Charity Age Concern Hampshire Expands Connections and Activities to Enhance Wellbeing
Hampshire, UK – Age Concern Hampshire, a charity dedicated to supporting older individuals in the community, has announced its commitment to expanding connections within more communities and providing activities that enhance wellbeing. This initiative is made possible through funding from housing association SNG (Sovereign Network Group), which is acting as an ambassador and match funder of the Hampshire Active Health Programme.
The charity’s goal is to support communities by launching new groups for residents of SNG accommodation in Overton, Whitchurch, Brookvale, and Brighton Hill in Basingstoke. These new groups will operate alongside existing social groups in Basingstoke, specifically South Ham, Winklebury, Popley, and Kingsclere. Each group offers a variety of engaging activities designed to promote movement, social interaction, and mental stimulation.
According to Kim Stone, Community Engagement Officer at Age Concern Hampshire, “Our weekly social groups provide a lifeline for many people living alone. They offer a regular opportunity to socialise and participate in a variety of fun and interesting activities, which are crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health. To continue and expand this vital support, we need dedicated volunteers to join us in making a positive impact on our community.”
An active and engaged lifestyle is well-known to benefit brain health. Activities that combine physical, mental, and social elements are particularly valuable, especially those offered in community-based settings. These activities not only stimulate the brain but also promote overall wellbeing by providing opportunities for social interaction and physical participation.
Age Concern Hampshire is seeking dedicated volunteers to support the expansion of its community social groups. Volunteers play a crucial role in facilitating activities, providing companionship, and creating a welcoming environment for participants. Those interested in making a positive impact to communities in Overton, Whitchurch, Brookvale, and Brighton Hill should get in touch by calling 01962 868545 or by visiting the website for more information: https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/job/basingstoke-social-group-volunteer-sng/
Age Concern Hampshire was founded in 1985 and provides services to the older community of Hampshire. The charity currently delivers support at its Care & Wellbeing centres throughout the county, as well as Help at Home, Information via its Information Hub, foot care clinics, Hospital to Home services, Community Information Volunteer Services, and a variety of other activities.
SNG (Sovereign Network Group) was formed in October 2023 through the merger of Sovereign and Network Homes. The purpose of SNG is to provide good, affordable homes: the foundation for a better life, and their vision is thriving communities, over generations. They provide over 84,000 homes and invest in communities across the South of England, including London.
The Hampshire Active Health Programme, managed by Energise Me on behalf of Hampshire County Council, supports people at greater risk of negative impacts from the pandemic and protects the most vulnerable from Covid-19. Funding for this program was provided by the Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) from the Department of Health and Social Care, which was specifically allocated to fund public health projects that would address health inequalities arising from the pandemic, and prevention projects that will prevent or mitigate unequal impact on populations in future outbreaks. Projects will be running until January 2025.
Energise Me is a charity that champions physical activity for all in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Their goal is to create a happier, healthier, and stronger future for local people. Funded by Sport England and the National Lottery, they are one of 42 active partnerships that work with partners to create an active nation.
For more information on Age Concern Hampshire and their initiatives, please visit their website at https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/ or contact Sarah Jacobs, Marketing Manager at marketing@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk.
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