Day Care starts at the front door

Many older people would benefit from attending elderly day care, but for some, simply getting there can feel like the biggest hurdle. Whether it’s limited mobility or a family member being unable to provide transport, the journey can often become a barrier to staying active, connected and independent.

At Age Concern Hampshire, we believe that care doesn’t start when someone walks through our doors. It starts the moment we arrive at theirs.

Our optional door-to-door transport service is designed to make attending our day care centres as easy and reassuring as possible. Rather than simply providing a lift, our friendly drivers and passenger assistants take the time to ensure every client is ready for their day ahead. Whether it’s checking they have their walking aid, coat, medication or anything else they need, we know it’s the little things that can make a big difference.

We also understand that families and carers often have their own worries. That’s why, where appropriate, our team can help make sure a client’s home is secure before leaving, providing valuable peace of mind for everyone involved.

For many of the people we support, this service is what makes attending our centres possible. It removes one of the biggest barriers to staying active, connected and independent, while giving families confidence that their loved one is being cared for from the very beginning of their journey.

And our support doesn’t end when the day is over.

After a day filled with conversation, activities and companionship, we take our clients safely home, helping them back into their property and making sure they are comfortable before we leave. We know that returning home can be just as important as arriving, and we’re committed to ensuring every journey ends with the same care and compassion with which it began.

This personal, door-to-door approach is just one of the ways we strive to make life easier for older people across Hampshire. It’s an extension of the care we provide every day in our centres and reflects our belief that every client deserves to feel safe, valued and supported throughout their entire experience with us. And a trip on our mini bus is always guaranteed to bring laughter and joy, thanks to our wonderful team of drivers and volunteers – whether they’re starting a singalong or simply there for a chat or to ensure your loved one is safe and comfortable.

If you’d like to find out more about our Care and Wellbeing Centres, or discuss whether our door-to-door transport service is available in your area, we’d love to hear from you. Our team will be happy to talk through your individual needs and help you find the right support for you or your loved one.

You can make an enquiry online, email enquiries@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk or call 01962 868545.

Recognising the incredible contribution of unpaid carers

Family Caregivers

As Carers Week recently came to a close, Age Concern Hampshire would like to take a moment to recognise and celebrate the remarkable contribution made by unpaid carers across Hampshire.

Every day, thousands of people provide care and support to a loved one, friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help. For many people living with dementia, carers are the constant source of reassurance, companionship and support throughout their journey. They help with day-to-day tasks, provide emotional comfort, advocate on behalf of their loved ones and often coordinate increasingly complex care arrangements.

Caring can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Many carers balance their responsibilities alongside work, family commitments and their own health and wellbeing. Too often, carers put the needs of others before their own.

At Age Concern Hampshire, we regularly meet carers who show extraordinary dedication, compassion and resilience. Their contribution enables older people to remain connected to their communities, maintain their independence and continue enjoying the things that matter most to them.

Carers Week serves as an important reminder that carers need support too. Access to information, advice, training, respite opportunities and peer support can make a significant difference to a carer’s wellbeing and ability to continue in their caring role.

We would also like to recognise the many organisations across Hampshire that work tirelessly to support carers throughout the year. Through advice services, support groups, community activities, health services and practical assistance, these organisations provide invaluable help to those caring for others.

If you are an unpaid carer, it is important to remember that support is available. The Princess Royal Trust for Carers provides a range of services for carers across Hampshire, including carers’ assessments, information and guidance, support planning, wellbeing opportunities and peer support networks.

While Carers Week may be over for another year, our appreciation for unpaid carers continues every day. Their kindness, commitment and selflessness make a profound difference to the lives of older people across Hampshire, and we thank them for everything they do.

If you are caring for someone and would like to find out more about the support available through Age Concern Hampshire, please get in touch with our team.

Friendship, Laughter and Community: Discover Age Concern Hampshire’s Over 50s Groups

A group of older people sit in chairs following a female instructor with gentle seated exercise at age concern hampshire

At Age Concern Hampshire, we know that staying socially connected is one of the most important factors in maintaining wellbeing as we get older. That’s why our Social Groups provide welcoming spaces where people aged 50 and over can come together, enjoy activities, meet new people and build lasting friendships.

