Alton Health and Wellbeing Partnership – 3 September 2024

Click here to view the presentation slides

Alton Health and Wellbeing Partnership came together virtually on Tuesday 3 September for a webinar focussed on Living Longer Better – with c26 attendees.

Following on from being welcomed, Community First’s Chief Executive, Tim Houghton, provided a Community & Voluntary Sector update. Community First continues to support VCSE organisations that deliver health and wellbeing.  The sector’s priorities are funding and volunteers, and the Community Development Workers in support of Alton are Jane Linford and Gary Davis.

Tim went on to say that members may also wish to join the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network which has confirmed funding until 2026 – do contact healthforums@cfirst.org.uk to join.

Tim emphasised how important mobility is for everyone, and the role Community First plays in helping people get out and about and remain socially connected via their Transport Connect services in East Hampshire https://www.cfirst.org.uk/community-transport/call-go-and-dial-a-ride/call-go-east-hampshire/

He finished by advising of several important grant opportunities, including the extension to the Household Support Grant.

Sara Owen, Public Health Practitioner (Older People) provided a comprehensive and interesting presentation on Living Longer Better. Hampshire County Council wants everyone to enjoy their later life as much as possible, so they have joined the national revolution to Live Longer Better. With local demographic information, there were updates on how to better manage the risks due to falls, incontinence and reduced mobility. Information and downloadable leaflets are available on the Live Longer Better website https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/publichealth/livelongerbetter

Sara advised that East Hants District Council is working hard on a Community of Practice bid to take forward important local priorities. Monika Legg is leading, and in terms of engagement and co-production with older people, she will be looking at groups 65+ in Alton area who are interested in taking part in co-production. If you have any suggestions, please contact monika.legg@easthants.gov.uk

Partnership members were then invited to provide updates. Emilia Barnett, Social Prescriber, advised of a new Andy’s Mans Club and a women’s social group, which is so popular another may be started. A QUIZ in aid of Christans Against Poverty Alton – Friday 27th September 7.30-9.30pm at Alton Maltings, Wesley Hall (downstairs). Contact catherinebrown@capuk.org

Hugh Bethell advised the Active Alton Working Group has produced a directory of all the exercise, physical activity opportunities and venues in the GU34 area. The directory is shown on the Alton Town Council website and is printed as a booklet available at the library, community centre, doctors’ surgeries etc. They are preparing the 3rd edition which will be printed in November and are looking for funding which Community First might be able to help with.

Lisa Hillan updated the meeting regarding the Alton Community Exchange which launched in June 2024 and had its inaugural meeting in July. It is focussed on getting things done and bringing greater vibrancy to the community through face to face meetings of groups, organisations, charities, clubs. Lisa also mentioned The Kings Arms which supports young people who have struggled post Covid. A programme called Empower will take place at Eggars School in Alton supporting non-attending pupils up to and through their GCSEs. Lisa is also supporting the Alms Houses locally.

Sandy Belfitt, Community Action Isle of Wight, has been working with the ICB on their Women’s Health Hubs and a new survey will be issued on the Your Voice Your Health website from 6 September to 6 October focussing on menopause and menstruation. Workshops and community events will also take place.

Beth Benning advised that Havant and East Hants Mind have 2 peer support groups in Alton on a Monday. Referral needed to our service to access these which can be done on their website or by calling 02392 498916.

The (virtual) Alton Health and Wellbeing Partnership ended by the contributors and attendees being thanked and by confirming the next virtual webinar which will take place:

1-2pm, Tuesday 10 December 2024

For more information, please contact Jane Bray:- healthforums@cfirst.org.uk