Mountjoy completes roofing work for Age Concern Hampshire

Charity Support
Charity Support

 

Mountjoy recently carried out roofing works for local charity, Age Concern Hampshire, after being linked through Shaping Portsmouth’s Charity Support network. The repairs were completed at their Care and Wellbeing Centre in Locks Heath, following a leak within the roof caused by a failed vent tile.

Age Concern Hampshire are a local charity that supports people over 50, helping them to live independently through a multitude of services throughout Hampshire, including Care & Wellbeing Centres, Help at Home, Information Hub Services, Foot Care Clinics, Hospital to Home Services, and Community Information Volunteers.

Members of Mountjoy’s Portsmouth City Contract Maintenance team, Julius Rimkevicius and Darren Massam, completed the works, which included removing and replacing the failed vent tile, as well as reparative works to a split in the roof’s valley, and patch repair works on the roof felt.

The works were coordinated in partnership with Shaping Portsmouth, a non-profit organisation that run innovative programmes within the city. Mountjoy are a partner of Shaping Portsmouth’s Charity Support Network, consisting of a database of tradespeople willing to volunteer their time and expertise towards good causes in the city. Shaping Portsmouth referred representatives from Age Concern Hampshire to Mountjoy to arrange the works.

Helen Callen, CEO of Age Concern said, ‘Having been the CEO of Age Concern Hampshire for some 5 years, there have been several times when kindness has taken my breath away. Last week was one of those times.

It has always been a struggle keeping this organisation afloat being both a charity and in the social care sector. […] Whilst we have building maintenance in our budget, we did not anticipate such a large issue with the roof at our Lockswood Centre, so to have Mountjoy come along to fix it as they did last week was totally amazing.

This level of generosity is not something that we have experienced for a very long time, certainly not since before the pandemic and this will make a real difference, not only to the centre, but to our finances.

On behalf of myself and the ACH Board, please accept our heartfelt thanks and gratitude.’

Mountjoy look forward to continuing to work with local charities in the future, supporting them wherever possible, as partners of Shaping Portsmouth’s Charity Support Network.

Age Concern Hampshire Continues to Provide Essential Support through its Information Hub

Information Hub
Information Hub

Age Concern Hampshire’s Information Hub continues to provide vital resources to older individuals, their friends, family members, and caregivers across Hampshire. As a trusted source of support, the Information Hub remains committed to offering independent, impartial, and confidential assistance to older people throughout the county.

The Information Hub offers up-to-date and accurate information on a wide range of topics, including online applications for essential benefits such as the Attendance Allowance and the Blue Badge scheme, as well as Benefit Checking. The Information Hub’s knowledgeable staff and volunteers can guide individuals, ensuring they receive important information, have access to local services and are signposted to relevant organisations.

Hannah Park, Head of Wellbeing Services said “Aging can bring about emotional challenges, and the Information Hub offers a compassionate listening ear. Trained volunteers and staff members are ready to provide personal support, so older people feel valued, heard, and understood”.

Recognising that some individuals may require additional assistance, the Information Hub also provides home visits for form filling and delivering essential information. This personalised approach allows older people to receive support in the comfort of their own homes, as well as providing vital information for people living in more rural locations.

From health and wellbeing to financial planning, housing options, and social engagement, the Information Hub offers a wealth of resources and expertise to enhance the lives of older individuals throughout Hampshire. For more information about Age Concern Hampshire and its Information Hub, please visit www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk or contact the Information Hub directly at 01962 868545

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 Help at Home, Information via our Information Hub, Foot care clinics, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteer Services and a variety of other activities.

For more information, visit: www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Age Concern Hampshire
Centre Way
Locks Heath
Southampton
SO31 6DX

Tel: 01962 868545

Hampshire hospital to home service supporting older people to leave

Therapy Dog
Therapy Dog

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust have partnered with Age Concern Hampshire to run a Hospital to Home service.

It helps older people to be cared for at home to reduce their hospital stay, create beds for those who urgently need them and can prevent hospital re-admission.

Based on the rehabilitation wards at Alton Community Hospital, Petersfield Community Hospital and Gosport War Memorial Hospital, a hospital to home coordinator works to support the process of rehabilitation and discharge for patients and aims to reduce the likelihood of their re-admittance. 

Their main role is to establish a good relationship with patients and their families to enable them to return home as soon as possible after they are medically fit to do so.

They get to know each patient, talk about what matters to them, offer support with re-establishing a person’s independence and readiness to return home. They also work with the patients’ families to establish what practical support is required when returning home. The service supported 486 patients and their families last year. 

Staff help patients in other ways too, like sorting their finances out, arranging care packages for when they left the hospital, clearing out houses when they have become cluttered and unsafe. They organise therapeutic sessions – such as visits from dogs from the Pets for Therapy charity and holding a music appreciation group – with requests for anything such as Swan Lake to Chas and Dave.

Helen Callen chief executive at Age Concern Hampshire, said: “The service makes a meaningful difference, supporting discharge from the wards, ensuring that patients are supported on their journey through rehabilitation and discharge as they move from hospital to home, as well as improving time spent on the ward through activities and social interactions. 