Across Hampshire, our Social Groups are helping older people stay active, engaged and connected to their local communities. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, try something different, or simply enjoy a regular outing each week, there’s a warm welcome waiting for you.

Each group offers a relaxed and friendly environment where attendees can enjoy conversation, games, activities and gentle movement sessions. Many of our group leaders and volunteers have benefited from Love to Move training through British Gymnastics, allowing them to incorporate fun, accessible movement activities that support both physical and cognitive wellbeing.

We’re particularly excited to welcome new members to our newest Social Group at Rucstall Community Centre in Basingstoke. Meeting every Monday morning, the group provides a fantastic opportunity for local people to connect with others, enjoy activities and become part of a growing community. Alongside our established groups in Kingsclere, Whitchurch, Totton, Fordingbridge and West End, the new Rucstall group is helping us reach even more older people across Hampshire.

For many attendees, our Social Groups become much more than a weekly activity. They offer companionship, confidence and a sense of belonging. We regularly hear from people who tell us that attending the group has given them something to look forward to each week and helped them feel more connected to their community.

Our Social Groups wouldn’t be possible without the support of our wonderful volunteers. From welcoming new attendees and helping with activities to simply sharing a conversation over a cup of tea, volunteers play a vital role in creating the friendly atmosphere that makes our groups so special.

If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in your community, volunteering with one of our Social Groups can be a rewarding experience. Whether you can spare a few hours each week or would simply like to find out more, we’d love to hear from you.

To learn more about our Social Groups, find your nearest location or enquire about volunteering opportunities, contact Age Concern Hampshire on 01962 868545 or email enquiries@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk or visit our Social Groups page.

Celebrating our incredible volunteers during National Volunteer Week

As Volunteers’ Week is celebrated across the UK, everyone at Age Concern Hampshire would like to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to the remarkable volunteers who support our charity every day.

Across Hampshire, hundreds of volunteers generously give their time, skills, energy and compassion to help older people live well, stay connected and remain independent. From welcoming members at our Care & Wellbeing Centres and supporting community social groups, to helping with administration, driving our minibuses, maintaining gardens, assisting at events and sharing professional expertise, our volunteers make an invaluable contribution to everything we do.

Brogan Rehill, Head of Strategy, Partnerships & Community Impact at Age Concern Hampshire, said:

“Our volunteers are the heart of Age Concern Hampshire. Every conversation, every smile and every hour given helps make a real difference to older people across Hampshire. We are incredibly grateful for the time, compassion and dedication our volunteers bring to our communities every day. Quite simply, we could not achieve what we do without them.”

The difference our volunteers make extends far beyond practical support. For many older people, a friendly conversation, a warm welcome or simply knowing that someone cares can have a significant impact on their wellbeing. These moments of connection help reduce loneliness and isolation while creating stronger, more connected communities across Hampshire.

One of those making a difference is Anne, an Age Concern Hampshire volunteer, who said:

“I really enjoy talking and listening to clients. Some of them don’t have much contact with people, so it’s lovely to know that having a chat can make their day.

Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose. It’s nice to feel needed and to know that I’m making a difference.”

Our volunteers bring something truly special to Age Concern Hampshire. Many have strong links to their local communities, valuable life experience and a genuine passion for helping others. Their local knowledge helps us reach people who may otherwise go without support, while their kindness and dedication help create welcoming environments where older people can thrive.

Des Smith, Trustee at Age Concern Hampshire, said:

“Our volunteers are the heart of Age Concern Hampshire. They give their time so generously, and the difference they make to older people’s lives — their confidence, their wellbeing, their sense of connection — is something of which we should all be incredibly proud.”

As a charity, we simply could not deliver many of our services without the support of volunteers. They are at the heart of our organisation, extending our reach, strengthening our impact and helping us support more older people across the county.

Helen Callen, Chair of the Board at Age Concern Hampshire, added:

“As Chair of Age Concern Hampshire, I am continually inspired by the dedication of our volunteers. The compassion, practical and professional support you provide enriches the lives of older people across Hampshire every day. Your contribution is fundamental to achieving our mission to support our community through accessible, high-quality services.”

