Supporting Southampton community groups, social enterprises and organizations
Community Development supports the vibrant and diverse groups across Southampton who are doing fantastic work to support local people.
SO: Linked partner organisations Southampton Voluntary Services, Training for Work In Communities (TWICS) and Social Enterprise Link (SEL) work together to support communities and organisations to develop activities and services. We do this in a number of ways, including:
- Community engagement – finding out what matters to you.
- Helping communities to come together to start new activities.
- Co-facilitating SO:Links – local forums of residents, volunteers, community activists, local groups and city wide organisations in 6 local areas across Southampton (for more about these and the next gathering in your area see our SO:Links page).
- Helping organisations find and access funding – our Facebook group has regular updates.
- Supporting the development of community organisation. through the provision of training and advice.
- Our SOLID directory.
If you are a resident, a volunteer or representative of a local community group or a city wide charity we’d love to hear from you. You could:
- Join your local SO:Link – more information here.
- Get in touch at community@southamptonvs.org.uk and have a chat with one of our Community Development Workers
- Sign up for the Southampton Voluntary Services newsletter.
- Add your service, community group or activity to our community directory.
- If you’re looking for volunteers, add your volunteering opportunity to the SOLID Database.
- Link with our Volunteer Development Officer – volunteer@southamptonvs.org.uk
SO:Linked works with existing voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations of all sizes, as well as with people who are looking to start up community groups, organisations and social businesses. The partner organisations within SO:Linked that support with Community Development are:
Southampton Voluntary Services
We are the umbrella body for local voluntary and community groups working in Southampton. We provide a wide range of services including specialist support, advice and training to our membership. We also provide and promote information to individuals and organisations on volunteering in the city.
You can find out more about Southampton Voluntary Services here.
Social Enterprise Link
A Social Enterprise infrastructure organisation creating and providing opportunities for social, cooperative, community and trading charity enterprises. We can provide support for you and your organisation, or signpost you to our expert members. Together, we can help you start, develop, market your goods and services, get commissions and advocate for you as part of the Social enterprise Sector.
Our services include advocacy, marketing, advice, information and guidance, training, consultancy and much more.
You can find out more about Social Enterprise Link here.
TWICS
TWICS provides affordable and accessible training to enable people to overcome their barriers to learning and develop ‘community work’ skills with the opportunity to have their training accredited and gain qualifications. This supports people to get engaged in their local community, gain valuable skills and experiences and increases their chances of paid employment.
You can find more information about Training for Work in Communities here.
Community Navigation is provided by SPECTRUM CIL, you can find more information here (LINK).