Partnership between SNG and Age Concern Hampshire Launches New Social Groups in the New Forest

Age Concern Hampshire, a charity founded in 1985, is pleased to announce the expansion of its social groups into the New Forest. Through a partnership with Sovereign Network Group (SNG), the charity will establish new groups for residents in selected SNG New Forest schemes. This initiative is made possible through funding from Hampshire County Council and support from the physical activity charity, Energise Me.

The first phase of this expansion was successfully implemented in Basingstoke, and the second phase is set to commence in early autumn. This will extend the program to various locations throughout the New Forest area and will run until early 2025.

The project aims to promote a happier, healthier, and stronger future for local communities by making it easier for everyone to engage in social and physical activities. Regular physical activity has been proven to support both physical and mental health, and it is essential for individuals to strive to be active every day. This is especially important for those facing health inequalities, who are less likely to participate in physical activities and therefore at a higher risk of long-term health conditions and mental health challenges.

To support this expansion, Age Concern Hampshire is actively seeking dedicated volunteers to help grow its community social groups. Volunteers will play a vital role in leading activities, providing companionship, and creating a welcoming environment for participants. Those interested in making a positive impact in their community can call 01962 868545 or visit the charity’s website for more information.

Marta Rios, Community Investment and Partnerships Manager at SNG, expressed the organization’s vision to provide better quality homes and develop resilient and thriving communities. She also highlighted the strong link between health and housing and how the partnership with Energise Me and Age Concern Hampshire is part of their investment of £100 million in communities.

Emily Khural, Health Manager at Energise Me, expressed her pleasure in supporting SNG’s mission to bring accessible and enjoyable physical activity to their older residents. She emphasized the importance of physical, mental, and social benefits that come from being physically active.

Brogan Rehill, Head of Fundraising and Volunteer Services for Age Concern Hampshire, expressed the charity’s excitement to work with SNG to support older residents within their Housing for Older Persons (HOP) Schemes. She explained that the social groups offer attendees the perfect opportunity to interact with others while enjoying fun activities, entertainment, and physical activities, as well as accessing other services with guest speakers and attendees.

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.

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

Energise Me:

Energise Me is a charity that champions physical activity for all in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The organization is working towards making it easier for everyone to move more and creating a happier, healthier, and stronger future for local people. Funded by Sport England and the National Lottery, Energise Me is one of 42 Active Partnerships working with partners to create an active nation.