Our Impact
Round About is more than just a café — it's a vibrant community space at the heart of Mansbridge. It’s a space for connection, support, and positive change shaped by local voices, for local needs.
These are just a few of the numbers that make up the fabric of the Round About Café, therefore we like to annually round up our achievements so you can see all the brilliant things we get up to. Grab a cuppa and read all about the latest financial year by clicking the link.
Still curious? See our previous impact assessments below.
Since April 2022, we’ve teamed up with SoCo Music Project to run regular music sessions at the café. Mansbridge Melody Makers and Junk Orchestra are all about having fun, trying something new, and making music in a relaxed, welcoming space.
“I enjoy the community spirit, the singing, and the variety of music.”
People who come along tell us it helps them feel better, more confident, and more connected.
“I love the positive vibe and meeting new people.”
We’re building a group that supports each other not just through music, but through friendship and fun.
“It’s just a great laugh!”
In response to rising food and energy costs, we partnered with Itchen College to offer free six-week cooking courses focused on affordable, energy-efficient meals using woks. Those that took part said they learned new skills, cooked and ate together, and took home ingredients and a wok to recreate recipes at home.
“I love learning to cook from scratch — and it made my children eat more veg!”
The sessions built confidence, friendships, and support networks, helping people save money and eat healthier.
“Thanks for healthy and easy-to-follow recipes.”
Participants say they now cook regularly using energy-efficient methods and include more fruit and vegetables in their diets. The sessions also included help with meal planning and managing a food budget.
“I like cooking with veg and saving money.”
We teamed up with Wainwrights Chemist to offer free flu jabs to local residents, helping protect those most at risk during flu season.
Wainwrights said "by offering vaccinations for free in a familiar, friendly setting, we made it easier for people to stay protected".
“It was really convenient and saved me the worry of getting to the GP and I felt looked after.” – Local resident
Through our partnership with Southampton Repair Café, we supported local people to repair broken household items helping people save money, reduce waste, and feel more confident tackling everyday fixes.
From toasters to lamps, the sessions gave people the chance to bring items back to life, often with just a simple repair or some expert advice.
“I thought it was beyond saving, but now it’s working again — and I learned something in the process!"
Beyond the practical fixes, the project helped spark a shift in thinking. People told us they’d now think twice before throwing something away, choosing to repair or seek help, instead of replacing. It’s a small but meaningful step toward more sustainable habits and stronger local connections.