“It provides support to contribute to patients’ rehabilitation, health and wellbeing in preparation for their discharge and actively identifies issues of patient concern regarding their discharge. Coordinators work with the ward team to address issues to make for a ‘good’ discharge and to prevent re-admission.

“Additionally, it provides information, signposting and referral to community support services if they are needed, making follow-up calls and visits after the patient has been discharged, to ensure continued safety, health and wellbeing once they are home.”

Paula Hull, director of nursing and AHPs for Southern Health, said: “Working with Age Concern Hampshire to provide this essential service on our wards is making such a difference in the recovery of our patients and freeing up medical and nursing staff; the hospital to home team provides advice and services to enable our patients be discharged and ensure they reduce the risk of being readmitted by continuing to support them at home.”

Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire provide services to the older community of Hampshire. The charity currently deliver support at their are & Wellbeing centres throughout the county, as well as Help at Home, Information via our Information Hub, Foot care clinics, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteer Services and a variety of other activities.

For more information, visit: www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Age Concern Hampshire
Centre Way
Locks Heath
Southampton
SO31 6DX

Tel: 01962 868545

Age Concern Hampshire Combats social isolation in Basingstoke

Age Concern Hampshire Xmas
Age Concern Hampshire Xmas

Age Concern Hampshire aims to combat social isolation for older people across Basingstoke. With social groups in South Ham, Winklebury, Popley and Kingsclere, they’re reaching out for more to get involved and enjoy weekly activities and find companionship.

Older adults are more likely to experience social isolation and loneliness, as many may be living alone, suffering from chronic illness or may have lost close friends and family. Studies suggest that socially isolated people are at a greater health risk, with increased risks of heart disease, strokes and dementia.

Kim Stone – Community Engagement Officer at Age Concern Hampshire said: “Our weekly social groups really are a lifeline for so many people living alone in the Basingstoke area. They give people an opportunity to socialise on a regular basis, and take part in some fun and interesting activities”

By encouraging social connection and community engagement through their social groups, Age Concern Hampshire aim to decrease the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation. Groups are held regularly across Basingstoke, offering friendship, weekly activities and enabling older people to access information on local support available, through guest speakers and talks.

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 Help at Home, Information via our Information Hub, Foot care clinics, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteer Services and a variety of other activities.

For more information, visit: www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Age Concern Hampshire
Centre Way
Locks Heath
Southampton
SO31 6DX

Tel: 01962 868545

Supporting independent living across Hampshire

Help at Home
Help at Home

As Hampshire’s ageing population continues to grow, so too does the need to provide essential services to support older people across the county.  The population aged 65 and over, is likely to continue growing rapidly in both urban and rural areas across Hampshire, putting increased demand on local services.

Through their Help at Home service, Age Concern Hampshire hopes to tackle this problem, by providing home-based support to older people across Hampshire. The friendly and affordable service allows clients to choose what support they need in the home and how often. Home Helpers can assist with anything from housework to laundry, meal preparation and dog walking, or simply companionship and trips out.

Helen Callen – CEO at Age Concern Hampshire said “As Hampshire’s communities continue to age, we’re seeing more demand for affordable home-based services. We’re delighted to be offering a practical friendly solution, which allows our clients to remain independent within their homes”.

Independent living can be more challenging as people get older, effecting physical and mental wellbeing. With home helpers in Havant, Locks Heath, Basingstoke and Andover and more locations coming soon, Age Concern Hampshire are supporting individuals across the county, to continue living independently.

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 Help at Home, Information via our Information Hub, Foot care clinics, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteer Services and a variety of other activities.

For more information, visit: www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Age Concern Hampshire
Centre Way
Locks Heath
Southampton
SO31 6DX

Tel: 01962 868545

Lunch appeal launched, to support older people across Hampshire

Age Concern Hampshire
Spring Lunch Club

With many households struggling with the increasing cost of living, some older people are skipping meals to save money, putting their health and wellbeing at serious risk. Reduced mobility can also make preparing a nutritional meal difficult, with many older people unable to access a kitchen safely.

Proper nutrition and hydration can help prevent chronic diseases, maintain cognitive function, and manage chronic diseases effectively. By promoting and supporting older adults in making healthy dietary choices, Age Concern Hampshire want to help them age well and maintain their quality of life.

Age Concern Hampshire are urging sponsors to support them, so they can provide nutritious hot lunches to vulnerable older adults across Hampshire. Daily lunches are available at Age Concern Hampshire  Care and Wellbeing Centres in Locks Heath, New Milton, Yateley, and Dibden and Hythe. By sponsoring an older person, individuals can enjoy a hot 2 course lunch, prepared using healthy and nutritional ingredients.

Theresa Carter – Head of Care at Age Concern Hampshire said “Older adults across Hampshire, are finding it more difficult to access hot nutritional meals. By sponsoring someone to attend our Spring Lunch Club, you’ll be supporting their nutritional needs and allowing them to socialise with others”.

