Age Concern Hampshire has recently announced its commitment to expanding connections with more communities and providing activities that enhance overall wellbeing. This comes as the charity receives funding from housing association SNG (Sovereign Network Group) to support its Hampshire Active Health Programme.
As an ambassador and match funder of the programme, SNG will support Age Concern Hampshire in launching new groups for residents in Overton, Whitchurch, Brookvale, and Brighton Hill in Basingstoke. These groups will operate alongside existing social groups in Basingstoke, specifically South Ham, Winklebury, Popley, and Kingsclere.
The weekly activities offered by the social groups include games, entertainment sessions, and informative talks. These activities are designed to promote movement, social interaction, and mental stimulation, creating a supportive environment for individuals to share knowledge, experiences, and mutual interests. This, in turn, helps to build connections and develop new friendships, ultimately improving overall health and wellbeing.
Research has shown that an active and engaged lifestyle can greatly benefit brain health. Activities that combine physical, mental, and social elements are especially valuable, particularly 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.
Kim Stone, Community Engagement Officer at Age Concern Hampshire, states that their weekly social groups provide a lifeline for many people living alone. She emphasizes the importance of these groups in maintaining both physical and mental health and invites dedicated volunteers to join them in making a positive impact on the community.
To support the expansion of its community social groups, Age Concern Hampshire is actively seeking volunteers to facilitate activities, provide companionship, and create a welcoming environment for participants. Those interested in making a positive impact on the communities of Overton, Whitchurch, Brookvale, and Brighton Hill are encouraged to get in touch by calling 01962 868545 or visiting the website for more information: https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/job/basingstoke-social-group-volunteer-sng/
Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire is dedicated to providing services to the older community of Hampshire. The charity currently delivers support at its Care & Wellbeing centers throughout the county, as well as offering services such 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.
For media inquiries, please contact Sarah Jacobs, Marketing Manager at Age Concern Hampshire: marketing@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk
SNG (Sovereign Network Group) was formed in October 2023 through the merger of Sovereign and Network Homes. The housing association’s purpose is to provide good, affordable homes as the foundation for a better life, with a vision of thriving communities over generations. With over 84,000 homes and a focus on investing in communities across the South of England, including London, SNG aims to create thousands of new affordable homes every year. The organization reinvests everything it earns to ensure that its customers have sustainable homes in thriving communities.
The Hampshire Active Health Programme is managed by Energise Me, on behalf of Hampshire County Council, to support people at greater risk of negative impacts from the pandemic and protect the most vulnerable from Covid-19. The funding for this program has been provided by the Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) from the Department of Health and Social Care, specifically allocated 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.
Funding applications for the Hampshire Active Health Programme closed on December 20, 2023, with projects running until January 2025. For further information on the program, please contact grants@energiseme.org or visit https://www.energiseme.org/funding-support/hampshire-active-health-programme/.
Energise Me is a charity that champions physical activity for all in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The organization’s goal is to make it easier for everyone to move more, ultimately creating a happier, healthier, and stronger future for local people. Funded by Sport England and the National Lottery, Energise Me works with partners to create an active nation. To learn more, visit www.energiseme.org.
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