A CHARITY dedicated to eradicating loneliness and isolation in Southampton has moved to a new home in the city (August 2023).
Communicare, which works at a neighbourhood level citywide, has relocated its offices to 6, Northlands Road.
Annie Clewlow, Manager at Communicare, explains: “Our charity was launched more than 30 years ago by a team drawn from all walks of life and has expanded as the years have progressed.
“We have not had the opportunity to work together as a team in the same space since before lockdown, although SCiA (Social Care in Action) kindly hosted us for a while, so it’s great to have this new base where our volunteers can call in to see us again and we are able to meet.
“We have moved to Northlands Road, near the junction with the Avenue, where we are sharing the building with two community radio stations. It’s perfectly situated with good public transport links nearby, there’s also good access by car, with parking onsite, and a bike rack for those wishing to cycle in.
“We are planning to hold a few office-warming drop-ins to formally welcome everyone in September, once we’ve fully settled in.”
Communicare, which is a friendly, neighbourhood charity, provides services that enrich the lives of lonely and isolated people in and around Southampton.
Its services are staffed by its devoted volunteers, known as Communiteers, who give their time freely.
Jayanti Shah, MBE, who is a community anti-racist activist and owns the building, says: “I am keen to see the building being used as a community hub and I am very pleased to be welcoming Communicare. We have more space available for like-minded organisations and can offer access to a large room for other community groups.”
The charity is currently supporting around 650 individuals/families through tasks including one-to-one befriending and transport for essential appointments and assistance with shopping.
The services Communicare provides are free to users, although beneficiaries are invited to donate, if they can, and Communiteers are offered expenses.
Annie adds: “Our Communiteers help improve the quality of lives of the residents of Southampton.
“We currently have 400 tasks on our waiting list and always need more volunteers to help our service users. Anyone that has any spare time they would like to put to good use, should contact us. We’d love to hear from you. We’re a warm, welcoming bunch and people can now pop in and see us at our new offices to find out more about our volunteer roles.”
To find out more, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk or call 023 8250 0050.
