About us
Communicare in Southampton is a friendly, local charity that enriches the quality of life of lonely and isolated people in Southampton. Where available, our committed volunteers act as good neighbours; they offer practical and emotional support in a variety of ways at no cost to the service users (though donations are very gratefully received).
What we do
Befriending
Regular contact with the same volunteer, face to face or over the phone.
Shopping
Short term help with shopping, for example when someone comes out of hospital
Travel Buddies
Supporting people in getting to events and local places independently. The aim is to build up confidence with the support of others, to eventually feel prepared to travel alone again
Out and About
Accompanying people out for a walk, out for coffee, to a favourite place or to a social gathering
DIY & Gardening
Helping with minor DIY and light gardening
Hello Southampton
Regular scheduled phone calls up to five times a week (Monday-Friday) to isolated or vulnerable people, to check on service users’ wellbeing and have a quick chat, providing reassurance and a friendly ear
Transport
Providing transport to medical appointments and social engagements in volunteers’ cars, where alternatives are not an option
Family Help
Helping young families support their children through play and practical help
Hospital Homecoming
Help with small ‘settling back home’ tasks after a hospital stay, including shopping and checking people have enough to drink and eat
Mental Health Network
We are delighted to have led on setting up a mental health network, with the aim of bringing individuals and organisations across the City together, united by the vision to “make Southampton a mental health friendly City”. Membership is open to any individual or organisation wishing to become involved.
Unfortunately Communicare cannot offer nursing, personal care or legal advice, and the availability of help is always dependent on the availability of our volunteers. We do aim to meet as many requests as we can.
I’ve worked for Communicare under several titles; Manager, Trustee and Development Officer in the East. I love to network and meet others working to help those in need. My main focus currently is to find ways to involve everyone in their own communities, in whatever way suits them.
I joined Communicare in 2012 after graduating with the OU in Business Studies. I love everything Communicare stands for – kindness, commitment and a passion to help others, so jumped at the chance to work as part of the team!
I have just rejoined the team after taking a year out and am so excited to be back! I love Communicare and SMHN, and the vision of creating communities that are kind and look after one another 🙂
I’ve been with Communicare since March 2016 and am the ‘Chief’ Volunteer Coordinator. I know all things service users and volunteers. I love putting together challenging quizzes for our tea parties.
I have volunteered with Communicare for some years and am excited to join the team as a Coordinator. I enjoy crafts, baking, sports and walking with my dogs. I will be helping to process referrals and shopping requests.
I became aware of the fantastic work of Communicare when I joined my church in Southampton, and when I started looking for a new challenge away from nursing, the opportunity to join the Communicare team was just what I was looking for! In my spare time I enjoy walking, running, eating out and reading.
I am hoping to use my experience working with charities & volunteers at Artswork and Southampton Hub to the best use by tackling isolation in this beautiful city. I love the wonderful power that community can have, and in 2021 I started a small creative organisation that helps find the power in telling their stories in their own unique way, so I look forward to hearing your story too.
I originally became involved with Communicare by giving HR advice, having a background in HR through my Trade Union activities. Eventually I became a Trustee and am now heavily involved with recruitment and all HR issues. Photography is one of my passions, so I try to help Communicare with this where possible. I also enjoy being a Quiz Master, setting challenging and unusual questions for fundraising events.
I have been a strong Communicare supporter since working with them on a secondment year from John Lewis in 2006. Helping with a range of tasks, I have a good understanding of what it’s like to be a volunteer for Communicare and what is involved within the office. I have strong links with Highfield Church and also run my own kitchen design company. Asked to become a Trustee in 2016, I jumped at the opportunity to get more involved.
Originally from Prague, I moved to the UK as an au-pair in 2004. I then worked in hospitality & events in London, followed by a finance role with Holiday Inn. Volunteering with Communicare brought new connections and inspiration. I am proud to be a part of the charity, offering real help where it most matters.
I’ve recently retired from Lloyds Bank after forty years. I would like to remain active and use my skills to help in the community and Trustee, Barrie suggested Communicare was the perfect place. I’ve previously been involved in the community room at St. James’ Park Café and have connections to the charity via St. James Parish Church.
I’m a Southampton local and have worked with Sure Start, Princess Anne Hospital NHS, Care Homes, SCC Supported Housing 60 Plus, Alzheimer’s Society, Saints Foundation, Carers in Southampton and now, Social Prescribing. I am supporting, Communicare, the Veterans drop-in, Junior Wardens and The Touch Network. I’m also a Dementia Friends Ambassador. I am a sunflower & dinosaur fanatic! I love nature, bird watching and The National Trust. I believe tea and cake will solve everything!
I am recently retired. I spent my career working in projects based around social inclusion. I’ve lived and worked in Southampton for much of my life. My dad was a volunteer for Communicare so I’ve know about the charity for many years. I passionately believe that people love to help and Communicare is all about creating a space for that to happen.
I first became aware of Communicare through my work with the local NHS and City Council, where I was involved in commissioning health and social care services. This experience gave me valuable insight into how local services support people across Southampton, and deepened my interest in key issues such as loneliness, unpaid carers, and health and wellbeing.
After retiring, I welcomed the opportunity to get more directly involved in making a difference by joining Communicare as a trustee.
Outside of my trustee role, I enjoy staying active—whether that’s playing sports, walking my dog, or exploring different cultures through travel. I bring both professional knowledge and personal passion to supporting the charity’s mission of helping people feel valued and connected in their community.
I was an NHS physiotherapist with a special interest in working with older people. I initially met Communicare via delivering manual handling advice and falls awareness talks. I also attended several volunteer conferences, with a “balance machine”. Since retiring, I have joined the monthly Communicare prayer group and have delivered falls awareness sessions to Communicare Friendship groups, including “what to do if someone falls”. I have been a member of Shirley Parish (St James by the park) for more than 30 years, and so am in sympathy with the Christian ethos of Communicare in Southampton. I hope that I am empathetic, enthusiastic, passionate and caring, especially with regards to improving the lives of older people in Southampton.