Volunteering is also a rewarding experience for those who choose to get involved. Many of our volunteers tell us they have gained new friendships, developed confidence, learned new skills and built stronger connections within their communities through their volunteering roles.

Adrian Thorne, Trustee at Age Concern Hampshire, said:

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank our volunteers for their commitment and dedication to the work they undertake for all the people the charity supports. Without you we would not be able to be there for our clients, their carers and families at a time when they most need support. The impact that you have cannot be underestimated. Thank you.”

During Volunteers’ Week, we want to recognise and celebrate every individual who chooses to volunteer with Age Concern Hampshire. Whether they give a few hours each month or several days every week, every contribution matters. Every act of kindness, every conversation and every hour volunteered helps us achieve our mission of supporting older people across Hampshire.

To all our volunteers, past and present, thank you. Your generosity, compassion and commitment make a real difference to the lives of older people every single day.

You are an essential part of Age Concern Hampshire, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do.

Interested in Volunteering?

If you would like to make a difference in your local community and support older people across Hampshire, we’d love to hear from you. We offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities to suit different interests, skills and availability.

Visit our volunteering page to find out more about current opportunities and discover how you can join our incredible team of volunteers. Give time by volunteering – Age Concern Hampshire

B&Q volunteers help refresh Age Concern Hampshire centre

Age Concern Hampshire has once again welcomed volunteers from B&Q as part of the retailer’s ongoing Community Volunteering Days initiative, helping to improve spaces used by older people across Hampshire.

The initiative, which has now been running for four years, forms part of B&Q’s wider commitment to giving back to communities across Hampshire and beyond. Through the programme, B&Q colleagues are encouraged to use their volunteering days to support local charities and community organisations, with many groups benefiting from practical help and improvements to their spaces.

This year, B&Q volunteers returned to support Age Concern Hampshire’s Lockswood Care & Wellbeing Centre in Locks Heath following the success of last year’s project, where the team transformed the charity’s Reflection Room — a peaceful, quiet space designed for people to rest, reflect and take time away from busy activities. The improvements helped create a warm and calming environment for older people, carers and visitors using the centre.

Colleagues took advantage of the sunny weather to refresh the centre’s garden by weeding plant beds, renewing the soil, planting new flowers and building a new garden bench.  While part of the team worked outdoors, others refreshed the main communal hall with a fresh coat of paint. All tools, garden items and paint were kindly donated by B&Q as part of their initiative.

B&Q colleagues are given volunteering days throughout the year, allowing them the opportunity to dedicate time to causes that matter to them locally. For many employees, the programme offers personal benefits too. Hollie Langford, Accountant at B&Q, said: “I really enjoy time outside. I’m a very keen gardener and it’s great for mental health too so it’s beneficial for all.”

The Community Volunteering Days programme supports hundreds of charities and community groups across the UK each year, with thousands of B&Q colleagues volunteering their time to make a positive difference in the areas where they live and work.

Hannah Park, Head of Operations at Age Concern Hampshire said “We’re so grateful to have the B&Q team here again. Having a large group of volunteers has meant so many improvements have been made to our Lockswood centre. The hall has a fresh coat of paint and the garden is blooming. Thank you to the B&Q team for getting stuck in and doing it all with a smile on their faces. It’s great to be able to collaborate with an organisation that is aligned with supporting the work we do across Hampshire.”

Partnerships with organisations such as B&Q play an important role in helping maintain welcoming, accessible spaces for the people who rely on their services every day.

 This year’s volunteering activity continues a strong partnership between the two organisations, building on previous projects that have enhanced facilities and improved environments for older people attending our centres. We hope the partnership will encourage more local businesses and corporate teams to explore how they can support older people in their communities through volunteering, sponsorship or wider collaboration opportunities.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Dementia Alliance launches during Dementia Action Week

Logo featuring four figures gathered round a purple heart for dementia. The text read HIOW Dementia Alliance. Better together, for dementia support.

Dementia Action Week which this year runs 18th to 24th May, provides an important opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by people living with dementia and those who support them, while also recognising the progress being made locally. This year, Age Concern Hampshire is also marking the launch of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Dementia Alliance which is a new collaborative network focused on strengthening dementia support across the region.

The Alliance brings together people with lived experience, carers, community organisations and local partners, with lived experience at its heart, to improve how dementia support works in everyday life.

