7 May 2024

Fareham and Gosport Voluntary Sector Health Forum Webinar – 01 May 24

View the full presentation here

The (virtual) Fareham and Gosport Voluntary Sector Health Forum was held on Wednesday 1 May 2024 – with c33 attendees. Following on from attendees being welcomed, Community First’s Chief Executive, Tim Houghton, provided a Community & Voluntary Sector update. He began by describing the challenging times that many organisations are experiencing – emphasising the funding and volunteer support that Community First and Gosport Voluntary Action (GVA) provide.  

Tim went on to highlight Community First’s Healthy Walks and their Transport & Shopmobility services – including the Gosport & Fareham ‘Tea & Tiffin’. The presentation continued by Tim describing the positive impact of Community First’s High Intensity User (preventative) Service. He shared information & links about Mental Health Awareness Week, about HCC’s Sensory Walks and the Household Support Grant. 

Tim then provided an update on behalf of Gosport Voluntary Action – which began with information about a new Menopause Together Group, moving on to ‘Sofa to Saddle’ and Lee – ICANGO updates. GVA’s supporting role for the 3 local organisations participating in ‘Hampshire Communities for People and Planet’ was mentioned. The HCC funded project focuses upon listening to underserved communities re climate action and resilience.  

GVA’s Gosport’s Ukrainian Hub has secured 1-year ‘Awards for All’ funding. May’s Ukraine Dress Day was emphasised – including Gosport’s celebration event on 11 May. GVA’s ICB commissioned Core20PLUS5 Health Inequalities Report for Fareham & Gosport has been completed and GVA are currently looking for Advocacy volunteers. The next Bringing Gosport Together event  will be held on Wednesday 22 May, 12-2pm, at Waterfront Baptist Church, Gosport. Tim concluded by announcing that GVA & Community First are in discussion re a proposed merger by 1 October 2024. 

Next, Jenny Bowers, Autism Principle Public Health Intelligence Specialist, Adults’ Health & Care, Hampshire County Council introduced ‘Your Future Your Health’ a programme targeting those 30-60 years, in key Gosport wards. Funded for 3 years – 4 week, skills, health & wellbeing programmes will be delivered via GVA and Gosport Discovery Centre.  

 

Colin Beevor, Matron, Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist and Service Manager, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust began by describing the different types of arthritis, also relating to age, the Self-Care Continuem, the 5 Symptoms of Patients, Polypharmacy, community support and signposting. Colin concluded by referring to ARMA – the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance. 

Finally, Clare Kavanagh, Engagement Lead, Xyla Health & Wellbeing began by discussing the Diabetes Prevention Programme and the Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission. Clare defined Prediabetes and Gestational Diabetes, highlighting potential complications, the patient pathway, signposting and also May’s National Diabetes Prevention Week. 

 

The (virtual) Fareham and Gosport Voluntary Sector Health Forum ended by the contributors and attendees being thanked and by confirming the next Health Forum ‘Networking and Showcase’ (face to face) event date and time as follows:- 

10.30am-12.30pm, Thursday 12 September 2024  

Gosport Town Hall, Council Chambers, High Street, Gosport, PO12 1EB   

 

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