A selection of local independent businesses generously ran open days and workshops during the open homes week to showcase what they have done for people and planet. But you can still visit during their opening hours and support them as a customer.
The Sewing Hub
Unity 12, 9-19 Rose Road SO14 6TE https://sewinghub.co.uk/
The Sewing Hub in Southampton is a welcoming, fully accessible community space offering sewing classes for beginners and events and resources for the more advances, such as overlocker courses and a regular ‘Sewing Circle’. They also provide local people with an alterations and bespoke design/make service.
The Studio is unique in that it is a professionally equipped micro manufacturing hub, with flexible bookable ‘incubator’/co-working space for local designers and makers enabling them to bring their creations to life using Juki industrial machines, a full height cutting table, steam iron and other equipment. They also offer a sampling and small production run service.
The Sewing hub say about their building “It’s an old building and unfortunately not very sustainable. However as one tenant, we practice keeping as near as possible to zero waste, we save textiles from landfill – donations are used for teaching and making. We watch our use of energy, have a sustainability policy and encourage our service users to use public transport or cycle. We believe that teaching people to sew and informally raising awareness about fast fashion that we are helping to reduce the environmental impact of it.”
Gaia Health Store
22 Carlton Place, Southampton SO15 2DY https://www.gaiahealthstore.co.uk/
Gaia Health Store is run by husband and wife team Andre and Emma and was launched in February 2022 to provide healthy, green and sustainable food, drink and cleaning products for the local people of Southampton. They are independently owned and the only health food shop in Southampton and have a range of eco cleaning products and personal care products in refill, plastic free and sustainable options. They only sell cleaning products that are natural, and do not damage humans or the waterways.
As well as the products they also have a workshop space for hire and where they put on events and workshops themselves. They have also launched the Carlton Place Market which celebrates local crafters, makers and producers. The market runs 10am to 4pm the first Saturday of every month.
Emma and Andre have this to say about their premises “Our shop is a 19th century listed building and so is difficult to access as the doors are narrow unfortunately. However, we can deliver to customers who may struggle to visit us in person, free delivery within 3.5 miles of the shop and people can order online.”
October Books
189 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton SO17 2NG https://octoberbooks.org/
October Books is a co-operative, radical neighbourhood bookshop and community hub. Founded in 1977 in Bevois Valley, they then moved to rented premises at 243 Portswood Road. In November 2018, with the help and support of their community, many of whom invested time, money and physical labour, they moved to their own premises, at 189 Portswood Road. From there, they trade independently from any political organisation, and seek to promote a fair and equal society.
In the move to community owned premises in 2018 there was the opportunity to walk the talk and install solar panels on the roof. They have also created a small community garden on a small area of concrete at the back of the shop, which has reduced fly tipping and created a space for the community to use.
In addition they have a dedicated community space which they can hire to the local community. They also host workshops and events which allow community to come together to talk about their concerns about the climate, the environment, our political system and more, as well as a place to demonstrate more sustainable ways of doing things. They have also held film screenings and art events that highlight particular elements of the climate crisis.
Montys Bike Hub
Just off Sullivan Road on a cul-de-sac called Stanford Court, Sholing. The post code for this Scout Hut site is SO19 0QX Website: https://montysbikehub.org/
Monty’s is a social enterprise & charity supporting all things cycling in the east of Southampton, whilst empowering local people with new skills and opportunities. They run a range of services throughout the week which you can drop in to or you can book in for a bespoke session for you or your organisation. If you haven’t cycled in a while and want a low cost entry to all things cycling this is the place for you.
Bitterne Park Stores
25 Manor Farm Road, Bitterne Park Triangle, Southampton SO18 1NN https://bitterneparkstores.co.uk/
This shop many look small from the front but in the back rooms they have the largest range of dry and wet refills in the city, with over 150 dry food lines, including nuts, rice and pasta, beans and seeds, herbs and spices and much more (we recommend the chocolate gooseberries!). Plus a full range of household and personal care products from shampoo and conditioner to laundry liquid and floor cleaner. Bring your existing containers to fill up and help reduce plastic consumption.
As well as the refillery they also stock fresh fruit & veg, local cheeses, a huge range of local craft ales, ciders, & spirits, chocolate and snacks, sauces & condiments, tinned goods, vegan foods, jams & nut butters, oat milk & other dairy alternatives.
Bitterne train station is a short walk away and the number 20 bus comes from town on a regular basis. And if you don’t want to travel to them, use their weekly delivery service. All their deliveries are zero-emissions, using cargo bikes or electric vans. They deliver your order on the same day every week. You don’t need to be in – they’ll leave it on your doorstep or your safe place (except alcohol, which needs ID). The shop is open for orders from 11am Thursday until 6pm Sunday each week, for delivery the following week.