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Aim: To offer wellbeing and social activities to older people at social groups to enable them to live well for longer in the community.
Age Concern Hampshire is proud to be celebrating 40 years of caring for older people across Hampshire since 1985 and we continue to evolve to ensure we support them to live well independently for longer. We use our knowledge and experience to respond to the needs of local people throughout their ageing journey.
The organisation has been providing services to the older community of Hampshire since 1985. The charity currently deliver support at our Care & Wellbeing Centres throughout the county, as well as Help at Home, Information Hub services offering free information, Foot care clinics, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteers and a variety of other activities. Our family of staff and volunteers come from all walks of life to offer friendship, support and information to our service users.
ACH offer support to older people across Hampshire to ensure they are equipped with information, services and opportunities to live well and age well. We know that social engagement plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving their health. As individuals age, social connections become increasingly important for their overall well-being, having a significant impact on mental health, cognitive function, and physical health. Many older people face challenges that can lead to social isolation, potentially resulting in depression, anxiety, and other health issues.
As a long standing, independent organisation in Hampshire, we have created a trusted brand in which service users work with us to co-design impactful solutions. ACH free social groups are tried and tested and consistently receive positive feedback which reiterates the importance for older people to come out, socialise with others and get involved in stimulating activities. Our opportunities open the doors for attendees to create social connections which provide a sense of belonging, purpose, and support to alleviate stress, depression, and anxiety. These social interactions can also help stimulate our brains and help us maintain our cognitive function.
In the pilot phase (June 2024 – Feb 2025) of this project found that through attendance to the groups:
- nearly 50% of attendees felt more engaged within the community
- 74% were more physically active due to the light exercise sessions incorporated into the groups,
- More than 80% felt more confident in socialising with new connections,
- 30% of attendees went on to access further support and information.
Our groups also play a pivotal role in improving physical health among those who attend. The activities offered are not just fun but are also structured to enhance mobility, balance, and strength. Engaging in group exercises fosters social interaction, making workouts both enjoyable and beneficial.
ACH are seeking external funding support to help us continue to offer Social Groups to older people across the area. The groups were previously funded a variety of grants and statutory contributions although due to cuts, these have ended. ACH would like to fund the costs associated with the groups internally instead of putting fees to vulnerable older people attending as this will mean many could not afford it.
ACH seek funding support to continue to run groups from this venue for the remainder of the year to cover costs of coordination, support, recruitment, training and refreshments for attendees.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 20th August 2025 at 7:48am