Age Concern Hampshire expands “Living Well in Later Life” programme with new specialist movement sessions funded by The National Lottery Community Fund

Age Concern Hampshire is strengthening its support for older people across the county through its Living Well in Later Life project, a five-year initiative funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

The programme is helping older residents stay active, connected and independent through accessible wellbeing and physical activity sessions delivered in community settings.

A key development within the project is the introduction of the Love to Move programme, a gentle, chair-based exercise initiative designed to support both physical mobility and cognitive health. 

The sessions are delivered to music, using rhythm and repetition to encourage coordination, memory and movement in a fun and inclusive environment.

Community Engagement Officer Jemma Saunders, from Age Concern Hampshire, has recently completed her specialist training with the British Gymnastics Foundation and is working towards accreditation to deliver the programme across the New Forest and South Hampshire.

Speaking about the training, Jemma said the structured course focused on delivering safe, engaging seated exercise sessions:

She told That's Health: “The Love to Move programme is a structured chair-based exercise course delivered to music. It uses gentle, repetitive movement to support mobility and cognitive stimulation, and participants can take part at their own pace.”

She added that the programme offers both professional development and meaningful benefits for participants: “It’s a lot more involved than traditional activity sessions I’ve delivered before. It’s structured, enjoyable, and already making a real difference. People are having fun, building friendships, and improving their movement and memory without even realising it.”

Participants are already experiencing strong social and wellbeing benefits, with sessions described as lively, inclusive and supportive. Jemma highlighted the importance of enjoyment in maintaining long-term engagement:

“People don’t just come for exercise, they come for the laughter, the friendships and the sense of belonging. It’s amazing to see.”

Brogan Rehill, Head of Strategy, Partnerships and Community Impact at Age Concern Hampshire, said the initiative demonstrates the wider impact of investment in community wellbeing: “This training shows how funding from The National Lottery Community Fund enables us to develop specialist skills within our team, ensuring high-quality, accessible sessions for older people. These programmes help reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and support people to remain independent for longer.”

The Living Well in Later Life project delivers a wide range of activities across Hampshire, including Care and Wellbeing Centres and local community venues. Sessions focus on improving strength, balance, mobility and mental wellbeing, while creating opportunities for social connection and friendship.Love to Move session are now being rolled out across Age Concern Hampshire’s Social Groups and Care and Wellbeing Centres.

For more information: enquiries@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Phone: 01962 868545

Stepping up for National Feet Week

This National Feet Week, Age Concern Hampshire is highlighting the importance of foot health for older people. 

Healthy feet are essential for mobility, balance, and overall wellbeing, yet foot problems are often overlooked until they cause discomfort or affect independence.

Age Concern Hampshire offers professional foot care services provided by trained foot health practitioners, including foot health checks and toenail cutting.

These services help identify potential foot issues early and ensure feet are well cared for, keeping older adults mobile and comfortable.

“Our trained foot health practitioners provide expert care and advice, helping older people maintain healthy feet and independence,” said Michele Ralph, Foot Care Coordinator at Age Concern Hampshire.

National Feet Week encourages everyone to monitor their feet and seek professional advice when needed. Age Concern Hampshire’s foot care services offer reassurance, expert guidance, and essential foot care to support wellbeing.

To learn more or book an appointment, visit: https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/our-services-hampshire/footcare/ or call 01962 868545.

Age Concern Hampshire supports older people across the county through a wide range of welcoming social groups designed to reduce loneliness, encourage connection, and support wellbeing.

The charity’s social groups provide friendly, inclusive spaces where older people can come together regularly to enjoy conversation, shared activities, and a sense of belonging. 

People attend for many reasons, to meet new people, stay active, build confidence, or simply enjoy spending time with others in a relaxed and supportive environment.

These groups play an important role in helping older people feel connected to their communities and supported as they age. Regular social interaction has been shown to improve wellbeing, confidence, and overall quality of life.

“Social connection is vital for wellbeing at any stage of later life,” Kelly Holder, Chief Executive Officer of Age Concern Hampshire, told That's Health. 

