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 

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 

Age Concern Hampshire Rolls Out Four New Minibuses to Support Older People

Age Concern Hampshire Minibuses

Age Concern Hampshire is thrilled to unveil four brand-new minibuses, a vital upgrade to its transport fleet. These vehicles are set to enhance the charity’s mission of supporting older people who face challenges reaching the Care and Wellbeing Centres on their own or with the help of family and friends. 

Designed for accessibility and comfort, the minibuses feature tail lifts for effortless boarding and are staffed by trained passenger assistants to ensure every journey is safe and comfortable. This new fleet represents a critical investment in providing affordable, reliable transport, enabling individuals to access the care and connection they need.

The charity’s Care and Wellbeing Centres offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to the unique needs of older adults. From personalised care and mobility support to specialist dementia care and engaging activities, the centres aim to promote independence and overall wellbeing. For families and carers, these services provide much-needed respite, offering peace of mind and support. 

Age Concern Hampshire Minibuses

Hannah Park, Head of Operations at Age Concern Hampshire said ‘Our staff and the older people we support, are very excited to start making good use of the new minibuses! They will make a real difference to those that ACH support’ 

This exciting milestone reinforces Age Concern Hampshire’s commitment to supporting older communities. For more information about their transport services and care options, please visit Age Concern Hampshire’s website: https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/care-and-wellbeing-services-hampshire/ or call 01962 868545. 

Note to Editors: 

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 Help at Home, Information via their 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