By working more closely together, members aim to make it easier for people to find the right information, access appropriate services, and feel better supported within their communities.

At its heart, the Alliance is focused on practical change. It seeks to improve coordination between organisations, reduce confusion when navigating services, and ensure that support is more joined-up and accessible for those who need it most.

Working together to improve dementia support

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Dementia Alliance has been formed around several key priorities:

  • Bringing people and organisations together
  • Sharing information and good practice
  • Improving signposting to support
  • Supporting more joined-up local services

By connecting services and encouraging collaboration, the Alliance aims to build a stronger, more consistent support network for people affected by dementia across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Dementia can affect every aspect of daily life, not just for the person diagnosed but also for their families and carers. One of the key aims of the Alliance is to  reduce the barriers people often face when trying to access help, so that support feels clearer, more connected and easier to reach at the right time.

Brogan Rehill, Head of Strategy, Partnerships & Community Impact at Age Concern Hampshire and spokesperson for the Alliance said:
“The launch of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Dementia Alliance during Dementia Awareness Week reflects a shared commitment to improving everyday experiences for people affected by dementia. By taking a more joined-up approach across organisations and communities, we can help ensure people get the right support at the right time.”

A shared commitment across the region

Dementia Awareness Week is a reminder of the importance of understanding, inclusion and community-based support. The launch of the Alliance builds on this by creating a structure for ongoing collaboration, ensuring that improvements are not only discussed but actively developed and shared across the region.

For communities, this means better communication between services, clearer pathways to support, and a stronger focus on lived experience shaping how services evolve.

Age Concern Hampshire’s role in supporting people affected by dementia

 Age Concern Hampshire is a local independent charity supporting older people across Hampshire. The organisation supports the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Dementia Alliance by helping to coordinate activity and bring partners together, alongside its wider work supporting older people, their families and carers through services and community support.

For further information about the alliance please contact Age Concern Hampshire directly on supporters@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk. You can also find a range of resources by following this link Managing Dementia Care – Age Concern Hampshire

Better support for dementia, through closer collaboration.
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Dementia Alliance connects people, organisations and services to make support easier to find.

Living Well in Later Life – Project Case Study

A group of older people sit in a circle on chair enjoying gentle seated movement exercises

Jemma Saunders is a Community Engagement Officer at Age Concern Hampshire. Working across the New Forest and South Hampshire, Jemma runs a range of social groups supported by dedicated volunteers. These groups provide vital opportunities for older people to come together, stay active, and build friendships in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Jemma has recently completed training with the British Gymnastics Foundation and is working towards accreditation to deliver the Love to Move programme. Love to Move is a gentle, chair-based exercise programme designed to support both physical movement and cognitive function. Delivered to music, the sessions use repetition and rhythm to encourage coordination, mobility and memory.

Jemma is among the first cohort at Age Concern Hampshire to undertake the training. We caught up with Jemma to find out a bit more about the programme and how it will really help those who attend our Social Groups and Care and Wellbeing Centres.

Jemma, can you tell us a bit more about the training you’ve been undertaking?

“The Love to Move course is run by British Gymnastics Foundation. It’s a two-week structured course run by a trainer and I’ve been enjoying it so much. I’ve had lots to learn and at the end of the course as part of my assessment, I had to deliver a Love to Move session to the trainer assessor, putting everything that I’d learnt into practice for a typical exercise session.”

It sounds great, and have you received a specific accreditation at the end of this training?

“Yes. Because it’s run by British Gymnastics Foundation, I will have a Love to Move accreditation meaning I am fully qualified to deliver these sessions in a group setting. This is a coveted accreditation and highly recognised. Not only will it benefit me in my personal professional development, I can already see how much it will benefit those taking the sessions with me. I’ve been running movement sessions for years but the Love to Move programme is a lot more involved and structured.”

So, can you share a little more about what Love to Move actually involves?

“Of course. Love to Move is a seated chair exercise programme. It involves gentle movement of different parts of the body. Individuals can move at their own pace. The session works to music with gentle routines, encouraging cognitive stimulation through slow movement. The programme uses repetitive music and rhythms to encourage muscle memory and familiarity.”

