4 November 2026
North Hampshire Health & Wellbeing Forum Thursday 22 October 2026, Winchfield Community Centre
View the full presentation here
Introduction
The North Hampshire Health & Wellbeing Forum brought together approximately 70 representatives from voluntary, community, health and care organisations across North Hampshire. Organised by Basingstoke Voluntary Action, Hart Voluntary Action and Rushmoor Voluntary Services, with support from Community First and NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight. The event provided an ideal opportunity to strengthen partnerships, improve understanding of the local health and care system, and identify priorities for future collaboration.
Welcome and Forum Purpose
The forum focused on improving understanding of the health and care system, strengthening relationships between organisations and shaping future support and learning opportunities.
Local Infrastructure Organisation Update
Representatives from BVA, HVA and RVS provided updates on local infrastructure support, community transport initiatives and partnership developments.
Community First: Social Prescribing, Learning and Networking Opportunities
Community First introduced its Health and Wellbeing Forums and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network, giving examples and highlighting how webinars, events and networking opportunities support collaboration between health, care and community organisations.
Health & Wellbeing Forums
Recent webinar themes highlighted included addiction and recovery services and women’s health, screening and support.
Social Prescribing
The presentation explored how social prescribing helps people connect with community support and the role of organisations in strengthening referral pathways and local partnerships.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network
Recent network webinar themes included supporting young people to thrive and tackling health inequalities.
Understanding the Integrated Care Board
The ICB presentation outlined local priorities, decision-making processes and opportunities for VCSE organisations to contribute to improving health outcomes.
Prevention and Health Improvement
Discussion focused on the value of prevention, early intervention and community-based approaches to improving population health.
British Red Cross
Attendees heard about experiences of accessing services across Hampshire and neighbouring systems and the importance of partnership working across boundaries.
Local Priorities and Future Collaboration
Delegates discussed priorities for future partnership working, including prevention, social prescribing, children and young people, older people and adult social care.
Community First Future Events and Webinars
Thursday 12 November 2026 | 13:00-14:00 Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum Webinar – Reaching Men Where They Are: Community Approaches to Health
Wednesday 25 November 2026 | 10:30-13:00 Mid Hampshire Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum – Networking and Showcase Event
Wednesday 9 December 2026 | 13:00-14:00 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network Webinar – Good Work and Health: Supporting People into and within Employment
Wednesday 10 February 2027 | 13:00-14:00 Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum Webinar (Theme TBC)
Wednesday 14 April 2027 | 09:30-14:30 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network Conference and Showcase
For Further Information…
Katy Ovens, Health Forums Officer, Community First
Email: healthforums@cfirst.org.uk
Telephone: 07917 906892