Our Civic Exchange provides a platform for residents and community-based organisations to join Solent’s academic and student community in sharing knowledge around topical community topics.
The sessions are designed to bring communities together, forming new connections and opportunities for future collaboration. The sessions are open to everyone and are supported by signatories of Solent’s Civic Charter. We host sessions throughout the year, with the topics chosen based on current affairs and those identified through our grass roots work with local communities.
Our Civic Exchange sessions are structured around a series of questions and provide opportunities for participants to learn more about how the University and other attendees can work together in addressing a particular topic.
Details on future sessions can be found in the events section and below you can read more about findings from our previous Civic Exchange sessions.
If you would like to find out more about our Civic Exchange or put forward suggestions for future discussions, please get in touch at engagement@solent.ac.uk.
Previous Civic Exchange sessions
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Cost of Living Summit - October 2023
The summit followed last year’s gathering looking at how together we respond to the cost-of-living crisis and its impact on the residents of Southampton. Sessions covered a variety of topics including family support, warm spaces, student welfare, energy support and health.
View findings from this session
What role does faith play in today's society? June 2023
This session was supported by Daniel Singleton, National Executive Director of FaithAction and David Vane, Chair of Southampton Council of Faiths. The session posed a series of questions around how Solent University and communities including faith can work more collaboratively to shape future activity delivered across the city. This included identifying areas to support student wellbeing, and how communication between faith communities could be strengthened.
View findings from this session
Creating healthy and active communities, March 2023
This session was supported by Becky Wilkinson, Consultant in Public Health at Southampton City Council. The session examined the work currently being undertaken by Solent and other organisations to enable residents across the city to make positive active lifestyle choices. During the event we explored a series of questions including ‘How does free activity influence participation’ and ‘Do we effectively utilise our green spaces’?
View findings from this session
Lifelong learning – Building a community of welcome, December 2022
This session was supported by Paul Woodman, Trustee of Southampton City of Sanctuary. The session explored the work being undertaken by Solent and other organisations to create a city of welcome. Questions included 'Where can people go to meet fellow sanctuary seekers in a safe environment?' and 'What is the language of Welcome?'
