Drawing on 60 years of experience, ABP Marine Environmental Research (ABPmer) provides specialist marine environmental research and consultancy services.
UK Dredging (UKD) operates the largest British-owned dredging fleet and specialises in the provision of reliable and cost effective port maintenance dredging services.
ABP Southampton has donated £5,000 to the City Reach Youth Project at Northam Community Centre, helping to strengthen the centre’s youth and wellbeing programmes. The City Reach Youth Project provides a regular youth club offering both mixed sessions and a dedicated girls’ group, giving young people access to activities that build confidence, social skills, and practical or sporting abilities outside of school.
With no secondary school located in Northam, many young people travel across the city to attend one of up to 26 different schools. The youth club gives them the valuable opportunity to socialise with peers from their own neighbourhood—a connection that can otherwise be difficult to maintain. Beyond youth provision, the community centre also supports local residents of all ages through coffee mornings, sewing workshops, and its Big Difference discounted supermarket.
Danielle Eccleston, Centre Manager, said:
“Support from organisations like ABP enables us to continue the work that is so urgently needed in our communities. Young people are our future, and it’s essential that we invest in them—providing guidance, support and a safe place to belong in what can be a challenging time of their lives.
The City Reach Youth Project is an open access programme for children aged 5–17 and plays a vital role here in Northam, where children attend schools across the city. Having a base where they can build relationships and friendships within their own community truly makes a difference.”
Alastair Welch, Regional Director at ABP Southampton, added:
“We are delighted to have supported Northam Community Centre and the City Reach Youth Project in their essential work, and we look forward to continuing our support for local causes that make a real difference close to the port.”
Sharon Davis, Lead Youth Worker, said: “Thank you so much for your generous donation to our centre and the Girls Group. Your support means we can continue offering a vital safe space on the estate where girls can socialise, make new friends, share challenges and support one another.
“They enjoy a wide range of activities—from mask making and jewellery making to pool, outdoor sports, T shirt design, and more. Cooking and baking sessions are especially popular, giving them the chance to choose recipes, explore dishes from their diverse cultures, and learn about healthy eating and cooking on a budget.”
“We also discuss topics affecting girls in today’s society, offering advice when needed. The group has been especially valuable for several SEN girls, who benefit greatly from taking part even when they’re currently out of school.”
ABP Southampton remains committed to supporting local causes and strengthening its ties with the community through meaningful partnerships. Each year the port supports a charity of the year but also donates to local causes, in 2025 the Port supported; the Marchwood Summer Fete, Fawley Armed Forces Day, the 17 Port and Maritime Regiment with a donation for a historic mural, Southampton Sea Cadets, the Northam Community Project, Neon Martial Arts, and Zoielogic Dance Company.
