The Right Worshipful Mayor of Southampton Councillor Les Harris presented long-standing volunteer Ashley Barfoot of Itchen with a signed Southampton shirt at the Sea City Museum ‘We March On’ exhibition in recognition of his dedication to the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens scheme over the last 10 years.
The Junior Neighbourhood Wardens scheme is a council-run not for profit community project working with over 270 children across the city aged 7 to 12 on local projects such as gardening, graffiti removal, litter picking, charity fundraising, and befriending and combating loneliness locally. The wardens are supported to develop a sense of pride and respect in their local neighbourhood and to promote a positive image of children in the community. The Juniors work alongside the council’s Neighbourhood Wardens and other council services to help improve their local area.
Ashley joined the scheme in 2008, aged 10 and has continued to support the local community with initiatives since, working his way up to a volunteer Team Leader in recent years.
Ian Mitchell, Junior Neighbourhood Warden Co-ordinator, said: “Ashley has been on the programme for 10 Years this year and is a fantastic lad, always going above and beyond for the other children. He has also progressed personally through his involvement in the scheme, from a shy lad to the rounded more confident Ashley of today. As an avid Saints fan it is an honour to present this award to him in recognition of his hard work and dedication to good causes in the city.”
If you would like more information on how you or a family member can support your local community by signing up to become a Junior Neighbourhood Warden visit www.southampton.gov.uk/housing/your-tenancy/tenant-participation/junior-neighbourhood-wardens/
‘We March On’: Southampton Football Club, Then and Now exhibition will be open until 28th October 2018. Celebrating over 130 years of club history, it features fascinating memorabilia, interactive exhibitions, fun facts and more. For further information and to purchase tickets visit www.seacity.com.