A healthy nutritional diet can help people remain active, achieve better long-term health and support positive mental wellbeing. As well as offering balanced nutritional meals, the Spring Lunch clubs aim to provide companionship and friendship, allowing older people to connect with others to reduce social isolation and loneliness.

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 Help at Home, Information via our Information Hub, Foot care clinics, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteer Services and a variety of other activities. 

For more information, visit: www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Age Concern Hampshire
Centre Way
Locks Heath
Southampton
SO31 6DX

Tel: 01962 868545

New clinics launched, to help the over-50s stay active and mobile​

Age Concern Hampshire Foot Clinic
Age Concern Hampshire Foot Clinic

Age Concern Hampshire provide toenail cutting services, to helps the over-50s stay active and remain mobile. Uncut toenails can make it uncomfortable to walk and having healthy feet also improves balance, which helps prevent falls and injuries.

With clinics in Andover, Basingstoke, Overton, Havant, Locks Heath, Petersfield and Winchester. Age Concern Hampshire are dedicated to providing this vital service to as many areas as possible.

Hannah – Head of Wellbeing Services at Age Concern Hampshire said “By offering our Foot Care Clinics across Hampshire, we aim to support the ageing journey of older people in the county. By keeping our costs as low as possible, we hope to make this service available to everyone that needs it” 

Due to arthritic joints, impaired eyesight and reduced mobility, many older people are unable to reach their toes. Clinics are run by foot health practitioners, and offer toenail cutting and basic foot health checks.

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 Help at Home, Information via our Information Hub, Foot care clinics, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteer Services and a variety of other activities. 

For more information, visit: www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Age Concern Hampshire
Centre Way
Locks Heath
Southampton
SO31 6DX

Tel: 01962 868545

Age Concern Hampshire Tackle Loneliness in Locks Heath

Age Concern Hampshire Mii Bus launch day
Age Concern Hampshire Mii Bus launch day

Following the grant awarded by The Department of Transport, Age Concern Hampshire celebrate the arrival of their first electric minibus. 

The grant was led by Action Hampshire, working alongside the Good Neighbours Network and MHA to submit a joint application. Age Concern Hampshire will deliver new transport services to Lockswood Care & Wellbeing Centre in Locks Heath to facilitate social connectivity and reduce loneliness.

Located at Locks Heath, Lockswood Care & Wellbeing Centre, the accessible minibus will assist in providing care and support, to those in the wider community. Clients can get picked up from their home and taken to the Centre, where they can enjoy tailored support from specially trained staff.

Theresa Carter – Head of Care at Age Concern Hampshire said “We’re delighted that we’re now able to offer additional services to more people. Our new mini bus, will provide vital transport links, including access for those living in more remote areas”. 

Alongside Richard Holden, MP for Roads and Buses, Action Hampshire joined Age Concern Hampshire in celebrating its launch. The launch event attracted beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and media coverage, with many enjoying a ride on the bus. 

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, supporting people who require support due to their physical or mental health needs. As well as the practical things like help at meal times and personalised care, in a caring and safe environment 

For more information, visit: www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk
 
Age Concern Hampshire
Centre Way
Locks Heath
Southampton
SO31 6DX
Tel: 01962 868545

Free connectivity from Vodafone, received by Age Concern Hampshire

We are thrilled to announce we will be using free connectivity on some of our devices, via Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative, to tackle digital exclusion in Hampshire. Age Concern Hampshire will use the connectivity to to support older people and their families throughout Hampshire to get online and access services and support. The connectivity is set to benefit hundreds of people in the next six months.  

Charity quote: Brogan Rehill – Head of Fundraising, Marketing and Volunteer Services at Age Concern Hampshire said “Whilst we’ve faced challenges during the pandemic, we’ve also realised the huge benefits that digital technology and connectivity can bring to our services delivery, enabling us to reach more people and provide them with much-needed support. This free connectivity via Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative will help us continue this work and will also support our other projects which aim to tackle issues older people are facing”.

Emma Reynolds, Head of Communications, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs at Vodafone UK said:

“We are committed to tackling digital exclusion.  We hope that by providing free connectivity to Age Concern Hampshire and the other amazing charities across the UK who have such an enormous impact on their local communities, we can help create a more inclusive digital society.  We urge any organisation who thinks they can benefit to apply online and look forward to hearing how this connectivity has helped.”

Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative is part of its commitment to tackle digital exclusion and connect one million people by the end of 2022.

Exciting announcement – our new electric minibus has arrived!!

Age Concern Hampshire

The brand new vehicle is ready for our clients at the Lockswood Care and Wellbeing Centre

We are over the moon to announce that our new electric minibus has been delivered to the Lockswood Care and Wellbeing Centre in Locks Heath.
 
With the support of the Department for Transport, Age Concern Hampshire have invested in electric transportation to help reduce or prevent loneliness with a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution alongside Action Hampshire, Good Neighbours Network and MHA.
 
If you or someone you know could benefit from having direct access to services please do contact us directly today.
 
Tel: 01962 868545
Age Concern Hampshire
Age Concern Hampshire
Find out more about the project here