8 October 2024
East Hampshire & Havant Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum – Tuesday 1 October 2024
Presentation slides are available here
The East Hampshire and Havant Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum’s annual ‘Showcase and Networking’ event was held on Tuesday 1 October 2024. The nearly 60 attendees and c20 Market Stalls – represented a wide range of local organisations.
Following on from attendees being welcomed, Community First’s Chief Executive, Tim Houghton, provided a Community & Voluntary Sector update. He began by explaining how Community First support VCSE organisations, highlighting that Positive Pathways in Havant had secured another 5 year’s lottery funding Havant Positive Pathways – Community First (cfirst.org.uk) and that Community First’s Woolmer Forest Timebank continues to grow in Whitehill, Bordon Woolmer Forest Timebank
Tim continued by clarifying how mobility is key to keeping people physically and mentally active. He demonstrated how Community First’s Transport Connect services in Havant, enables people to remain socially active Connect Havant – Community First (cfirst.org.uk) & East Hampshire Connect East Hampshire – Community First (cfirst.org.uk) (Tim also said that HCC is now proposing to retain funding for community transport which is good news.)
Other ways that Community First continues to deliver services that reduce isolation and promote better health at the Leigh Park and Clanfield Community Centres were shared: Leigh Park Centre – Community First (cfirst.org.uk) and Clanfield Centre. Tim then spoke of the challenging times that many organisations are experiencing – describing a range of funding opportunities. Tim went on to discuss Hampshire’s ‘Live Longer Better Forum’ and newsletter – also about the Hampshire Dementia Alliance – contact brogan.rehill@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk for more information.
Next, was an explanation about Havant’s Active Wellbeing Strategy; there will be a consultation launching mid-October and an event planned for 16th November. Finally, Tim promoted the Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network Webinar (Wednesday 9 October, 1-2pm) on the very important topic of ‘Dying Matters and Bereavement Support’.
Janie Millerchip, Transformation Project Lead, Hampshire and IoW NHS, began by explaining about the new branding, the renewed future ambition, progress with the reorganisation and also pressure on hospital services across the area including QA hospital. Janie then reminded attendees to have a flu jab. She discussed the Community Pod at the Horizon Drop-in Hub, Meridian Centre and provided an update on the broad health and wellbeing and finance related short course entitled Your Future, Your Health – in Havant www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/publichealth/yourfutureyourhealth
Next Janie discussed the Wessex Cancer Alliance – mentioning a new initiative to tackle Oesophageal Cancer – potential location suggestions are welcomed. This was followed by a description of the Whole Systems Approach to healthy weight/lifestyle in Havant. Finally, Janie concluded by showing a JSNA graph, mapping obesity prevalence for adults (18+) in the Havant area.
Finally, a Home & Well presentation, was delivered by Stephanie Bradbeer, Home and Well Adviser, Citizens Advice Havant. Stephanie explained the history, aims of the award-winning Home & Well project and also how it is developing.
Stephanie then illustrated the correlation between fuel poverty and ill health via a flow diagram graphic, giving advice about how to spot fuel poverty in the home or in the person. Next Stephanie clarified who can be referred and what the referral routes are, demonstrating the simple to complete, Home & Well Referral Form – concluding by explaining what happens once a Home & Well referral is made.
Attendees were then invited to network and/or to engage with those represented on Market Stalls. This was followed by the ever-popular ‘1 Minute Updates’ for those present.
The ‘Showcase and Networking’ event was concluded by the contributors, market stall-holders, supporters (including Havant Borough Council) and attendees, all being thanked and by confirming the next Health & Wellbeing Forum (Webinar) dates and times:-
Thursday 21 November, 1-2pm (The Value of Volunteering)
Thursday 13 February 2025, 1-2pm
For more information, please contact Jane Bray:- healthforums@cfirst.org.uk