Age Concern Hampshire Extends Partnership with SNG to Combat Social Isolation Among Older People

SNG ACH

Age Concern Hampshire is proud to announce the continuation of its valued partnership with SNG (Sovereign Network Group) to deliver social groups aimed at reducing social isolation and improving wellbeing among older people across Basingstoke, Overton, Whitchurch, Fordingbridge, and Totton.

With support from SNG, Age Concern Hampshire will run a variety of social groups that bring people together in safe, welcoming, and engaging environments. The groups focus on physical and mental wellbeing, while creating opportunities for older people to socialise, connect, and build lasting friendships.

The social groups are open to all older people in the local community, as well as residents of the housing schemes. This ensures that everyone has the chance to take part, enjoy the activities, and build connections across the wider community.

Social isolation remains one of the biggest challenges facing older people today. Many experience loneliness due to reduced mobility, limited transport options, or the loss of loved ones. By participating in these social groups, older people can stay active, try new activities such as gentle exercise and creative workshops, and enjoy companionship in a supportive and friendly environment.

 SNG ACH

“We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with SNG,” said Brogan Rehill, Head of Fundraising and Volunteer Services at Age Concern Hampshire. “These social groups make such a difference and help those attending to stay active, build friendships, and feel part of a supportive community. Tackling loneliness and isolation remains at the heart of what we do, and partnerships like this allow us to reach those who might otherwise be left behind. We’d love to expand this model to more supported housing schemes for older people across Hampshire, where around 12% of residents aged 65 and over live in similar settings. By working together, we can ensure even more people benefit from connection, companionship, and a sense of belonging.”

Stevie Chadwick, Community Investment & Partnership Manager at SNG, said: “At SNG, we’re committed to supporting our communities to live well and thrive. We’re proud to continue our partnership with Age Concern Hampshire, whose groups are making a real difference to the lives of our customers. The positive feedback we’ve received from customers has been incredibly heartening; these sessions support them to feel healthier and more connected. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact that meaningful connection and community support can have on wellbeing.”

This partnership is part of Age Concern Hampshire’s ongoing commitment to support older people through social groups, volunteer-led programmes, and community initiatives that promote wellbeing and connection across the county.

Notes to Editors:

Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire provides services to the older community of Hampshire. The charity currently delivers support at its Care & Wellbeing centres throughout the county, as well 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.

Age Concern Hampshire
Centre Way
Locks Heath
Southampton
SO31 6DX

Tel: 01962 868545

For media enquiries, please email Sarah Jacobs, Marketing Manager at Age Concern Hampshire: marketing@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

SNG:

SNG (Sovereign Network Group) is one of the largest housing associations, providing 85,000 homes in areas facing some of the most acute housing need across London and the South of England, with an ambition to build an additional 25,000 homes over the next decade. It was formed on 1 October 2023 through the bringing together of Sovereign Housing Association and Network Homes. 

SNG is a leading builder of affordable homes, including for social rent, and it has a clear pathway to maximise its social and environmental sustainability through its ambitious Homes and Place Standard alongside its planned £100m Community Foundation. 

For more information and any media-related enquiries, please contact us by emailing press.office@sng.org.uk. 

 

 

Age Concern Hampshire Champions Older People’s Wellbeing in Basingstoke and the New Forest

ACH Watercress Line

Alongside other services being delivered by Age Concern Hampshire across the county, the charity is tackling loneliness and supporting the wellbeing of older people in Basingstoke and the New Forest through regular social groups and community activities. With thousands of people aged 50 and above living alone in Basingstoke and the New Forest, local groups help older residents stay active, socially connected, and engaged. Around 18% of households in Basingstoke are single-person, while nearly 30% of New Forest residents are aged 65 or over. Organisations such as Age Concern Hampshire and local wellbeing groups offer activities from gentle walks to lunch clubs, helping combat social isolation and support independent living.

Research shows that regular social interaction supports better mental health in later life, while activities, gentle exercise and time spent outdoors are strongly linked to improved mood and overall wellbeing, principles that shape these groups. Highlighting these benefits, attendees recently enjoyed an excursion on the Watercress Line, Hampshire’s heritage railway, which offered a change of scenery and an opportunity to socialise, stay active and connect with the local community.

