12 August 2026
South East Hampshire Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum Networking and Showcase Event 2026
Around 55 representatives from voluntary, community, statutory and health organisations attended the inaugural South East Hampshire Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum Networking and Showcase Event at Bedhampton Community Centre on Tuesday 28 July 2026. The event provided opportunities for networking, partnership building, information sharing and learning, alongside showcase market stalls. Presentations focused on the role of the voluntary sector, neighbourhood health, integrated working and the future direction of community mental health services.
View the full presentation here
Organisations Represented Included:-
Shaw Trust; Military Minds / Solent Mind; The Environment Centre; Hampshire County Council; Action Hampshire; Citizens Advice Solent East; HIOW NHS Foundation Trust; Home Instead Havant; HHF Barnardos; University of Southampton; NHS Social Prescriber – Petersfield; Tuppenny Barn; Isle of Wight NHS Trust; Recovery Connections Hampshire; National Trust; TVPS; HILS; Hampshire Library Service; Home Instead Fareham and Gosport; DWP; Off The Record; Gosport Leisure Centre; Gosport Community Support; Places Leisure; Social Prescribers from Havant and Waterlooville PCN; Smoke Free; Barnardo’s; Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.
Welcome
Jade Harwood-Cresswell welcomed attendees on behalf of Bedhampton Community Centre. She highlighted the facilities available and the wide-ranging opportunities to participate in various groups and activities, held at Bedhampton Community Centre.
Introduction
Angela Gill welcomed participants and outlined the programme.
Tim Houghton, Chief Executive, Community First (including the HIVE Portsmouth update)
Tim provided a perspective on the contribution of the voluntary and community sector to health and wellbeing. He explored how community-based organisations provide trusted local support, help address stigma, improve access for people less likely to engage with traditional services and contribute to prevention, recovery and healthier communities. Tim discussed neighbourhood health and integrated working, emphasising stronger collaboration between the NHS, local authorities and the voluntary sector. On behalf of HIVE Portsmouth, he outlined the organisation’s role as a citywide connector supporting residents, strengthening the VCSE sector, enabling volunteering, supporting neighbourhood working, developing alliances and bringing lived experience into decision-making. Opportunities, support services and partnership initiatives available across South East Hampshire and Portsmouth were also highlighted.
Abigail Clarkson, Associate Director, Community Mental Health PSEH, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Abigail presented an overview of community mental health services across South East Hampshire, describing the range of services available for adults and older people, including community mental health services, crisis support, inpatient services, eating disorder services and primary care mental health provision. She outlined plans for the future development of services, focusing on improved access, reduced waiting times, fewer repeated assessments and more personalised support. The presentation described a neighbourhood model that brings together primary care, voluntary and community organisations, wellbeing services, housing, talking therapies and specialist mental health support. Abigail also shared details of ongoing community engagement activity designed to gather feedback from local residents, service users and partners to help shape future mental health services.
Member Updates and NHS 10-Year Plan
Forum members shared short updates about current projects, services and opportunities. After this Angela highlighted the NHS 10-Year Plan and its three priorities: shifting care from hospital to community, moving from analogue to digital approaches and focusing more strongly on prevention. Members were also encouraged to consider how their work supports these priorities. They also have an opportunity to contribute a Member Case Study demonstrating impact, reduced inequalities and strengthened community-based support.
Forthcoming Events and Webinars
Tuesday 15 September 2026, 13:00-14:00 – Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network Webinar: Closing the Health Gap: Tackling Inequalities and Improving Population Health
Tuesday 22 October 2026 – North Hampshire Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum Networking and Showcase Event (Venue and time TBC)
Thursday 12 November 2026, 13:00-14:00 – Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum Webinar: Reaching Men Where They Are: Community Approaches to Health
Tuesday 24 November 2026 – Mid Hampshire Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum Networking and Showcase Event (Venue and time TBC)
Contact Information
For further information about the Health & Wellbeing Forums, please contact Katy Ovens, Health Forums Officer, Community First. Telephone: 07917 906892 | Email: healthforums@cfirst.org.uk
Find out more about the South East Hampshire Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forum