Fareham & Gosport VS Health Forum – Tue 5 Nov 24

View the presentation slides here

The (virtual) Fareham and Gosport Voluntary Sector Health Forum was held on Tuesday 5 November 2024 – with c37 attendees. Following on from attendees being welcomed, Tim Houghton, Community First’s Chief Executive, provided a Community & Voluntary Sector update. Tim began by started by summarising some of the key conclusions from Lord Darzi’s Report into the state of the NHS. He then proceeded to share a few relevant highlights from the recent Budget. Tim shared that 4-8 November is Trustee Week – noting how important Trustees are for the organisations they support. He also updated on HIVCA (Hampshire & Isle of Wight VCSE Health and Care Alliance).

Tim made a plea for Healthwatch Hampshire – who are recruiting Advisory Board Members and he explained about the new Youthwatch ‘Friend in Need’ Guidance service. He continued by discussing the new Hampshire Dementia Alliance, sharing that HCC will continue to fund some Community Transport Connect Services and that there will be another round of Household Support Grant. Tim concluded by confirming that Gosport Voluntary Action successfully merged with Community First on 1 October 2024.

Next, Jagat (Jag) Singh, A Lead Volunteering Service Coordinator, introduced Community First’s volunteering service and the local team who support it. Jag discussed the brokerage, best practice, marketing and promotion, of the service. He then introduced Community First’s Volunteer First webpage, finishing off by sharing how Community First help local people to volunteer – in the form of a short poem!

Hilary Cole, Information Assistant Volunteer, Age Concern Gosport shared about her past life/working experience and how she came to volunteer for Age Concern Gosport. Hilary explained what the local service delivers and what her volunteer role within that does – at a practical level. Finally, Hilary briefly explained why she volunteers.

Finally, Debra Gray, Reader in Psychology, University of Winchester provided a research perspective on the personal and social value of volunteering and the importance of connection. Debra went on to describe when volunteering ‘doesn’t work’ eg during Covid. She concluded by stating that volunteering has immense value, highlighting the importance of social connection and meaningful social relationships and support, whilst recognising that different groups of volunteers will need different strategies eg for recruitment and engagement.

The Fareham and Gosport Voluntary Sector Health Forum Webinar ended by contributors and attendees being thanked and by confirming the next Health Forum Webinar date and time as follows:- 1-2pm, Wednesday 5 February 2025

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