Alton Wellbeing Partnership Webinar: Living With and Beyond Cancer

View the presentation slides here

The Alton Wellbeing Partnership webinar took place on Tuesday 4 March – with 15 attendees. Following on from attendees being welcomed, Tim Houghton, Community First’s Chief Executive, provided a Community & Voluntary Sector update.

Tim provided updates on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Voluntary Community Alliance (HIVCA) and the Integrated Care Board (ICB), emphasizing the importance of voluntary sector involvement and the ICB’s priorities for supporting frail populations, winter pressures, and vaccination strategies.

The work of Age Concern Hampshire in establishing the Hampshire Dementia Alliance was highlighted, which aims to support people with dementia and foster effective partnership working. Tim emphasised the importance of carer support and signposted two organizations, Carers Together and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, which provide resources and support for carers.

The East Hampshire Volunteer Fair was held by Community First in Alton in February, which showcased 28 organisations and provided opportunities for people to learn about volunteering and there are Community First initiatives at the Clanfield Centre, including a men’s group called “Tea with Tony” and other activities aimed at reducing social isolation and promoting social connectedness.

Funding Opportunities: Tim highlighted various grant opportunities, including those from the Prudence Trust, Bailey Thomas, and the National Lottery Community Fund, and he mentioned the importance of using AI to improve funding bids.

Thrive Tribe: Charmian shared her experience as a cancer survivor and introduced the Thrive Tribe, a peer support group for women impacted by cancer, which focuses on positive activities and socialising. The aim is to provide a community where they can engage in positive and enjoyable activities together and it focuses on uplifting and empowering activities such as jewelry workshops, quizzes, mocktail tastings, social outings, and walks, aiming to reduce isolation and provide support. The group meets once a month on a Tuesday evening at Cassidy’s bar in Alton, which provides the space free of charge. Meetings are free to attend. Charmian plans to alternate between Zoom and face-to-face meetings to accommodate those who may not feel well enough to attend in person, ensuring continued connection and support.

Cancer Rehab Program: Pauline Rafferty presented the cancer rehab program at the Basingstoke and Alton Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre, which offers personalized exercise programs for cancer patients to improve physical function and reduce fatigue. The cancer rehab program was launched in September 2023 and aims to improve physical function and reduce fatigue in cancer patients.

Pauline outlined the various health programs offered at the centre, including cardiac rehab, stairwell (preventative), steady and strong (frailty), pulmonary rehab, long COVID program, and the new cancer rehab program.

The centre offers a range of exercise classes, including circuit training, independent gym sessions, special programs, standing and seated classes, Tai Chi, outdoor classes, and online sessions, all supervised by qualified instructors.

The Webinar ended by contributors and attendees being thanked and by confirming the next date and time as follows:- 10.30am-12.30pm Thursday 5 June – Networking and Markeplace meeting East Hampshire Area – Venue tbc

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