70 Year Anniversary
Helping communities and people thrive!
Whether it’s a large charity, a small lunch club, or a social enterprise, we enable and inspire people, organisations and communities to be the best they can be! Action Hampshire’s specialist knowledge in the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector spans 70 years. We support this sector to deliver great services to local people and communities; speak up for the changes they would like to see and shape the future of where they live and... read more »
Action Hampshire is proud to support local business leaders!
We are delighted to be working with the Solent LEP on the England-wide Peer Networks programme. This is a combination of peer support and one-to-one coaching, mentoring, and advice delivered together with Peas in a Pod and Living Your Learning. Since November 2020 we have delivered to 7 out of our 8 cohorts and participants give us great feedback! Interested in taking part? Find out more by following this link read more »
We delivered LearningNet – a workforce development project funded by the Learning and Skills Council
The LearningNet Consortium was created by a group of voluntary sector organisations. The aim was to strengthen the VCSE sector by helping organisations improve their skills base, enabling them to be better prepared for changing and challenging times ahead. LearningNet provided a free service, and developed a standardised methodology to assess both organisational and individual training and developmet needs, and then to signpost participants to training and development activities. The Learning Net project was completed in... read more »
The village of Curdridge is the latest scheme to be developed with 8 affordable homes being built.
We have facilitated a working group with the Parish Council, the Landowner, Hastoe Housing Association and Winchester City Council and have steered the project towards the submission of a planning application. We are making a film about the development of the affordable housing project in Curdridge. This is a sneak preview of our interview with Eric Bodger, Chair of Curdridge Parish Council, talking about how and why the Parish Council got involved in delivering rural... read more »
From the early 2000s, our rural work had a big focus on community-led planning (used to be called village appraisals):
We worked with the parishes to create community plans where they identified their issues through wide consultation and then put together action plans to help take ideas forward. Community-led planning is about giving everybody a voice about the future of where they live and going out to people, promoting different ways of engagement, not just a survey. The plan is led by a group of local volunteers, known as the steering commitee, who oversee the... read more »
The LNF Scheme and Beat the Drum
The LNF was a scheme funded through the Department for Education and Skills. Grants of up to £7,000 were awared to voluntary and community groups working with children and young people in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton. From April 2006 to March 2007 LNF awarded grants to 169 different groups, with a total of just over £880,000 being distributed. During the period, awards were made to dance groups, advocacy projects for young... read more »
Warmth Matters with Surrey Community Action and SSEN
We started the Warmth Matters project in 2019, delivered jointly with Surrey Community Action, funded by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). The project currently goes until March 2022 but we are hoping to secure funding to continue. At end of project’s first year, 55 one-to-one support sessions had been delivered (after adapting project from public events to Zoom). 90% had been unaware of priority services register prior to our engagement 75% were unfamiliar with... read more »
In November 2007, we employed a social enterprise specialist to offer expert social enterprise support to individuals, groups and organisations in the VCSE sector.
We aimed to develop the capacity of the VCSE sector to support the development of social enterprise. Demand was such that in the remaining few months of the year our specialist (at the time) Chris Jezard advised more than 50 organisations on the development of trading activities. We also led and coordinated the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Social Enterprise Network, a network of organisations and individuals with an active interest in the development of... read more »
Counselling for Survivors
In the late 80s, we (formerly known as Hampshire Council of Community Service) noted the need for more coherent counselling services to assist survivors of sexual abuse and suggested that voluntary organisations might best meet the needs of these individuals. With other council community services, we were invited to establish a forum of interested individuals and agencies to recommend ways of enhancing existing services. At a meeting for the Winchester area, the production of a... read more »
We have been providing community building and village hall expertise since the 1950s!
When Action Hampshire was first founded we were known as ‘The Council of Social Service. In our 1961 annual report under our work with village halls it stated: “The Council of Social service offer to village hall committees a forms of meeting problems common to all. Whether it is the repair or extension of an existing hall, examination of the legal or charitable staus, the purchase of equipment, the problem of re-decoration, the most suitable... read more »
In early 2011, we led on research showing that vulnerable adults do not always feel safe when they are out in the community.
