Urgent plea for help to fund a green day out

 A SOUTHAMPTON charity working to eradicate loneliness in the city has put out an urgent plea for help to fund a day out for some of its service users (May 2025). 

Communicare would like to take a group of people, who find it hard to get out on their own, to one of the ‘Urban Wild’ events on Southampton Common later this month. 

Annie Clewlow, Manager at the charity, which works with the vulnerable and isolated,
says: “We’re looking for donations that will help us to fund an accessible minibus to get people to the event on May 28. We need £300 to be able to make the trip viable. 

“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. We’re also working 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.

“However, the current economic climate means we need direct financial support from individuals and businesses with donations. Every penny we receive is put to good use making someone’s life better. Any donation, whatever the size, someone can give will make a huge difference to our service users.

“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.”
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.”

To find out more, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk and to make a donation, please go to the charity’s just giving page www.justgiving.com/campaign/communicare-helpusgetout25.