Congratulations to the Parish of Holy Family Southampton (Southampton Central Pastoral Area) which has been awarded a £20,000 grant by the Greendale Charitable Trust (https://www.greendalegroup.com/charitable-giving) that will ensure much-needed and valued outreach services can continue for the local community.

The Parish has developed a long-standing partnership with IntoUniversity, a national organisation funded by the Sutton Trust, to create the IntoUniversity Southampton Centre which operates Monday to Friday from the Parish Hall. This safe and welcoming environment in the heart of the community offers tailored support to young people that would otherwise be difficult to access. The wide-reaching IntoUniversity programmes are specifically designed to equip young people with academic and social skills and careers advice that enables them to achieve their own aspirations and life opportunities beyond the age of 18, including university. The service is run by graduate staff and university-educated volunteers.

But the future of these services was threatened when the Hall’s broke down beyond repair, resulting in a lack of heating and hot water and meaning that IntoUniversity had no option but to close its doors due to its regular users seven times during the past winter. As well as threatening the future of these services, these problems also severely curtailed the hospitality and sanctuary that many in the Parish had come to rely on.

The grant will see the installation of a new boiler and heating system in the Hall and will not only safeguard these services but will also help to decrease the Parish’s overall carbon footprint. More efficient and sustainable heating will also ensure the Parish is less vulnerable to the volatility of energy prices and will support the Parish in accessing and participating in the national Warm Spaces network, providing warmth, connection and companionship to those who are unable to heat their own homes.

The lease arrangements with IntoUniversity provide the Parish with the majority of its annual income, enabling it to provide a weekly Toddler Group and separate discussion groups for men and women where people throughout the Parish come together for camaraderie and to share a home-cooked hot meal. There is no charge for these community services which are open to all, irrespective of whether they are Catholic.

The Parish Hall is also let four evenings a week and Saturday mornings throughout the year for open sessions with the Southampton West Table-Tennis Club. The Club, which was set up some 24 years ago, has worked especially hard in recent years to attract and coach young people who might otherwise be susceptible to anti-social behaviour. The Club is especially proud of its open access policy, meaning that all sections of the community are welcome, irrespective of ability.

Free use of the Parish Hall is also provided for local Caritas projects, while special sessions are also organised for the local Hong Kong Chinese community. A weekly Gardening Group provides physical exercise and mental stimulation for local people, many of whom do not have a garden themselves, tending to the precious communal ‘green lung’ of the Church’s curtilage and grounds.

If I can help your parish in any of your planned or existing fundraising work, please feel free to contact me at sponsford@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk or call me on 07387 645211.