Southampton’s own hidden gems
Southampton really does have hidden gems!
Gems Guidance Empowerment Motivation & Safeguarding.
Fair to say that these last couple of years have presented many challenges. Through negativity though, it’s highlighted what great people there are in and around our community. It’s with that positivity in mind that we wanted to share something with you having corresponded directly with them about the same.
In 2018, a pair of neighbours, Sean and Anita, set up a support group (Gems) in the local community. Their aim was to aid in tackling drug addiction in the city.
A friendly safeguarding venue was made available for those who were actively in recovery from addiction. To name but a few, they had access and support with education, housing benefits, social security issues, dentists and doctors. These individuals, or ‘guests’, as referred by Sean, also had access to a games venue on site with free pool table, table tennis, ping pong, table football and board games.
All who visited were able to benefit from free beverages, hot cooked meals and food parcels to take home.
Hampshire probation service brought their clients to the venue, which provided an opportunity to do their r&r days. During that time, they were also able to get involved with education and volunteering.
Many volunteers were also students doing their work assessments, and being monitored by an assessor from St Vincent College. This enabled them to finish and pass their NVQs.
When lock down struck, so did the premises that were being rented. Unsurprisingly, this caused a great deal of uncertainty everywhere. At that time, the area of St Marys had no post office or supermarket. In turn, Gems (Sean and Anita) worked hard, and were the first covid-19 food bank to open in the city.
Gems were feeding 2600 people per month, but it seemed to Sean that the council and local authorities just turned their backs. No support or funding was forthcoming. Gems had no option but to rely on their own determination coupled with generous donations to keep things afloat.
The venue was relocated to the larger Kingsland community centre late 2020. As a result, Gems were able to carry on serving the community. The Citizens Advice Bureau, The Street Pastors and the Jobs Advice Agency joined the cause too. Food alone could not help service users; so many people were suffering through job loss, not being able to afford bills, losing their homes, family break ups and also losing loved ones.
A few months ago the landlords West Itchen Community Trust told Gems that they couldn’t store food on the premises. They also increased their monthly rent quite considerably. At that time, it seemed to Sean that the landlords were simply looking for a way to halt their efforts.
Rather than face losing the building completely, Gems decided to hire it for three hours a week, on Tuesday mornings to provide a wellbeing breakfast club. Guests get to enjoy hot bacon and cheese toasties, sandwiches, cereals hot and cold beverages, biscuits, cake and fruit. In addition they’re still able to take away small food parcels for home. It’s a great place for those in need to socialise, feel safe and get a good breakfast.
Gems also run a wellbeing lunch club at Chalice court, Holyrood three Thursdays a month. During that, attendees are offered cake, a hot lunch and pudding, and hot and cold beverages. They can also play cards and prize quizzes; all round, it’s a great social event.
Find out more about Gems and the sterling work they do by visiting their Facebook page; perhaps you can help in some way too? Or, maybe you’d like to contact us with your own ‘good news’ story. Great work Sean and Anita.