And how do you feel this benefits people taking these sessions?

“The first thing is just how much fun we have as a group. The sessions are full of laughter and I can honestly say that participants have become friends. It’s the kind of activity where you don’t realise just how good it is for you because you’re too busy having such a laugh. The release of serotonin as a result of exercise is really key as that continues to boost the mood long after the session has ended. Furthermore, taking the sessions consistently and regularly helps with staying mobile and building up memory muscle.”

It sounds like you all have a great time. So what would you say to someone who’s perhaps unsure about joining a session?

“That everyone is welcome and just give it a go. What we do is so beneficial not for the body and mind, but also feeling part of something and making friends. It feels so good after and it’s a bit like when we choose to go to the gym or for a run – you never regret it!”

Brogan Rehill, Head of Strategy, Partnerships and Community Impact at Age Concern Hampshire, said:
“This training is a great example of how The National Lottery Community Fund is enabling us to invest in our people as well as the communities we serve. By equipping our staff with specialist skills, we’re able to deliver high-quality, accessible sessions that support older people to stay active, build confidence and remain connected.

Programmes like this play an important role in prevention, helping people maintain their independence for longer while also creating welcoming spaces where friendships and community connections can grow.”

Age Concern Hampshire’s Living Well in Later Life project is a new five-year initiative, supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, helping older people across Hampshire stay active, independent and connected. Delivered through Care and Wellbeing Centres and local community venues, the project offers accessible physical activity and wellbeing sessions focused on improving strength, balance and overall health, while creating valuable social connections to reduce loneliness and isolation.

The Love to Move sessions are now being delivered at our Social Groups across Hampshire and for members attending our Care and Wellbeing Centres.

For details of when are where the Social Groups take place, please visit Social Groups – Age Concern Hampshire

For more information about our Care and Wellbeing Centres, please visit Care & Wellbeing Centres – Age Concern Hampshire

Alternatively, email enquiries@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk or call 01962 868545.

Stepping up for National Feet Week

Support us
This National Health Week, Age Concern Hampshire is highlighting the importance of foot health for older people. Healthy feet are essential for mobility, balance, and overall wellbeing, yet foot problems are often overlooked until they cause discomfort or affect independence.
 
Age Concern Hampshire offers professional foot care services provided by trained foot health practitioners, including foot health checks and toenail cutting. These services help identify potential foot issues early and ensure feet are well cared for, keeping older adults mobile and comfortable.
Support us
 
“Our trained foot health practitioners provide expert care and advice, helping older people maintain healthy feet and independence,” said Michele Ralph, Foot Care Coordinator at Age Concern Hampshire.
 
National Feet Week encourages everyone to monitor their feet and seek professional advice when needed. Age Concern Hampshire’s foot care services offer reassurance, expert guidance, and essential foot care to support wellbeing.
 
To learn more or book an appointment, visit: https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/our-services-hampshire/footcare/ or call 01962 868545.
 
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 

 

Bringing Older People Together Through Social Groups Across Hampshire

SNG Project
Age Concern Hampshire supports older people across the county through a wide range of welcoming social groups designed to reduce loneliness, encourage connection, and support wellbeing.
 
The charity’s social groups provide friendly, inclusive spaces where older people can come together regularly to enjoy conversation, shared activities, and a sense of belonging. People attend for many reasons — to meet new people, stay active, build confidence, or simply enjoy spending time with others in a relaxed and supportive environment.
 
These groups play an important role in helping older people feel connected to their communities and supported as they age. Regular social interaction has been shown to improve wellbeing, confidence, and overall quality of life.
 
SNG Project
 
“Social connection is vital for wellbeing at any stage of later life,” said a spokesperson for Age Concern Hampshire. “Our social groups offer older people the opportunity to build friendships, enjoy positive shared experiences, and feel part of a community where they are welcomed and valued.”
 
Age Concern Hampshire continues to grow its programme of social groups across the county, working in partnership with local organisations and community venues to ensure older people can access support close to where they live. New groups are regularly being developed to respond to local need and increase opportunities for social connection.
 
For more information about Age Concern Hampshire’s social groups, visit www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/our-services-hampshire/social-groups/ or call 01962 868545.
 
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 

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.