A SOUTHAMPTON charity working to eradicate loneliness in the city helped some of its service users attend an ‘Urban Wild’ day out recently thanks to donations from the general public (June 2025).
Communicare took those, who find it hard to get out on their own, to one of Southampton National Park City’s events on the Common at the end of May.
Annie Clewlow, Manager at the charity, which works with the vulnerable and isolated, says: “Outings like this are crucial, offering numerous benefits that impact physical, mental and emotional well-being. They combat isolation, reduce feelings of loneliness, and provide social interaction, which is vital for maintaining healthy social connections.
“Trips out also promote physical activity, stimulate the mind, and offer a change of scenery, leading to improved mood and cognitive function.
“We set-up a JustGiving page and requested donations to help us fund an accessible minibus to get people to the event. We needed £300 to be able to make the trip viable and were delighted when we reached our goal within a couple of weeks thanks to lots of very kind donations from members of the public.
“We’re very grateful to Southampton National Park City, the organisers of Urban Wild, for suggesting this outing to us and are indebted to them for their support too. We also worked closely with Southampton Collective CIC, a local social enterprise promoting a healthier and sustainable city, powered by its communities, to get this trip up and running.”
Communicare is a friendly, neighbourhood charity, which provides services that enrich the lives of isolated people in and around Southampton.
Annie adds: “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.’ So, outings like this are really, really important.”
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.
To find out more, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.
