New ‘Living Well in Later Life’ Project Launches Across Hampshire

Image of three older people sat down doing high fives. They are happy and doing seated exercises. The National Lottery Community Fund logo is also in the image.

Age Concern Hampshire is delighted to announce that our new Living Well in Later Life project is now officially live, launching today, 1st April.

Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, this exciting new initiative is designed to support older people to stay active, independent and connected within their communities.

The project will deliver a wide range of accessible and engaging sessions at our Community and Wellbeing Day Care Centres, as well as in local community venues as part of our social groups offering across Hampshire. Activities will focus on improving strength, balance and overall wellbeing, alongside creating valuable opportunities for social connection, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation.

As the project begins, our teams are already embarking on their specialist training to ensure participants receive the highest quality support and feel safe and supported. Training is being delivered in partnership with the British Gymnastics Foundation under the Love to Move programme and is split across two cohorts, both of which will be completed by the end of April. This means our staff will quickly be able to put their newly accredited skills into practice within sessions, benefiting those who take part from the very start.

The sessions themselves are designed to be inclusive and adaptable, ensuring that people of all abilities feel comfortable taking part. Whether someone is looking to build confidence in movement, improve mobility, or simply enjoy being part of a friendly and supportive group, there will be something for everyone.

Brogan Rehill, Head of Strategy, Partnerships and Community Impact says:

“We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for making this programme possible. Living Well in Later Life is all about supporting older people to stay active by moving more, be connected and feel confident, through friendly, accessible sessions in local communities. By focusing on prevention and early support, we hope to help more people maintain their independence and feel part of their community for longer.”

We know that staying active and socially connected plays a vital role in maintaining health and wellbeing in later life. Through Living Well in Later Life, we are proud to offer opportunities that empower people to take positive steps for their physical and mental health, while also building meaningful connections within their local communities.

If you, or someone you know, would like to find out more or enquire about joining a session, please contact our team by emailing enquiries@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk or calling 01962 868545.

Together, we can support more people across Hampshire to live well in later life.

Early Access to Dementia Day Care Helps People Stay Connected and Engaged

Family Carers
Early access to day care can significantly improve quality of life for people living with dementia, yet long waiting lists for formal diagnosis and assessment are delaying access to vital support.
 
Age Concern Hampshire, which runs Care & Wellbeing Centres across the county, highlights that families can access valuable support while awaiting a formal diagnosis. The charity offers activities that include Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) and reminiscence sessions, interventions shown in research to support memory, communication, and cognitive function.

Early engagement with day care services also helps reduce isolation, supports emotional wellbeing, and encourages physical and social activity. Families frequently notice improvements in mood, confidence, and communication when support begins early.

Family Carers

“Very often, there can be long waits for formal assessments, leaving people without the structured support they need,” said Hannah Park, Head of Operations at Age Concern Hampshire. “Accessing day care early ensures people can benefit from therapies and social engagement throughout the whole of their dementia journey.”
 
Age Concern Hampshire runs dedicated Care & Wellbeing Centres across the county, providing tailored day care services for people living with dementia. Free taster days are available at all Care & Wellbeing Centres, allowing families to experience the service before making any commitment. Call 01962 868545 or visit their website to find out more: https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/care-and-wellbeing-services-hampshire/
 
Editor’s Notes: 

Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire provide services to the older community of Hampshire. The charity currently deliver support at their Care & Wellbeing centres throughout the county, as well as Foot Care clinics, Help at Home, Information via their Information Hub, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteer Services and a variety of other activities. Its mission is to help people ‘Age well and Live well’. 

Age Concern Hampshire 
Centre Way 
Locks Heath 
Southampton 
SO31 6DX 

Tel: 01962 868545 

For media enquiries, please email: marketing@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk 

Mountbatten Hampshire teams up with Age Concern Hampshire for new social group in Southampton

A group of people - a mix of elderly people and workers sit round a table enjoying refreshments. They are smiling and appear happy, posing for the camera with thumbs up.

Age Concern Hampshire and Mountbatten Hampshire have teamed up to run a friendly new social group, to boost companionship and activity for older people.

