SOUTHAMPTON plant lovers can bag some greenfingered bargains at a Spring Plant Sale next month (May 2025) in aid of a charity working to eradicate loneliness in the city.
Communicare is hosting the event on May 10 at CommuniBakes, at 21, St James Road in Shirley, with all money raised going towards helping vulnerable and isolated people in Southampton.
The charity’s Fundraising and Finance Coordinator, Emily Arbery, says: “We’re delighted to be holding our fourth annual Spring Plant Sale at our commercial venture, CommuniBakes at 21, St James Road in Shirley from 10am until 12pm on Saturday, May 10.
“Lots of plants will be available on the day for people to buy to help fundraise for us, but we also still need more gardeners to donate plants for us to sell at the event. Donations can be dropped at CommuniBakes on the day from 8.30am.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing what people kindly bring along for us to sell and to meeting everyone who is buying as well.
“The economic climate currently means we need financial support from fundraising events like this now more than we’ve ever needed it before. Every penny we receive is put to good use making someone’s life better.
“Shoppers on the day will also be able to pick up a sweet or savoury treat, or two, from the bakery and enjoy tea and coffee, and sit at its pavement tables, subject to availability.
“CommuniBakes supports our work; all its profits are donated to our charity, so you can enjoy a cake, or take home a loaf, and know you’re helping people living nearby at the same time. You can pre-order your bread online now too.”
Communicare is a friendly, neighbourhood charity, which provides services that enrich the lives of isolated people in and around Southampton.
Manager, Annie Clewlow explains: “We’re here to help people live their best lives, rather than to just exist. There has been lots of research showing how loneliness impacts on both someone’s physical and mental well-being. It’s known as a ‘silent killer.’ Anyone who can sow, grow or pot up any spare plants for us to sell at our event this year, or who can come and buy on the day, will be helping support our vital, often lifesaving work, and we would be grateful for their greenfingered assistance.”
Communicare’s services are staffed by its devoted volunteers, known as Communiteers, who give their time freely.
The charity is currently supporting more than 750 individuals/families through tasks including, befriending, transport for appointments and assistance with shopping and always needs more donations and volunteers to help with its work.
The services it provides are free to users, although beneficiaries are invited to make a donation if they are able to, and Communiteers are offered expenses.
The Spring Plant Sale takes place at CommuniBakes at 21, St James Road, Shirley, Southampton on Saturday, May 10 from 10am until 12pm. Donations should only be dropped at the bakery from 8.30am on the day of the event.
To find out more, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.
