Care and Wellbeing Centres Archives - Age Concern Hampshire

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.

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

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.

“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

Care and Wellbeing Centres Dementia Care Dementia Care Hampshire dementia support early access to care

Lockswood Care & Wellbeing Centre was Dedicated in Memory of Former Board Member Dr Colin Godber OBE

Age Concern Hampshire hosted a special dedication ceremony at the Lockswood Care and Wellbeing Centre in Locks Heath to honour the life and legacy of the late Dr Colin Godber OBE, whose long-standing passion for older people and community wellbeing shaped services across the county and beyond.

The event, which took place on 2nd October, saw the official dedication of the Lockswood Care and Wellbeing Centre in Dr Godber’s memory, including the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. Members of his family, trustees, the local mayor, and invited guests attended the ceremony, honouring a legacy of dedication to the care and wellbeing of older people.

Dr Godber, who served as a consultant in old age psychiatry in Hampshire for over three decades, was known not only for his clinical expertise but also for his kindness, integrity, and deep commitment to patient care. A pioneer in community-based services, he helped shape modern approaches to elderly mental health and mentored a generation of practitioners.

After retiring from the NHS, Dr Godber once again immersed himself in the practical challenges of budgeting, contracts, and service provision as a voluntary board member of Age Concern Hampshire, bringing thoughtful dedication to every aspect of his role.

“Colin’s lifelong commitment to improving the lives of older people was evident in all he did,” said Helen Callen, Chair of the Board of Directors at Age Concern Hampshire. “He gave his time, knowledge and heart to this organisation and the wider community. Dedicating our Lockswood Centre in his memory was a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy will benefit generations to come.”

The dedication ceremony included reflections from colleagues, trustees, and family members, recognising not only Dr Godber’s professional achievements but also the kindness and dedication he showed throughout his life.

For more information about Age Concern Hampshire and the support it provides to older people across the county, please contact the charity on 01962 868545 or visit www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk. The charity delivers practical and person-centred services that promote independence, wellbeing and connection both at home and within the community, helping older people to live safely and confidently in later life.

Editor’s Notes:

Age Concern Hampshire

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

Colin Godber (OBE)

Dr Colin Godber was awarded an OBE in 2000 for services to elderly mentally ill people. He served as a consultant in old age psychiatry from 1973 to 2005 and played a key role in shaping elderly mental health services in Hampshire.

He was a founding member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Group for the Psychiatry of Old Age, which later became the Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry. Together with colleagues including Tom Arie, Zoe Slattery, and John Wattis, as well as geriatricians John Brocklehurst and Bernard Isaacs, he successfully campaigned for old age psychiatry to be recognised as a specialty by the Department of Health in 1989.

He volunteered with Age Concern Hampshire from 2005 until shortly before his passing in September 2024.

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-bulletin/article/colin-godber-md-frcpsych-frcp-obe/A8BC6ED6FE78B9D62A314FFA84DD829C

Care and Wellbeing Centres Charity Event Dedication

Helping Older People in Hampshire Live and Age Well

Age Concern Hampshire offer a varied range of options to support older people in the county to live and age well.

The charity’s Care and Wellbeing Centres make a significant difference to the lives of older individuals by providing vital services that promote health, wellbeing, social connection and independence.

Maintaining physical activity, mental engagement, and social connections becomes increasingly important as we age, playing a key role in supporting overall health and wellbeing. Age Concern Hampshire’s wellbeing groups and Care and Wellbeing Centres offer a variety of stimulating activities and a welcoming environment designed to nurture both mind and body.

Loneliness and social isolation remain significant challenges for many older people, particularly those living alone. The charity addresses this through its Care and Wellbeing Centres, which offer safe, friendly spaces where individuals can build friendships, share meals, and take part in meaningful activities.

In addition, the Help at Home service offers practical in-home support with everyday tasks such as cleaning, shopping, and companionship. This enables older people to maintain their independence, remain in the comfort of their own homes, and reduce feelings of isolation.

Family carers also benefit from tailored day care services at the Care & Wellbeing Centres, including specialist support for those caring for loved ones living with dementia. These services offer much-needed respite and peace of mind.

Each centre also offers a professional foot care service, which provides professional toenail cutting and basic foot health checks. Delivered by fully qualified Foot Health Practitioners, the service is available at various locations across Hampshire as well as at our centres, supporting mobility, comfort and overall independence for older people.

“Our mission is to support older people across Hampshire to live well and age well,” said Una Davey, Head of Commercial at Age Concern Hampshire. “Through a wide range of services including Care and Wellbeing Centres, Foot Care, Help at Home and Wellbeing Services, we aim to promote independence, reduce isolation and improve quality of life for individuals and their families.”

For more information, please contact Age Concern Hampshire at 01965 868545 or visit https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

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 Lucy Wheeler, Marketing Manager at Age Concern Hampshire: marketing@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk