9 June 2025
East Hampshire and Havant Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum Networking and Showcase Event – 5th June 2025
The East Hampshire and Havant Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum, in collaboration with the Alton Wellbeing Partnership, hosted a vibrant Networking and Showcase Event aimed at fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and highlighting local initiatives that support community wellbeing. The event brought together voluntary sector organisations, local government representatives, and community members to network, share updates, and explore partnership opportunities.
View the full presentation
The agenda included keynote presentations, a showcase of local services, and a tour of the Acorn Community Centre. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with market stalls and participate in networking sessions.
Presentation Summaries
Angela Gill – Community First (Facilitator)
Angela welcomed attendees, provided housekeeping information, and outlined the agenda for the day. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and community engagement in achieving health and wellbeing goals.
Tim Houghton – Chief Executive, Community First
Tim provided a strategic overview of the voluntary and community sector’s role in health and wellbeing. Key highlights included:
– The impact of devolution and local government reorganisation in Hampshire.
– The role of HIVCA (Hampshire & IoW VCSE Health and Care Alliance) in strengthening ties between the voluntary sector and the Integrated Care Board (ICB).
– Updates on Havant Place-Based Partnership and initiatives like Connect to Work, Positive Pathways, and community transport services.
– Resources for local collaboration and support, including Havant Connects and East Hants Connects.
Becky Roper – Deputy Service Manager, Stop Domestic Abuse
Becky delivered a comprehensive presentation on the services provided by Stop Domestic Abuse, including:
– A history of the organisation and its evolution.
– Refuge services across Hampshire, Portsmouth, and Southampton, supporting women, children, and diverse groups.
– Dispersed Safe Accommodation for individuals unable to access traditional refuges.
– Community-based support, including Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) and outreach.
– Stalking Advocacy, Children and Young People’s Services, and Adult Group Work programmes.
– Behaviour Change Services such as Up2U and My Choice.
– Specialised projects addressing mental health, target hardening, harmful cultural practices, and community ambassador training.
Hannah Haynes – Economic Development Officer / Youth Hub Manager, Havant Borough Council
Hannah introduced the Link Up Youth Hub, a service supporting 16–24-year-olds in Havant to access employment, training, and education. Key points included:
– Support for over 500 young people, with 360 moving into employment.
– Focus on health and wellbeing, confidence and motivation, and skills development.
– Programmes such as Empower You, Get Ready to Work, and Steps to Work.
– Innovative approaches like Reverse Recruitment, YES Havant Placements, and Youth Guaranteed Interviews.
– On-site services including a food bank and mental health support.
Additional Highlight
– After thanking those involved, there was an announcement of upcoming 2025–26 Forum Webinars and Events, including topics on social prescribing, carer support, and ageing well.
The next Webinar being Building Brighter Futures: Empowering People Through Employment, 1-2pm, Wednesday 11 June.
For more information, contact Jane Bray: healthforums@cfirst.org.uk
Closing Remarks
Attendees were encouraged to stay connected and continue fostering partnerships to enhance community wellbeing.
Here is what a few attendees said after the ‘Networking and Showcase’ event…
“These events are fantastic especially in person”
“I really value the connection and collaboration, and building support networks for people”
“We’d like more of these, can’t get too much of a good thing!”
“Such a good opportunity to find out about other organisations and share information”
“We value the introductions to community and county-wide organisations and information regarding services, collaboration, and funding opportunities – nothing could have been better!