Families with children invited to join junior wardens

The free scheme, open to children across the city, allows prospective wardens to partake in fun and educational events throughout the year.

These include designing and creating bird and bug boxes, arts and crafts, face painting, and gardening activities.

A full list of upcoming events can be found on the Southampton City Council website, including a free fire safety day at St Mary's Fire Station on October 31, in anticipation of Bonfire Night and Halloween.

The Junior Neighbourhood Wardens scheme, commissioned by Southampton City Council, aims to encourage children to be good citizens and friendly neighbours.

The scheme helps children make new friends, learn new skills, build self-confidence, stay active, participate in community projects, and protect the city's green spaces.

It also gives young people and families access to discounts on activities such as swimming pools, gyms, and sports centres.

Former junior neighbourhood wardens, sisters Jasmine and Rosina, aged 16 and 17, who are now team leaders, credit the scheme with helping them develop deeper ties to their local community.

Jasmine, who first joined in 2014, said: "Joining the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens gave me a huge amount of confidence and pride in my community.

"We got to participate in some amazing activities that were really fun, such as the marathon or panto, making some good friends as well as creating lasting memories."

The charity aims to help men facing the pressures of modern-day life by breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.

Rosina, who joined in 2016, said: "Being in the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens helped me learn some really important life skills, such as fire safety.

"I also helped raise money for lots of good local causes, which was really fulfilling.

"I would definitely encourage other children to sign-up as there are so many great activities to do."

The scheme currently enrols 170 children, including eight team leaders aged 13 to 18 and 162 wardens.

Former junior neighbourhood wardens Jasmine and Rosina (Image: Southampton City Council)

Earlier this year, the wardens took on responsibility for running the city's annual Summer Play Day at Hoglands Park, demonstrating their commitment to enriching the community.

Ian Mitchell, junior neighbourhood warden co-ordinator, said: "Our vision of the junior neighbourhood wardens scheme is to empower young people and provide them with the skills, knowledge and opportunities they need to lead fulfilling lives and make positive contributions to their communities.

"We believe wholeheartedly in the power of the children's voice and strive to create a safe and child-friendly environment, where every young person has the best start in life."

Jamie Brenchley, director of housing at Southampton City Council, said: "Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to promote citizenship and instil a sense of responsibility and compassion in our youth, ensuring they have the tools they need to become their best selves and make a positive impact in their city."

Councillor Andy Frampton, cabinet member for housing at Southampton City Council, said: "The Junior Neighbourhood Wardens provide a fantastic outlet for children to explore and enhance their city taking pride and learning new skills.

"This further demonstrates our commitment to enabling children and young people to be happy and healthy in Southampton, a key priority in our work to become a child-friendly city."

It’s not too late to sign your children up to be a part of the October half-term activities.

To find out more and how to apply, visit the Southampton City Council website.