Sometimes the most powerful support doesn’t come from a service or programme.
It comes from people who show up, week after week, creating spaces where others feel welcomed, valued and never alone.
Transforming lives
That is exactly why Danny Thompson, Kayleigh Coombs and Nathan Green, the driving forces behind SSRC (Social Sunday Run Club & Social Sporty Run Club) and Strong Mamas, a service provided purely by Kayleigh, were recognised in our latest Stars for Stars Awards.
Together, they have created far more than opportunities for people to exercise. They have built a culture of connection, inclusion and support that is helping transform lives across Southampton.
Community first
At the heart of everything they do is a simple principle: nobody gets left behind.
Their focus is on creating spaces where everyone feels they belong, whether through the free and welcoming SSRC community, which meets at SO.CO Coffee inside BASEMENT STUDIO in Woolston. Or through Strong Mamas, a specialist service supporting pregnant women and postpartum mums to stay active and connected, which also meets at the same place.
Positive difference
These are not places where speed, experience or athletic ability matter most. Instead, they celebrate kindness, encouragement and community spirit.
Their popular Member of the Month initiative, for example, recognises people who make a positive difference to others rather than sporting achievements alone.
More than just running
The impact of their work extends far beyond physical fitness.
Their nominator described the community they have created as life-changing, providing vital support during an extremely challenging period of poor mental health and recovery.
Social connections
By encouraging people to keep showing up, offering friendship, celebrating achievements and ensuring no one faces challenges alone, they have helped many people build confidence, resilience and meaningful social connections.
From supporting runners at events to creating gathering spaces where friendships can flourish, Danny, Kayleigh and Nathan have built a genuine culture of care through movement, friendship and unwavering support.
While SSRC brings together people from all walks of life through running and community connection, Strong Mamas provides dedicated support for pregnant women and new mums. Although distinct communities, they share the same values of inclusion, encouragement and wellbeing, and both are based at BASEMENT STUDIO in Woolston.
Together, they are helping make Southampton a healthier, kinder and more connected place for everyone. Inspired by the difference they make, it is easy to see why they were chosen as Stars for Stars recipients.
How Stars for Stars began
The Stars for Stars initiative was conceived by our co-founding member, and the first leader of its SMILE (Southampton Mental Illness Lived Experience) group, Saire Herschel-Clark. Find out more here.
How to nominate for this quarter
We’re now asking people to get in touch to put forward anyone they think deserves a star in the October to December 2026 quarter. The closing date for nominations is December 31, 2026. Please nominate them here!
We ask that individuals don’t nominate themselves, or the organisation or place where they work or to which they are closely connected.
Nominators may remain anonymous for publicity and social media purposes, but we do request contact details so nominations can be verified if needed. We warmly encourage service users, their friends, family members, supporters and community members to submit nominations – your voices are what make this people-powered and meaningful.
Photo taken with thanks to Tim Kenyon Photography.