4 December 2025
Fareham and Gosport Voluntary Sector Health Forum: Networking and Showcase Event 2025
50 members of the Fareham and Gosport Voluntary Sector Health Forum attended the ‘Networking and Showcase Event’ at Nimrod Community Centre which ran from 10:15am to c12:30pm, on Thursday 27 November 2025.
The event, coordinated by Community First, brought together voluntary sector organisations, health and wellbeing professionals, and community partners – to share updates, foster collaboration, and showcase services that support local residents. It featured 3 presentations, networking & update opportunities for attendees.
The full presentation can be found here
Introduction
Leigh Rampton, Chief Executive, Rowner Community Trust (RCT)
Leigh opened the ‘Networking and Showcase Event’ by welcoming attendees – providing a brief update about RCT and its future developments.
Angela Gill – Health Forum Facilitator, Community First
Angela continued by outlining the Agenda for the Health Forum.
Tim Houghton – Chief Executive, Community First
Tim provided a strategic perspective on the voluntary and community sector (VCSE). His presentation focused on current challenges such as difficulty in securing funding and recruiting volunteers despite rising demand for services. He discussed sector trends including a decline in volunteers aged 50+ since 2019 and oversubscribed grant funding streams. Tim stressed opportunities for collaboration to unlock new funding, demonstrate the sector’s role in preventing health deterioration, and align with initiatives like Hampshire & IoW VCSE Health and Care Alliance.
Angela Gould – Coordinator, Age Concern Gosport
Angela showcased Age Concern Gosport’s services for older adults (55+) and their carers, including form filling and information services for Attendance Allowance, Blue Badge, Carers Allowance, and PIP applications. She highlighted outreach talks on financial entitlements and planning for future care, plus volunteer opportunities. Angela shared 2024 statistics showing over £392,000 secured in benefits for clients and 632 volunteer hours contributed, demonstrating the charity’s impact.
Justin Strain – Consultant Physiotherapist (Pain Management), Hampshire & IoW Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Justin introduced the South West Hampshire Pain Management Service and its ethos: helping people ‘live their best life’ despite persistent pain. He explained pain as an alarm system, its physiological basis, and its impact on behavior and wellbeing. Justin emphasized coping strategies, reflecting on personal values, and taking small steps toward meaningful goals. He also described the multidisciplinary approach involving physiotherapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses, and people with lived experience, and shared details of local pain support groups in Gosport, Fareham, and Southampton.
Conclusion
Upcoming Events & Webinars:
- 9 Dec 2025 (1–2pm): Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network Webinar – ‘Addressing Frailty and Social Isolation’.
- 10 Feb 2026 (1–2pm): Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Webinar – ‘Weight Management in the 21st Century’.
- 11 Mar 2026 (9:30am–2:30pm): ‘Networking & Showcase Celebration Event’ – Vineyard Church, Winchester.
Closing Remarks
Attendees were encouraged to stay connected and continue fostering partnerships to enhance community wellbeing.
Here is what a few attendees said they value most about the ‘Networking and Showcase’ event and their membership…
“Connecting with so many groups and organisations and understanding focusing on common goals.”
“Networking- hearing updates from others and potential new funding.”
“Meeting like-minded organisations.”
For more information or to register contact Katy Ovens, Health Forums Officer: healthforums@cfirst.org.uk