Through activities like these, Age Concern Hampshire demonstrates the tangible impact its services have on the physical and mental wellbeing of older people. Volunteers are essential to the charity’s work, supporting activities, outings and social groups, assisting participants and helping ensure events run smoothly. Their commitment enables the charity to reach more people and create meaningful connections across the community, while volunteers gain a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

 ACH Watercress Line ACH Watercress Line

“Our social groups make a real difference to older people’s lives,” said Sarah Jacobs, Marketing Manager at Age Concern Hampshire. “Participants benefit from staying active, meeting new people, and feeling part of their local community, while our volunteers gain an equally rewarding experience contributing to these meaningful connections.”

For more information about social groups, volunteering, or ways your business can get involved, contact Age Concern Hampshire on 01962 868545 or visit ageconcernhampshire.org.uk. Volunteers and local supporters are vital to the charity’s work, helping to run activities, support participants, and create meaningful connections. By giving their time or resources, individuals and businesses can make a real difference in the lives of older people, while also enjoying a rewarding and fulfilling experience and helping strengthen the local community.

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 Sarah Jacobs, Marketing Manager at Age Concern Hampshire: marketing@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk 

Age Concern Hampshire Expands Community Engagement with New Social Groups

SNG Project

Age Concern Hampshire has announced its commitment to expanding connections within more communities and providing activities that enhance wellbeing.

With funding from housing association SNG (Sovereign Network Group) which is acting as an ambassador and match funder of the Hampshire Active Health Programme, the charity will support communities by launching new groups for residents of SNG accommodation in Overton, Whitchurch, Brookvale and Brighton Hill in Basingstoke. These new groups will operate alongside existing social groups in Basingstoke, specifically South Ham, Winklebury, Popley and Kingsclere. 

Each group offers a variety of engaging activities designed to promote movement, social interaction and mental stimulation with weekly activities include games, entertainment sessions and informative talks. These activities create a supportive environment where individuals can share knowledge, experiences, and mutual interests, all while building connections and developing new friendships to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

An active and engaged lifestyle is well-known to benefit brain health. Activities that combine physical, mental, and social elements are particularly valuable, especially 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.

SNG Project

Kim Stone, Community Engagement Officer at Age Concern Hampshire said: “Our weekly social groups provide a lifeline for many people living alone. They offer a regular opportunity to socialise and participate in a variety of fun and interesting activities, which are crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health. To continue and expand this vital support, we need dedicated volunteers to join us in making a positive impact on our community.”

Age Concern Hampshire is seeking dedicated volunteers to support the expansion of its community social groups. Volunteers play a crucial role in facilitating activities, providing companionship, and creating a welcoming environment for participants. Those interested in making a positive impact to communities in Overton, Whitchurch, Brookvale and Brighton Hill should get in touch by calling 01962 868545 or by visiting the website for more information: https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/job/basingstoke-social-group-volunteer-sng/

Notes to Editors:

Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire provides services to the older community of Hampshire. The charity currently delivers support at its Care & Wellbeing centres throughout the county, as well 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.

Age Concern Hampshire
Centre Way
Locks Heath
Southampton
SO31 6DX

Tel: 01962 868545

For media enquiries, please email Sarah Jacobs, Marketing Manager at Age Concern Hampshire: marketing@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

SNG:
SNG (Sovereign Network Group) was formed in October 2023 through the merger of Sovereign and Network Homes.

Our purpose is to provide good, affordable homes: the foundation for a better life, and our vision is thriving communities, over generations.

We provide over 84,000 homes and invest in communities across the South of England, including London, as well as aiming to create thousands of new affordable homes every year.

Everything we earn, we reinvest so that our customers – now and in the future – have a sustainable home in a thriving community.

Hampshire Active Health Programme:

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. Funding has been provided by the Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) from the Department of Health and Social Care, which was specifically allocated to fund public health projects that would address health inequalities arising from the pandemic, and prevention projects that will prevent or mitigate unequal impact on populations in future outbreaks.

Funding applications closed on 20th December 2023. Projects will be running until January 2025.

For further information on the programme please contact grants@energiseme.org
https://www.energiseme.org/funding-support/hampshire-active-health-programme/

Energise Me
Energise Me is a charity that champions physical activity for all in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We work hard to make it easier for everyone to move more. Our goal is to create a happier, healthier and stronger future for local people. We won’t rest until everyone has the confidence, support and opportunity to be active on their own terms.

Funded by Sport England and the National Lottery, we are one of 42 active partnerships who work with partners to create an active nation.

www.energiseme.org