10 December 2025
Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network Webinar – December 2025
82 members of the Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network attended the above informative webinar – which brought together experts and practitioners to explore integrated approaches to ageing well, focusing on frailty and social isolation.
Full presentation available here
Below are the presenters, with summaries of their presentations:
Angela Gill – Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network, Facilitator, Community First, welcomed attendees and provided an overview of the programme, setting the context for the presentations around frailty and social isolation related matters, such as transport.
Tim Houghton – Chief Executive, Community First
- Highlighted challenges in funding and volunteer recruitment despite growing demand.
- Shared data: 1.16 million fewer volunteers aged 50+ in 2024 compared to 2019.
- Emphasized collaboration to address gaps in mental health, obesity, smoking cessation, and ageing well.
- Discussed strategies for unlocking funding through grants, lottery, and local initiatives.
- Provided resources for training and volunteer support.
Abbie Twaits – Senior Public Health Practitioner, Hampshire County Council (Adults’ Health and Care)
- Introduced the national ‘Live Longer Better’ movement promoting physical activity for healthy ageing.
- Presented evidence that disability and dependency can be delayed through lifestyle changes.
- Addressed barriers such as taboo topics (continence), risk aversion, and lack of sustainable solutions.
- Shared examples of community initiatives across Hampshire (e.g., Falls Friends Champions, seated yoga, Zumba Gold).
- Encouraged professionals to access resources and join the movement.
Dr Esther Clift – Consultant Practitioner in Acute Frailty, Isle of Wight NHS Trust & Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
- Defined frailty as a long-term condition characterized by loss of resilience.
- Explained causes: age-related deterioration, poor diet, inactivity, and mental health issues.
- Advocated for early identification and intervention using Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment.
- Promoted realistic medicine and countering societal ageism.
Fabian Cook – Head of Transport and Mobility, Community First
- Outlined the role of transport in enabling access and fostering social connections.
- Shared social value impact: over £1 million in annual benefits through reduced healthcare costs, increased volunteering, and improved independence.
- Presented case studies demonstrating positive outcomes for older adults.
Forthcoming Events & Webinars
- Tuesday 10 February 2026 (1–2 pm) – Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Webinar: ‘Weight Management in the 21st Century: Nutrition, Innovation and Medical Intervention’.
- Wednesday 11 March 2026 (9:30 am–2:30 pm) – Social Prescribing Networking and Showcase Celebration Event (Vineyard Church, Winchester).
- NB Social Prescribing Day is Thursday 26 March 2026.
For more information, please contact Katy Ovens at healthforums@cfirst.org.uk