Come Along to the Ignite Info Session – 22 July
Southampton is full of people creating change — not always loudly, not always with fanfare, but with purpose, passion, and care for their communities.
From youth mentors to neighbourhood organisers, cultural connectors to grassroots advocates — the city is shaped by everyday leadership. And now, there’s a new opportunity to support and grow that potential.
Ignite is a six-month programme for developing and emerging community leaders in Southampton, launching this September. Co-designed with local voices, it offers space to reflect, grow, and connect with others who are driving change in their own ways.
It’s built on the belief that leadership isn’t a job title — it’s a mindset. Ignite is about discovering your strengths, clarifying your values, and building the skills to lead in a way that feels true to you.
On Tuesday 22 July, we’re hosting an informal information session where you can:
- Hear from inspiring local leaders
- Learn what the programme involves (Sept 2025 – March 2026)
- Meet the team, ask questions, and see if it’s right for you
We’re encouraging everyone to bring a buddy — someone who’s quietly making a difference and ready to take their next step.
🗓 Tuesday 22 July
🕕 1.30pm-3.30pm
📍Southampton Coalporters Amateur Rowing Club & Hall hire.Northam Road Southampton SO14 0QE
Expression of Interest Form
Meet Our Guest Speakers
Hayley Binstead
Relentlessly, I have been driven to help others. I am a mum of 2 amazing daughters a ‘Nanny Nugget’ to 2 grandchildren, and a wife of 31 years to an incredible man. We help all from friends, colleagues to complete strangers, who come and see us at Board in the City. This has led to the place we are in today. A communal space with over 1200 board games, as the hook, to entice people in through the door.
We use the space and resources to develop people – giving them work experience, training, and references to give a snapshot of some of our work. Last year I managed a team of 78 active volunteers, and it looks close to the same number again this year. It is just the most interesting role with incredibly diverse situations every single week. I am incredibly lucky and blessed.
Come and roll the dice with us someday…
Jack Willis
Jack brings a wealth of experience accumulated over 12 years within the NHS. During this time, he has held roles in Business Intelligence and Analytics, particularly in leadership positions, where he has developed profound knowledge in operational delivery and relationship management.
Having received a recognition award in Senior Healthcare Leadership in 2022, he is continuing to advance his professional development through the final stage of an Operational Departmental Management apprenticeship.
Passionate about engaging in thought-provoking conversations, Jack thrives on challenging assumptions and expanding perspectives.
His interests span from exploring psychological and philosophical concepts to delving into leadership theories. He is genuinely enthusiastic about learning through dialogue, sharing experiences, and transforming insights into practical real-word actions.
His commitment to fostering open and transparent conversations is unwavering, and he strongly believes in the value of shared learning.
Dr Abdoulie Sanneh
Dr Abdoulie Sanneh works for local charities and community organisations across Southampton that take action and address pressing social issues within the most deprived areas. Abdoulie is also chair of The United Voice of African Associations (TUVAA) who runs BBAM (Black Buisness Art and Music) event. Abdoulie also works for Southampton City Council as Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusion Lead and is also on the Southampton Forward Advisory Group.
Astrid Vaswani Thornhill Baptise Church
I started my career in Human Resource management having spent a gap year and university vacations Teaching English as a Foreign Language. I retrained to become a Baptist Minister/Church leader about 25 years ago. I co-lead a church in Thornhill with my husband Paul who, as Team Leader, is my boss! I am mum to a 23-year old who is still at home and about to start a Uni course here in Southampton. I am passionate about learning – encouraging others to learn and practice lifelong learning. Currently I am part of a yearlong Spiritual Direction Learning Community. I enjoy cooking, I loathe housework, I like gardening and enjoy our two cats. Our holidays are usually camping in Europe but last year we went backpacking in India which was amazing! I believe in volunteering and am a Street Pastor supporting the nighttime economy once a month on a Friday night and recently come back from volunteering at Download music festival which was great fun.