Who is your Community Development Officer?
Hi, I’m Cara and I’m the Community Development Officer for Mansbridge. I’ve worked in Mansbridge since 2016, first as the Housing Officer and now in my current role. I enjoy my job as it’s so varied. We’re lucky to have the Round About Café in Mansbridge, it’s owned by Abri and is a community hub where we can hold events and activities, including our Community Pantry. The cafe is supported by some amazing volunteers who dedicate their spare time to helping others. Outside of work I enjoy going to watch bands, attending music festivals, and reading.
You said, we did
You said:
Customers from two of our Independent Living Schemes for those over 60 enjoyed a 12-week course of exercises classes and told us they wanted them to continue.
We did:
We applied to Sport England to fund weekly sessions for a year, and have rolled the sessions out to five more schemes in Southampton and Eastleigh, meaning even more people can take part. 100% of participants said taking part in the exercise classes has made them more active.
You said:
Customers told us they would like to improve their cooking skills and save money on energy bills.
We did:
We partnered with Itchen College who ran a six-week energy efficient cookery course using woks. Nine people took part and they all agreed that taking part had increased their confidence in cooking; were eating more fruit and vegetables; had helped to ensure they had sufficient food and were using more energy efficient ways to cook at home.
You said:
Customers told us they see a lot of litter and fly tipping on the estate.
We did:
We organised a community litter pick as part of Great British Spring Clean. Nine adults and two children took part and collected 11 bags of rubbish and around ten vapes or batteries, all within an hour!
What we're working on in Mansbridge
We’re partnering with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust on a project to create or adapt spaces in Mansbridge to allow nature to thrive. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust will be listening and consulting with customers, community groups, Mansbridge Primary School and Abri colleagues, and using the information to deliver community-led events, projects, and improvements to communal green spaces over the next 18 months.
Jill Doubleday, the Team Wilder Community Engagement Officer, would like to hear from you about your ideas, feedback and suggestions about the green spaces in Mansbridge. To find out about the events Jill is organising please email Jill.Doubleday@hiwwt.org.uk, or keep an eye out for posters on display at Round About Cafe.
As the 100th anniversary of the Mansbridge estate approaches, we’re working on a collaborative project with the University of Southampton to celebrate our community's rich history.
The project includes collecting oral history interviews to capture community life over the years, along with the creation of online content featuring historical information, photos, and documents. A self-guided walking tour has been created for people to discover places of interest in Mansbridge, road name origins and information about nature. Children at Mansbridge Primary School will be working with Hampshire Poet Laureate Damian Kelly-Basher to imagine what Mansbridge may look like in 100 years time.
Don’t miss our Community Celebration Day on Saturday 6 September, 11am-2pm at Mansbridge Primary School, featuring entertainment, performances, food, children’s activities and more. You’ll also be able to watch a short video that showcases the importance of community in Mansbridge’s history.
We’re working with SoCo Music Project to run sessions that involve making music together, as well as making musical instruments out of items that would normally be thrown away. Through our Social Value Procurement agreement with our contractors, Travis Perkins have kindly donated tools and equipment so they group can make their own instruments.
What's been happening in your area?
Over 60’s exercise classes
Join Sport in the Community for exercise classes for Over 60’s. The classes are suitable for all abilities and are a fun way to meet new people while improving your health. If you would like to take part or for more information, please email supportedhousingcwcs@abri.co.uk
Sessions take place:
Thursdays, 11.15am-12.15pm, Kelly House, Lord Mountbatten Close, SO18 2QT
Fridays, 11.15am-12.15pm Grange Court, Wide Lane, SO18 2QN
What are our customers saying?
“I enjoy talking to different people. I've started doing exercises in my flat and I've been much more mobile and feel stronger since taking part in the sessions. My friends and neighbours have all seen the difference in me.”
“I like that the sessions are suitable for all abilities, the instructor gives great advice on health issues. He's very positive, friendly and is a brilliant fitness instructor. He's very funny too- which makes the classes so much fun.”
Community Pantry
Anyone with an SO postcode can join the pantry for £1 a year and shop once per week. Members can choose up to 10 items for £3.50 or up to 15 items for £5. The food is provided by FareShare, who redistribute surplus food from supermarkets and restaurants.
Monday to Friday, 8am-2pm at Round About Cafe .
Mansbridge Melody Makers
Join SoCo Music Project for these free music sessions that will help you find your voice and express yourself through music. All abilities welcome, whether you’re already a confident singer or are looking to get started on your musical journey. Ages 18+ only.
Mondays, 6-7.30pm at Round About Café .
Junk Orchestra
No instruments? No problem! Make and play your own unique instruments in our Junk Orchestra, run by SoCo Music Project. Trash can drum kit, bottle cap shaker, water bottle rain maker and more. Ages 18+only.
Thursdays, 5-6.30pm at Round About Café.
Writing lyrics
Heritage Walking Tour
In May, as part of the Mansbridge Heritage Project, and in collaboration with the University of Southampton, we explored the History of Mansbridge through a community heritage walk to uncover the stories behind the place you call home.
We discovered how local roads and places got their names, more about Mansbridge’s rich history, as well as learning about the nature and wildlife sharing this community.
Look out for more ways to celebrate 100 years of the Mansbridge estate, more information coming soon!
