The non-profit organization Age Concern Hampshire has announced the expansion of its social groups into the New Forest, in partnership with SNG (Sovereign Network Group) and support from Energise Me. This initiative, made possible through funding from Hampshire County Council, aims to promote a happier, healthier, and stronger future for local communities.
According to Age Concern Hampshire, regular physical activity is crucial for both physical and mental health, and this project aims to make it easier for everyone to engage in social and physical activities. The second phase of the project, following its successful launch in Basingstoke, will commence in early autumn and run until early 2025, extending the program to various locations throughout the New Forest area.
Marta Rios, Community Investment and Partnerships Manager at SNG, stated that their vision is to provide their customers with better quality homes and develop resilient and thriving communities. She also emphasized the strong link between health and housing and the importance of the Energise Me work they are delivering with Age Concern Hampshire.
Emily Khural, Health Manager at Energise Me, expressed her pleasure in supporting SNG’s mission to bring accessible and enjoyable physical activity to their older residents, so they can reap the physical, mental, and social benefits of moving more.
Brogan Rehill, Head of Fundraising and Volunteer Services for Age Concern Hampshire, stated that they are thrilled to work with SNG to support older residents within their Housing for Older Persons (HOP) Schemes. She highlighted the variety of activities their groups offer, including fun activities, entertainment, physical activities, and access to other services with guest speakers and attendees.
Age Concern Hampshire is actively seeking dedicated volunteers to help grow its community social groups. Interested individuals can call 01962 868545 or visit their website for more information.
Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire 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. Their purpose is to provide good, affordable homes 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, as well as aiming to create thousands of new affordable homes every year.
The Hampshire Active Health Programme, managed by Energise Me, aims to support people at greater risk of negative impacts from the pandemic and protect the most vulnerable from Covid-19. Projects will be running until January 2025, funded by the Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) from the Department of Health and Social Care.
Energise Me is a charity that champions physical activity for all in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. They are working to make it easier for everyone to move more and 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 who work with partners to create an active nation.
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