Rediscovering community through volunteering

Born in Mansbridge in 1969, Paul spent his early years here before moving away for work and building a 38‑year career in retail. After a stroke in 2019, he decided to come back to Southampton to be closer to family - and for him, it truly felt like coming home.

Finding purpose in volunteering

Since returning, Paul’s thrown himself into volunteering. He’s a Wilder Champion with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, supports Abri’s tree guardian scheme, and has helped create the Mansbridge community mosaic celebrating the estate’s 100‑year history.

He also volunteers at the Saturday Free Food Shop at Swaythling Railway Station, helping share surplus food with local families.

One of his biggest achievements has been transforming an overgrown allotment plot. With the help of volunteers, the team cleared old plants, created growing beds, improved wildlife areas, installed herb and fruit planters and started collecting materials from local businesses. The project has brought neighbours together and made the whole allotment site more welcoming.

Local support has made a big difference too, including donated tools from B&Q and used coffee grounds from The Round About Café and Starbucks to enrich the soil.

Paul also recently joined the Southampton Forward Ignite leadership programme and has set up a Facebook group: ‘Mansbridge Community Volunteering Group’ to keep people connected and involved.

Would you like to get involved?

The allotment project is growing fast, and new volunteers are always welcome - whether you’re a keen gardener or just want to meet people and help out.

To find out more or to get involved, please contact Cara Headon by calling 0300 123 1 567, or talk to us via LiveChat using My Abri.