play! Bitterne Precinct Park is now open
This unique addition to Bitterne is the first Urban Play and Park in Southampton. It provides local children with a chance to enjoy a wide range of play and exercise equipment in a safe outdoor environment, encouraging them to keep active. The park will encourage footfall for local businesses, providing play and ‘hang-out’ spots for children and families.
The work has been built on council-conducted research and guidance from ‘Make Space for Girls’ to provide space for exciting play opportunities, that are complemented with quieter green spaces with trees, shrubs and grass areas to enjoy within the high street setting.
Read the full story on our website.
 VE Day 80 celebrations
Southampton, as the home of the Spitfire and a key staging point for the invasion of Europe, played a pivotal role in bringing about Victory in Europe (VE Day). Southampton played a unique role in the effort to defend the United Kingdom's freedom and the city recognises that many of Southampton's residents are proud of their city's struggle to defend their future.
From street parties and community activities, to exhibitions and concerts, there are many ways for you to get involved.
Check out the full programme of events on the dedicated Visit Southampton webpage.
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Who said adulting can't be fun?
Now that Easter is over and kids have had all the fun, it’s time for you to do the same!
From creative workshops to thought-provoking philosophy talks, history walks, and immersive tours, we’ve got something for everyone! Upcoming activities:
Sunset yoga above the city
WHEN: Thursday 15 May 7pm - 8pm
WHERE: The Bargate, Southampton High Street, SO14 2DJ
Step beyond the gates for an exclusive yoga experience in Southampton's historic Bargate. Once the city’s 15th-century guildhall, this hidden gem is rarely open to the public.
Flow through an all-levels session beneath painted shields and a medieval sundial, with the evening light filtering through centuries-old stone walls. Movement, breath, and history come together in a space once used for grand gatherings and legal courts.
 New service helps residents with their home energy
Thanks to an ambitious new energy advice service spanning Hampshire, Southampton and Portsmouth, homeowners can now easily access tailored, free, and impartial advice for making their homes warmer and cheaper to run.
Led by experienced energy advisers at the Environment Centre, My Home Made Better recognises that householders need relatable guidance unique to their property and circumstances. The service helps homeowners get to the bottom of why their home might be losing heat in winter, what’s causing high energy bills, and even whether there are opportunities to increase their property’s value or earn money by selling electricity back to the grid.
My Home Made Better is a regional effort to inspire, educate and connect people, particularly with those who want to share their experiences with others.
Visit the My Home Made Better website for more information and to explore options for your home.
 Spaces on New Forest Parenting Programme
Join this FREE six-week programme for parents or carers of children between 3-12 years old delivered by Family Hubs.
The New Forest Parenting Programme supports parents and carers to learn about ADHD, understand behaviour and how it may affect their child.
Spaces available:
- Seashell Family Hub: every Tuesday from 6 May to 17 June, 9.30 – 11.30am
- Maple Family Hub: every Friday from 9 May to 20 June, 9.30 - 11.30am
Find out more about this and other parenting and community programmes or complete the referral form on their website or visit a Family Hub.
 Get vaccinated against COVID-19
Top up your protection against COVID-19 by getting vaccinated this spring if you are eligible. Those at increased risk from severe illness can get the vaccine, including:
- Those aged 75 and over
- Care home residents
- An adult or child aged six months and over with a weakened immune system.
If eligible, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book your vaccine. To book, please visit the NHS App, the NHS website or call 119 for free. You may also be able to visit a walk-in site which does not require a booking.
Don’t get caught out. If you or your child are eligible, make sure you get any extra protection you need this spring. Get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Latest city roadworks
Find the latest roadworks here.
To stay up to date with roadworks in the city, follow us on Bluesky @scchighways.bsky.social or visit our interactive roadworks map.
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