28 April 2026
Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Webinar – Tuesday 21 April 2026
View the presentation slides here
Paths to Recovery: A Collaborative Look at Addictions and Support Services – Tuesday 21 April 2026
This Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Webinar brought together community, voluntary and statutory partners to explore collaborative, lived‑experience‑led approaches to addiction recovery and support services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The session highlighted for the c58 attendees, the vital role of VCFSE organisations in prevention, early intervention and sustaining long‑term recovery.
Angela Gill – HSPN & Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forums Facilitator, Community First
Angela Gill opened the webinar, welcoming participants and outlining the programme.
Tim Houghton – Chief Executive, Community First
Tim Houghton provided a strategic overview of the VCFSE sector’s contribution to health and wellbeing in Hampshire. He emphasised trusted local provision, reaching people least likely to access statutory services, and the use of lived experience and peer support. Tim highlighted neighbourhood health hubs, the Neighbourhood Health Framework, and the importance of sustainable funding to build resilient recovery pathways.
Lynsay Railton – Community Support & Development Lead, Recovery Connections Hampshire
Lynsay Railton presented an in‑depth overview of Recovery Connections Hampshire, a lived‑experience‑led organisation delivering peer support, ambassador programmes and wellbeing activities. She described the growth of regular community groups, increased engagement across Gosport and Havant, and the transformative impact of the Ambassador Programme. The presentation highlighted partnership working, visibility of recovery in communities, reduced isolation, improved mental and physical wellbeing, and the critical role of lived experience in building trust, hope and long‑term recovery.
Ed Brereton – Outreach & Engagement Practitioner, GamCare
Ed Brereton introduced GamCare and explored gambling‑related harms, including local statistics for Hampshire. He discussed the wider impact on families and communities, encouraged professionals to ask direct questions about gambling, and outlined referral pathways, tools and resources. The presentation focused on awareness, early identification and accessible support for those affected by gambling harms.
Kate Riddle – Health Liaison Officers – Solent Region, Alcoholics Anonymous
Kate Riddle provided an overview of Alcoholics Anonymous, its history, principles and effectiveness. They addressed common myths about alcoholism, explained how AA operates locally and nationally, and shared evidence from NICE guidance and the Cochrane Review supporting peer‑led recovery. The presentation emphasised AA as a free, accessible, community‑based resource that complements clinical treatment and supports sustained sobriety.
Forthcoming Events & Webinars
- 12 May 2026(13:00–14:00): Hampshire & Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network Webinar – “Supporting Young People to Thrive: Community‑based Approaches”.
- 25 June 2026(12:45–15:00): South East Hampshire Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum – Networking and Showcase Event, Bedhampton Community Centre.
- 2 July 2026(13:00–14:00): Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Webinar – “Building a Healthier Future for Women: Screening, Strategy and Support”.
Contact Information
Katy Ovens
Health Forums Officer, Community First
Email: healthforums@cfirst.org.uk
Website: www.cfirst.org.uk