COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS WITH
SOUTHAMPTON PORT, THE SOLENT AND THE CITY’S RIVERS
A SUMMARY OF ISSUES
FROM A COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE
On 2 July 2024, Rebecca Kinge from Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS) attended a Port City Forum, organised by Infrastructure in Port and Coastal Towns project. Beforehand, Rebecca reviewed some of the work that SVS has undertaken previously and had some conversations with various people involved in relevant community activity. Some key issues and needs in the city were identified from those discussions.
Here is the full report Community connections with the port FINAL and this is a summary:
1. This report by Southampton Voluntary Services addresses issues related to the connections
between Southampton’s port and maritime sector with the local Voluntary, Community and
Social Enterprise sector (VCSE). It also summaries some of the key issues that matter to local
people around city infrastructure needs, such as the wish for improved housing, transport,
health and care services, education and skills, affordable activities and development which
meets people’s needs.
2. Southampton has a strong community sector, with many voluntary groups, charities, social
enterprises working hard to improve the quality of people’s lives and the quality of the
environment. However, there is a sense of disconnection for many people between the port
and the wider city. There are considerable opportunities to improve dialogue and
communication between maritime and port organisations and the VCSE sector, in order to
build relationships and trust. There is a lot to learn from each other.
3. Port and maritime companies could work with local VCSE organisations on their Corporate
Social Responsibility programmes for mutual gain. Shared activities such as the development
of placemaking, heritage, arts, education and skills projects could help create strong
partnerships.
4. Environmental issues matter a lot to local people, and nothing is more valued than the
relationship with the water. There are opportunities to work together to improve access to
waterside and increase biodiversity in even the most urbanised parts of the city. Potential
collaboration could be progressed around big goals such as addressing pollution, and working
together in the face of threats such as climate change and future sea level rise.
5. The recommendations of 2023’s River Itchen Scrutiny inquiry must not be lost, including the
key goals of healthy, resilient, vibrant and connected rivers.
6. There are opportunities for stronger supply chains, local procurement and social value
approaches, that link port and maritime companies with local businesses, including social
enterprises and charities.
7. Future priorities must be decided together, with collective action taken to make a difference
FULL REPORT HERE: Community connections with the port FINAL
Contact us to let us know your views.
Rebecca Kinge, Southampton Voluntary Services