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

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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.

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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 

Helping Older People in Hampshire Live and Age Well

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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.

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