I am originally from Dorset, but I’ve lived in Southampton for 21 years and have brought up my family here with my husband.

I trained as a town planner because I am interested in what urban areas look and feel like, and making sure people have access to the services that they need.

I then became interested in how communities work, what motivates people to set up community projects, and how local people can have meaningful input into improving the areas where they live.

Now, as a director of Southampton Collective, I focus on projects that bring people together, particularly around issues to do with health, nature, and climate change.

Southampton Collective is a community interest company that I set up with Clare Diaper in 2016, dedicated to a healthier, more sustainable city.

There are four directors who run the organisation, and others are welcome to join as members.

Because we are a social enterprise, we invest any profit that we make back into Southampton community activities.

My role involves overseeing the direction of the organisation and our projects.

Most importantly, it’s about connecting with others in the city to find out who to collaborate with to progress shared goals.

Our projects include Southampton Climate Action Network (SoCAN), which encourages evidence-based action about environmental challenges.

Sometimes we try to influence policies: for example, we have been working on a response to the consultation on a new Mayor for Hampshire and the Solent.

Last year, we commissioned a film called Local is the New Global, made by Paul Maple, which shines a light on the potential for an economic system which works for both people and planet.

SoCAN’s website lists places where people can find out more about environmental issues and where to buy sustainable goods in the Southampton area.

We are excited about our next project, Generations of Regeneration, which launched at October Books in Portswood on 23rd April and runs through to 5th June.

Showcasing projects on climate, nature, and sustainability, it explores the connections between Southampton’s communities and universities on these topics.

People are welcome to come along and discuss the issues, adding their thoughts and ideas to the exhibition.

We are part of the Southampton Food Partnership, which is holding a food-themed walk starting and finishing at Aldermoor Community Farm on 27th May.

Details can be found on the SoCAN website.

We’re also enjoying being involved in events organised by RSA Southampton, which brings people together to talk about important issues in the city.

Over the last few months, we have also been working with Southampton Voluntary Services on a project called Southampton Coproduction Corner.

It’s designed to encourage better ways for people from all sectors and backgrounds to get involved in decisions in the city.

People tell us they like to connect with others about issues around health and the environment, so we believe we fill a bit of a gap.

We always try to make our activities fun.

Even when the issues are serious, such as climate change, we can still think about the positive actions that might benefit our own health and wellbeing.

Over the next year, I am looking forward to seeing Southampton Climate Action Network grow.

Our friends in Southampton National Park City are organising the Urban Wild festival at the end of May and we are involved in that, finishing with a big event on Southampton Common on 1st June which I think will be really enjoyable.

It will also be interesting to see what happens after our Generations of Regeneration project; we’re hoping it will lead to more ideas and connections around projects linked to climate and nature.

As someone who’s interested in how food can bring people together, I think it’s great that Southampton is an international city with so many interesting food cultures.

I love the thriving cultural scene in the city, with plenty of really positive grassroots activity, community festivals, and music events.

We’re also lucky to have larger facilities such as art galleries, theatres, and concert venues.

We’re always interested in welcoming new members.

For anyone who wants to be involved with So Collective, I’d say the best thing to do is to come along to one of our events to see whether you like us and want to get to know us better.

Details, together with a new film about our work, can be found on our website: www.socollective.org.uk.

  • Rebecca Kinge for SO: Cultured with Southampton Forward