21 May 2026

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network Webinar – 12 May 2026

View the presentation slides here

 

Supporting Young People to Thrive: Community‑Based Approaches 

This Hampshire & Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network webinar focused on how community‑based, voluntary and digital approaches can support young people to thrive. The session explored prevention, early intervention and inclusive practice, highlighting how social prescribing connects young people with trusted community support, education alternatives, digital mental health services and specialist substance misuse provision. 

 

Welcome and Programme Review 

Angela Gill opened the webinar, welcoming the c80 participants and outlining the programme. 

 

Tim Houghton – Chief Executive, Community First 

Tim Houghton presented a voluntary and community sector perspective, emphasising that prevention and wellbeing start in communities, not clinics. He explained social prescribing as a bridge between health, education, families and community support, providing early, non‑clinical, strengths‑based and flexible responses without stigma, thresholds or long waiting times.

Tim highlighted the essential role of voluntary organisations in offering trusted relationships, safe and familiar community spaces and support that feels human rather than institutional. He demonstrated how this approach builds belonging, confidence and participation, strengthening outcomes for young people and reducing pressure across the wider system. 

 

Alex Thakore – Head of Alternative Education, Oarsome Chance 

Alex Thakore introduced Oarsome Chance, a registered Hampshire charity providing trauma‑aware Alternative Education Provision and Community Engagement for young people with SEND. He outlined the organisation’s mission to help young people ‘Feel Safe, Belong and Achieve’, using personalised, relational programmes that blend vocational learning, wellbeing and personal development.

Alex described Oarsome Chance’s three core provision areas: Oarsome Foundations (pre‑16 alternative provision focused on exclusion prevention and transitions), Oarsome Pathways (post‑16 specialist provision supporting preparation for adulthood, vocational training, functional skills, wellbeing and enrichment), and Oarsome Community (out‑of‑school and holiday programmes reducing barriers to participation). He shared impact data showing improved wellbeing, educational progression, qualification achievement and successful transitions back into education and employment pathways. 

 

Carly Seymour – Engagement Lead, Kooth 

Carly Seymour presented Kooth, a free, safe and anonymous digital mental health service for young people aged 11–25. She explained that Kooth requires no referrals, waiting lists or thresholds, offering 24/7 access to self‑help resources, moderated peer support and scheduled 1:1 chats with fully qualified practitioners.

Carly outlined Kooth’s stepped support pathways aligned to the iTHRIVE framework, ranging from self‑guided support to structured and complex‑needs interventions. She highlighted the platform’s commitment to safeguarding, cultural competence and inclusion, showing how digital mental health services contribute to prevention, early intervention and support outside traditional service hours while complementing CAMHS and wider community provision. 

 

Julie Poling – Service Manager, Catch22 (Hampshire 24/7) 

Julie Poling introduced Hampshire 24/7, Catch22’s county‑wide substance misuse service for young people under 25. She explained the service’s harm‑reduction approach, providing one‑to‑one support, targeted early intervention, structured treatment and a 24‑hour helpline for young people.

Julie clarified what the service does and does not offer, stressing voluntary engagement, non‑judgemental practice and young‑person‑led goals. She also outlined referral routes, professional consultation and training opportunities, and how Hampshire 24/7 works alongside mental health and other services to ensure safe transitions and continuity of care. 

 

Forthcoming Events and Contact Information 

The webinar concluded with details of forthcoming Hampshire & Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network and Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing events in 2026:

• Thursday 25 June 2026 (12:45–15:00): South East Hampshire Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum ‘Networking and Showcase Event’ at Bedhampton Community Centre. 

• Thursday 2 July 2026(13:00–14:00): Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Webinar – ‘Building a Healthier Future for Women: Screening, Strategy and Support’. 
• Wednesday 15 July 2026(10:30–13:00): South West Hampshire Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum ‘Networking and Showcase Event’ at YMCA Eastleigh. Venue – YMCA, Eastleigh Community Centre, 29 Whieldon Way, Eastleigh, SO50 9SB.

 

For further information, please contact Katy Ovens, Community First’s Health Forums Officer, at healthforums@cfirst.org.uk. 

 

Find out more about the Health Forums, including registration and previous meetings & webinars