“Our social groups offer older people the opportunity to build friendships, enjoy positive shared experiences, and feel part of a community where they are welcomed and valued.”

Age Concern Hampshire continues to grow its programme of social groups across the county, working in partnership with local organisations and community venues to ensure older people can access support close to where they live. New groups are regularly being developed to respond to local need and increase opportunities for social connection.

For more information about Age Concern Hampshire’s social groups, visit www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/our-services-hampshire/social-groups or call 01962 868545.

Early Access to Dementia Day Care Helps People Stay Connected and Engaged

Early access to day care can significantly improve quality of life for people living with dementia, yet long waiting lists for formal diagnosis and assessment are delaying access to vital support.

Age Concern Hampshire, which runs Care & Wellbeing Centres across the county, highlights that families can access valuable support while awaiting a formal diagnosis. 

The charity offers activities that include Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) and reminiscence sessions, interventions shown in research to support memory, communication, and cognitive function.

Early engagement with day care services also helps reduce isolation, supports emotional wellbeing, and encourages physical and social activity. Families frequently notice improvements in mood, confidence, and communication when support begins early.

“Very often, there can be long waits for formal assessments, leaving people without the structured support they need,” Hannah Park, Head of Operations at Age Concern Hampshire told That's Health.

“Accessing day care early ensures people can benefit from therapies and social engagement throughout the whole of their dementia journey.”

Age Concern Hampshire runs dedicated Care & Wellbeing Centres across the county, providing tailored day care services for people living with dementia. 

Free taster days are available at all Care & Wellbeing Centres, allowing families to experience the service before making any commitment. Call 01962 868545 or visit their website to find out more: https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/care-and-wellbeing-services-hampshire

Mountbatten Hampshire teams up with Age Concern Hampshire for new social group in Southampton

Age Concern Hampshire and Mountbatten Hampshire have teamed up to run a friendly new social group, to boost companionship and activity for older people.

The free weekly drop-in sessions, run by Age Concern Hampshire in the heart of Southampton’s West End, at Mountbatten Hampshire’s Frances Sheldon Centre, aim to ensure a happier, healthier and stronger future for those who take part.

Whether you are a carer or receiving treatment, feeling isolated, or just looking to meet new people, anyone aged over 50 is welcome to attend for a chat, coffee and movement.

Jemma Saunders, Wellbeing Coordinator at Age Concern Hampshire, said: “We’re excited to be launching this new social group at Mountbatten Hampshire’s Frances Sheldon Centre. These sessions give older people a welcoming space to meet others, have a chat and take part in gentle, enjoyable activities. It’s always rewarding to see new connections forming and people growing in confidence week by week.”

Brogan Rehill, Head of Strategy, Partnerships & Community Impact at Age Concern Hampshire, added: “Partnership working is key to making groups like this possible, and we’re delighted to be working with Mountbatten Hampshire to reach more older people in the community. Continued support from partners and funders is vital to help us sustain and grow these important social opportunities across Hampshire.”

Mountbatten Hampshire CEO, Becky McGregor, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting this brand new social group, giving Hampshire residents an opportunity to meet together and take part in activities, in our welcoming Frances Sheldon Centre.”

Head of Rehabilitation and Enablement, Mary Banks, said: “These brilliant drop-in sessions are great for mental and physical health and you would be very welcome to join us. Meet new, like‑minded people, take part in regular physical activity and be stronger and healthier.”

How to be at the weekly drop-in sessions:

Sessions take place every Thursday, from 11am until 1pm.

Find us at the Frances Sheldon Centre, at Mountbatten Hampshire, Botley Road, West End, Southampton, SO30 3JB.

Sessions are free and you can drop-in, with no commitment.

https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Age Concern Hampshire launches five-year ‘Living Well in Later Life’ project with National Lottery support

Age Concern Hampshire is proud to announce the launch of Living Well in Later Life, a new five-year programme made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. 

The project will support older people across Hampshire to stay active, connected and confident as they age.

Living Well in Later Life will offer free physical activities and wellbeing sessions delivered through Age Concern Hampshire’s Care & Wellbeing Centres and local community venues. 

