The following compilations were made on behalf of SO:Linked, an SVS programme which includes a directory of all community services active in Southampton called SOLID. Click here to search a specific topic on SOLID.
SLIC (So: Linked Local Information Compilations) is a series of booklets of information listed in the SOLID. They were designed as an offline version of our database, that can be printed up and accessed when a device is not available or appropriate.
Please note, whilst we do our best to keep information as up-to-date as possible, over time community services may change some details such as dates, times, and locations. The information we share is therefore subject to change.
If you find any errors, please let us know by emailing community@southamptonvs.org.uk so we can amend the incorrect information.
Booklet 1: Food provision venues in Southampton
This is a list of all the places where food (either free or subsidised) can be found on each day of the week, for those struggling economically. In the list below, there are 4 types of colour-coded types of food venues:
- SCM Basics banks – The Basics Bank service is available to people facing hardship who have a voucher issued by one of the many registered referral agencies in the city. The food package is planned to last for 4 days and you can visit a Basic Bank 12 times a year.
- Food membership clubs such as FareShare Pantries or SCM Marketplaces. You become a member and pay a weekly amount from £2.50 to £5.00 to be able to choose a good variety of food items to last a few days.
- Free food venues / food pantries / community fridges – These are for crisis situations or for people who have fallen on difficult times economically. You can just turn up and join the queue, bringing a bag or backpack with you. Sometimes a voluntary donation is requested.
- Free meals – These meals are made from donated food and for those in need of a hot home-cooked meal.
If you find any errors, please let us know by emailing community@southamptonvs.org.uk so we can amend the incorrect information.
Booklet 2: Community cafes and lunch clubs in Southampton
This is a list of all the free or subsidised meeting places listed in each postcode, for those lonely, isolated, bereaved or new to Southampton. A place to improve your English.
- Free hot meals for the homeless and those struggling economically.
- Coffee and chat venues where you relax with a hot drink and snack while playing board games or practice your domestic skills such as knitting with like-minded friends.
- Lunch clubs that offer a home-cooked two-course meal for a small charge of £3.50 to £5.00 to cover expenses. Some require membership and some will need to be booked ahead of time. Some are specifically for special needs
If you find any errors, please let us know by emailing community@southamptonvs.org.uk so we can amend the incorrect information.
Booklet 3: Community Playgroups for pre-schoolers (6 weeks to 4 years)
Listed by postcode and days of the week, for parents with children (6 weeks to 4 years) to be able to meet with other local parents while they watch their toddlers interact with other children.
- Community playgroups for children 0-4 years to be able to meet with other local parents while they watch their toddlers interact with other children.
- Toy and clothing libraries
- Support for parents and grandparents
If you find any errors, please let us know by emailing community@southamptonvs.org.uk so we can amend the incorrect information.
Booklet 4: Clubs and Activities for 0-16 years
This is a list of clubs and activities for children aged 4-16 out of school hours and holidays, listed in each postcode and day of the week, and a way to meet local parents and chat.
- Clubs or activities for 4–16-year-olds in Postcode Order
- Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Brigades – For children who want to learn new skills and try new things, have fun and go on adventures, make friends, learn about the world around them, and help others and make a difference, in their own communities and beyond
- Weekend / holiday activities – Local parks and activity centres, educational and cultural venues.
- Toy and clothing libraries
- Support for parents and grandparents
If you find any errors, please let us know by emailing community@southamptonvs.org.uk so we can amend the incorrect information.
Booklet 5: Financial support groups
A list of where to get financial advice if struggling economically, in debt or facing an unexpected expense.
- Local Council/Government support and Information including recent changes in the benefit system
- Community support groups giving financial advice and support
- Peer support groups and courses on good financial management
- Rising cost of living support
- Explanation of financial terms
If you find any errors, please let us know by emailing community@southamptonvs.org.uk so we can amend the incorrect information.
Booklet 6: Support for carers
All you need to know about local support for unpaid carers.
- Types of care support available for unpaid carers
- Groups and charities providing care support
- Types of respite care in Southampton
- Groups providing respite care at home
- Legal support – power of attorney
- Financial help and advice
If you find any errors, please let us know by emailing community@southamptonvs.org.uk so we can amend the incorrect information.
Booklet 7: English classes information for new arrivals
This is a list of all the places offering ESOL classes plus places offering conversational practice.
- Educational centres in Southampton that teach english courses
- Conversational english groups in Southampton
- Online free english courses
- Private online english tutor courses
If you find any errors, please let us know by emailing community@southamptonvs.org.uk so we can amend the incorrect information.
Booklet 8: Living well with dementia
A list of the support groups and places to meet if you or a loved one is living with dementia.
- What is dementia?
- Community support groups in Southampton and resources
- Weekly activities for those living with dementia understanding dementia
- Online resources and activities – books and films available
If you find any errors, please let us know by emailing community@southamptonvs.org.uk so we can amend the incorrect information.
Booklet 9: Mental health support
This is a list of the support groups and places to meet if you or a loved one need mental health support.
- Definitions of mental health illness
- Support groups in Southampton
- Wellbeing activities and peer support meetings in Southampton
- Training courses on mental health available in Southampton or online
- Types of mental health issues and where to find specific support
- National helplines for out-of-hours support
If you find any errors, please let us know by emailing community@southamptonvs.org.uk so we can amend the incorrect information.
Booklet 10: Green spaces and parks
- Introduction – why are green spaces so beneficial for us?
- List of gardening opportunities in the parks and community green spaces in Southampton in postcode order.
- How to become a “friends of (name of green place)” group
- Organised community health walks in Southampton green spaces
- Green vision and goals from the Southampton City Council
If you find any errors, please let us know by emailing community@southamptonvs.org.uk so we can amend the incorrect information.