Age Concern Hampshire, a charity that provides services to the older community of Hampshire, has announced the expansion of its social groups into the New Forest. The expansion is made possible through a partnership with Sovereign Network Group (SNG), which will serve as an ambassador and match funder for the Hampshire Active Health Programme. This initiative is funded by Hampshire County Council and supported by the physical activity charity, Energise Me.
The first phase of the project, launched in Basingstoke, was a success and the second phase will commence in early autumn, extending the program to various locations throughout the New Forest area. Both phases are set to run until early 2025.
The project’s goal is to make it easier for everyone, especially those facing health inequalities, to engage in social and physical activities. Regular physical activity has been proven to support both physical and mental health, and it is essential for everyone to strive to be active every day. This is particularly important for individuals facing health inequalities, who are often less likely to participate in physical activities, which increases their risk of long-term health conditions and mental health challenges.
To support this expansion, Age Concern Hampshire is actively seeking dedicated volunteers to help grow its community social groups. Volunteers play a vital role in leading activities, providing companionship, and creating a welcoming environment for participants. Interested individuals can call 01962 868545 or visit the charity’s website for more information.
Marta Rios, Community Investment and Partnerships Manager at SNG, expressed the organization’s vision to provide better quality homes and develop resilient and thriving communities. She emphasized the strong link between health and housing and the importance of the project in empowering people and changing lives.
Energise Me’s Health Manager, Emily Khural, expressed her pleasure in supporting SNG’s mission to bring accessible and enjoyable physical activity to their older residents. She highlighted the physical, mental, and social benefits of moving more.
Brogan Rehill, Head of Fundraising and Volunteer Services for Age Concern Hampshire, expressed the charity’s excitement to work with SNG in supporting older residents within their Housing for Older Persons (HOP) Schemes. She highlighted the various activities and services offered by the charity’s social groups, including fun activities, entertainment, physical activities, and access to guest speakers and other attendees.
Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire provides services to the older community of Hampshire, including support at its Care & Wellbeing centres throughout the county, 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), formed in October 2023 through the merger of Sovereign and Network Homes, aims to provide good, affordable homes and create thriving communities over generations. The organization provides over 84,000 homes and invests in communities across the South of England and London. They also aim to create thousands of new affordable homes every year.
The Hampshire Active Health Programme, managed by Energise Me on behalf of Hampshire County Council, aims to support people at greater risk of negative impacts from the pandemic and protect the most vulnerable from Covid-19. The programme is funded by the Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) from the Department of Health and Social Care, which aims to fund public health projects that 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. They work with partners to create an active nation and aim to make it easier for everyone to move more. Their goal is to create a happier, healthier, and stronger future for local people. They are funded by Sport England and the National Lottery and are one of 42 Active Partnerships working towards this goal.
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