The sessions are designed especially for older people who may feel isolated, inactive or unsure about joining mainstream activities, offering a gentle, friendly way to move more, meet others and feel part of their community.

Sessions will focus on strength, balance, mobility and confidence, while also creating space for conversation, laughter and connection. Everything is shaped around what older people tell us they want and need.

The project is expected to make a real difference, with ambitions for:

70% of participants to become more physically active

65% to improve their balance, strength or mobility

75% to feel better in themselves and less isolated

80% to feel more connected to their local community

Alongside the benefits for older people, Living Well in Later Life will invest in staff and volunteer development, with specialist training to support safe, inclusive activity for older adults. This will help embed prevention, wellbeing and physical activity at the heart of Age Concern Hampshire’s services for years to come.

Volunteers are a vital part of this project, and Age Concern Hampshire is now keen to hear from people interested in supporting groups in the Basingstoke and Southampton areas. V

olunteers don’t need to be fitness experts, just friendly, reliable and keen to help older people feel welcome and supported. Training and ongoing support will be provided.

The project also encourages people to think about wellbeing in a wider sense, helping older adults feel connected not only to their communities, but to the world around them, including the importance of sustainability and looking after our environment aart of healthy ageing.

For more information about Living Well in Later Life, volunteering opportunities, or other Age Concern Hampshire services, visit www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk or call 01962 868545.

Helping Older People Stay Safe and Independent at Home

Age Concern Hampshire’s Help at Home Service continues to provide vital practical support and companionship to older people across the county, helping them stay safe, independent, and connected in their own homes. 

By assisting with everyday household tasks such as cleaning, shopping, meal preparation, and light domestic chores, the service helps reduce the risks that can arise when these activities become more physically demanding.

As people get older, routine chores like bending to clean, carrying shopping bags, reaching high shelves, or moving around cluttered spaces can significantly increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls.

 Research shows that one in three people aged 65 and over experiences a fall each year, rising to almost half of people aged 80 and over. Many of these falls happen in the home while carrying out everyday tasks and are a leading cause of injury, hospital admission, and loss of independence among older people.

Without support, older people may feel pressure to push themselves to complete chores they are no longer physically comfortable doing, increasing fatigue, isolation, and the likelihood of accidents. 

Regular visits from a trusted helper not only ensure tasks are completed safely but also provide companionship, reassurance, and social connection, which are essential for maintaining confidence and wellbeing.

“Even simple tasks like shopping, cleaning, or preparing meals can increase the risk of falls as people get older,” Hannah Park, Head of Operations told That's Health.

“Our Help at Home Service provides reliable practical support alongside friendly companionship, helping people feel safe, confident, and supported in their own homes.”

Age Concern Hampshire operates the Help at Home Service across the county, arranging visits to suit individual needs. To find out more visit: https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/our-services-hampshire/help-at-home or call 01962 868545.

Age Concern Hampshire Announces New Foot Clinics to Boost Confidence and Mobility for Older People

Age Concern Hampshire is set to open new foot care clinics in Kingsclere, Farnborough, Lymington, and Bordon, helping older people stay confident, active, and mobile.

Healthy feet are key to balance and independence, yet many older adults struggle to reach their toes due to arthritis, impaired eyesight, or reduced mobility. 

Age Concern Hampshire’s clinics, run by qualified foot health practitioners, provide toenail cutting and basic foot health checks, helping prevent discomfort, falls, and injuries.

Michele Ralph, Foot Care Coordinator at Age Concern Hampshire, told That's Health: "Our Foot Clinics are about more than just foot care, they help older people feel confident on their feet and maintain their independence. We’re committed to making this vital service accessible to everyone who needs it."

Clinics are available across Hampshire, including Alton, Andover, Basingstoke, Dibden/Hythe, Havant, Hedge End, Locks Heath, New Milton, Odiham, Overton, Petersfield, Ringwood, Tadley, Winchester, and Yateley. The new clinics in Kingsclere, Farnborough, Lymington, and Bordon will open soon.

To book an appointment, call 01962 868545 or visit their website for more information: https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/our-services-hampshire/footcare