The free weekly drop-in sessions, run by Age Concern Hampshire in the heart of Southampton’s West End, at Mountbatten Hampshire’s Frances Sheldon Centre, aim to ensure a happier, healthier and stronger future for those who take part.

Whether you are a carer or receiving treatment, feeling isolated, or just looking to meet new people, anyone aged over 50 is welcome to attend for a chat, coffee and movement.

Jemma Saunders, Wellbeing Coordinator at Age Concern Hampshire, said: “We’re excited to be launching this new social group at Mountbatten Hampshire’s Frances Sheldon Centre. These sessions give older people a welcoming space to meet others, have a chat and take part in gentle, enjoyable activities. It’s always rewarding to see new connections forming and people growing in confidence week by week.”

Brogan Rehill, Head of Strategy, Partnerships & Community Impact at Age Concern Hampshire, added: “Partnership working is key to making groups like this possible, and we’re delighted to be working with Mountbatten Hampshire to reach more older people in the community. Continued support from partners and funders is vital to help us sustain and grow these important social opportunities across Hampshire.”

Mountbatten Hampshire CEO, Becky McGregor, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting this brand new social group, giving Hampshire residents
an opportunity to meet together and take part in activities, in our welcoming Frances Sheldon Centre.”

Head of Rehabilitation and Enablement, Mary Banks, said: “These brilliant drop-in sessions are great for mental and physical health and you would be very welcome to join us. Meet new, like‑minded people, take part in regular physical activity and be stronger and healthier.”

How to be at the weekly drop-in sessions:

      Sessions take place every Thursday, from 11am until 1pm.

      Find us at the Frances Sheldon Centre, at  Mountbatten Hampshire, Botley Road, West End, Southampton, SO30 3JB.

      Sessions are free and you can drop-in, with no commitment.

 Editors note:

For more information, contact:

Mountbatten: lucy.morgan@mountbatten.org.uk
Age Concern Hampshire: Lucy.Wheeler@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Age Concern Hampshire launches five-year ‘Living Well in Later Life’ project with National Lottery support

ACH Saturday Opening
Age Concern Hampshire is proud to announce the launch of Living Well in Later Life, a new five-year programme made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. The project will support older people across Hampshire to stay active, connected and confident as they age.
 
Living Well in Later Life will offer physical activities and wellbeing sessions delivered through Age Concern Hampshire’s Care & Wellbeing Centres and local community venues. The sessions are designed especially for older people who may feel isolated, inactive or unsure about joining mainstream activities, offering a gentle, friendly way to move more, meet others and feel part of their community.
 
Sessions will focus on strength, balance, mobility and confidence, while also creating space for conversation, laughter and connection. Everything is shaped around what older people tell us they want and need.
 
The project is expected to make a real difference, with ambitions for:
 

  • 70% of participants to become more physically active

  • 65% to improve their balance, strength or mobility

  • 75% to feel better in themselves and less isolated

  • 80% to feel more connected to their local community

Alongside the benefits for older people, Living Well in Later Life will invest in staff and volunteer development, with specialist training to support safe, inclusive activity for older adults. This will help embed prevention, wellbeing and physical activity at the heart of Age Concern Hampshire’s services for years to come.

ACH Saturday Opening
Volunteers are a vital part of this project, and Age Concern Hampshire is now keen to hear from people interested in supporting groups in the Basingstoke and Southampton areas. Volunteers don’t need to be fitness experts – just friendly, reliable and keen to help older people feel welcome and supported. Training and ongoing support will be provided.
 

The project also encourages people to think about wellbeing in a wider sense, helping older adults feel connected not only to their communities, but to the world around them, including the importance of sustainability and looking after our environment as part of healthy ageing.

For more information about Living Well in Later Life, volunteering opportunities, or other Age Concern Hampshire services, visit www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk or call 01962 868545.
 
Editor’s Notes: 

Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire supports older people across the county to age well and live well. The charity delivers a wide range of services including Care & Wellbeing Centres, Help at Home, Foot Care clinics, Information and Advice, Hospital to Home support, community groups and volunteering services.

Age Concern Hampshire 
Centre Way 
Locks Heath 
Southampton 
SO31 6DX 

Tel: 01962 868545 

For more information, please email: supporters@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk