Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Webinar – Thursday 2 July 2026

Building a Healthier Future for Women: Screening, Strategy and Support

View the full presentation here

Introduction

Approximately 53 people attended this Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Webinar, which focused on improving women’s health through prevention, early intervention, screening, education and community support. Presentations explored cancer prevention and inequalities, endometriosis awareness, and the important role that voluntary and community organisations play in supporting women across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Angela Gill, HSPN & Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Forums Facilitator

Angela opened the webinar, welcoming participants and outlining the programme. She introduced the theme of the event and highlighted the importance of partnership working between health, care and voluntary sector organisations in improving health outcomes for women.

Tim Houghton, Chief Executive, Community First

Tim provided a voluntary and community sector perspective on women’s health and wellbeing. He highlighted the wide range of support services available for women, including support for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual trauma, mental health services, menopause and wellbeing support, and services supporting women living with cancer. He also signposted attendees to local resources, funding opportunities and community organisations that help improve health, wellbeing and access to support across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Emma Leatherbarrow, Equality and Involvement Strategic Lead, Wessex Cancer Alliance

Emma explored the impact of cancer on women and highlighted the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and screening. She provided an overview of common cancers affecting women and explained how lifestyle factors, cancer screening programmes and HPV vaccination can help improve outcomes. Emma also examined the significant inequalities affecting cancer diagnosis, treatment and survival, particularly among women from deprived communities and ethnic minority groups. She concluded by outlining initiatives being undertaken across Wessex Cancer Alliance to improve access, experience and outcomes for women affected by cancer.

Dr Jodie Hughes, Founder and Research Consultant, Endometriosis South Coast

Dr Hughes provided an overview of endometriosis, a common but often misunderstood condition affecting millions of women worldwide. She outlined the symptoms, impact and challenges associated with endometriosis, including long diagnostic delays and the significant effects the condition can have on physical health, employment, education, relationships and mental wellbeing. She emphasised the importance of increasing awareness, listening to people’s experiences, recognising symptoms earlier and ensuring access to specialist support and treatment.

NHS Three Shifts and Case Study Opportunity

The webinar highlighted the NHS Three Shifts priorities:

Hospital to Community

Analogue to Digital

Treatment to Prevention

Attendees were encouraged to consider how their organisations contribute to these priorities and were invited to submit case studies demonstrating improved outcomes, prevention activities, reduced health inequalities, strengthened community support and added value to the wider health and care system.

Slido Attendee ‘Snapshot Takeaway’ Poll Results

A total of 34 attendees participated in the webinar’s Slido poll. The results demonstrated the positive impact of the session and the value participants placed on the information shared.

Top Three Outcomes

94% said they developed greater knowledge and awareness of the topic.

91% said they would share what they learned with colleagues or their wider organisation.

85% said they were introduced to a service or contact they were previously unaware of.

The results indicate that the webinar successfully increased knowledge, encouraged wider dissemination of learning and supported networking across health, care and voluntary sector organisations.

Forthcoming Events and Webinars

Wednesday 15 July 2026 – 10:30am–1:00pm
South West Hampshire Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Networking & Showcase Event
YMCA Eastleigh Community Centre

Thursday 28 July 2026 – 2:00pm–4:30pm
South East Hampshire Voluntary Sector Health & Wellbeing Networking & Showcase Event
Bedhampton Community Centre

Tuesday 15 September 2026 – 1:00pm–2:00pm
Hants & Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network Webinar
Closing the Health Gap: Tackling Inequalities and Improving Population Health

Contact Information

Katy Ovens, Health Forums Officer at Community First

Email: healthforums@cfirst.org.uk

Find out more about the Health Forums, including previous meetings