The research was based on two focus groups. The first looked into the needs of older people, linking into the Hampshire Older People’s Association and Hampshire County Council. Individuals were empowered to express concerns about barriers to service provision and put forward positive suggestions for change. The second focus group looked at hate crime and its effects on individuals with learning disabilities. The report highlighted the importance of feeling, as well as being, safe –... read more »
Housing Needs Survey in Kingsley
In 2015, we carried out a housing need survey in Kingsley identifying a housing need from local residents and 81% local support for an affordable housing scheme. A site was identified and 13 affordable homes were built, allowing local people to remain in or return to their Parish. The scheme provided 8 affordable rented homes and 4 shared ownership homes. The shared ownership homes were all reserved within 2 weeks of promotion, demonstrating the high... read more »
The Hordle Community Association
In 1988-89, Action Hampshire (formerly known as Hampshire Council of Community Services) supported a group of residents in Hordle to establish Hordle Community Association and construct a new sports and community pavilion in their village. Community Advisor Penny Velander met with the committee and advised them about establishing as a charity, which they did in 1989, and how to seek funding. The pavilion was funded by national lottery. More information about Hordle Community Association can... read more »
Introducing and Fostering VCSE Relationships
Action Hampshire uses its networks and local knowledge to introduce and connect people so everyone can deliver more. We endeavour to inspire the VCSE sector to develop their own solutions to the challenges they face. Testimonials from organisations we have supported: “Thanks for the introduction. I am now in contact with them. I am planning to visit them in next few weeks to see their facilities and discuss future collaboration next year” Portsmouth community member “Thank you... read more »
We provided guidance to Hampshire community buildings throughout the pandemic
We published 35 bulletins between April 2020 to September 2021. This included 371 contacts at 265 different organisations. The bulletin included information about Covid-19 regulations and guidance, pandemic support grants, and many other issues. “We would like to thank you for your invaluable support over lockdown. We would have really struggled without your hard work &advice over the last couple of years.” Miranda Thompson-Webb, Alton CA Operations Manager We also provide specialist resources for community buildings Would you... read more »
We support communities to identify their housing needs in their area
In 2020, we set up Hampshire Homes Hub to help communities identify the homes they need and support the delivery of community-led housing and rural affordable housing. We are working with over 30 parish councils and community-led groups to achieve their housing aspirations. We are able to support parish councils and communities to the deliver the homes needed in their community and can provide information and support for a range of community led housing models. View... read more »
We Support the VCSE Sector through our Newsletter
We publish regular information on a range of subjects, through our newsletter and social media channels, to help organisations keep up to date with news and information relevant to Hampshire’s voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. Our newsletter, ‘Important stuff you need to know’, covers: policy information, resources, training courses, events, freebies, digital tips and local job and volunteering vacancies. Since the start of the pandemic we have promoted over 1000 funding opportunities to support... read more »
Working with South Warnborough Parish and HARAH
In June 2002, one of the Action Hampshire Rural Housing Enablers started to assist South Warnborough Parish council to develop a rural affordable housing scheme. The Enabler carried out a housing needs survey to identify the need of local people. The survey in October 2002 concluded that there was a high level of need for affordable social housing and that 22 households would qualify in terms of local connection and affordability. The parish council then... read more »
We support community building grant applications
We helped 6 village halls apply to Defra’s Village Hall Improvement Grant fund from 2019 to 2021. 4 were successful, receiving £10,000-£37,000 towards major refurbishment / extension works. This means more activities and events to bring people together, improving people’s well-being and sense of connection. For more information about community buildings and village hall expertise, please visit our Community Buildings webpage via this link or you can email Kevin Sawers, our Community Buildings and... read more »
We promote job and volunteering opportunities from Hampshire VCSE organisations
In 2013, we started a jobs bulletin. Feedback we received at the time included the following: “Just wanted to pass my thanks on to you and the team for this. It’s very helpful for someone looking for a trusteeship at the moment!” “Fantastic idea. Many thanks for the info.” “What a great idea, we have two jobs coming up.” “Thank you for this - a really useful resource.” Since our first bulletin we’ve advertised hundreds of jobs! In January, we’ll... read more »
We provided key support to community buildings and village halls throughout the pandemic
Our support, together with ACRE’s excellent guidance information, has helped community buildings through the pandemic. ”We couldn’t have tackled this pandemic as we have without your support.” “The ACRE documents have been outstanding and your support has been amazing.” “I cannot praise more highly the advice and help we have received from you that has allowed us to safely reopen." read more »
We support FBL as a locally trusted organisation
Fratton Big Local (FBL) was established between 2012-13. It is one of 150 schemes whereby local committees are given £1.15 million to create lasting change in communities across England, supported by Local Trust and locally trusted organisations like Action Hampshire. Action Hampshire came on board as locally trusted org for FBL in 2014; you can view FBL’s activities and events by clicking this link. FBL’s mission: To support projects and initiatives that improve the environment and... read more »
We are an integral part of supporting the development of rural affordable homes in Hampshire
Between 2005 and 2020 Action Hampshire was an integral part of the Hampshire Alliance for Rural Affordable Housing. We worked with local authorities and housing associations and delivered over 520 homes for local people. Hampshire Alliance for Rural Affordable housing was set up to increase the supply of affordable housing in the rural villages of Hampshire, to ensure local people are able to afford to live in the places where they were brought up, work, or... read more »
Action Hampshire provides a link between the VCSE sector and the NHS
Through our Communities Against Cancer project we have enabled community groups to meet with NHS professionals and learn about services and ask questions. In 2021, we brought together a group of Muslim women and a local breast cancer surgeon to discuss breast awareness and reducing risk of breast cancer. They were able to do this in their own setting and learn together as a group of women in a safe and friendly atmosphere. read more »
In the 1950s we suported the new wave of organisations and clubs specialising in support to older people
In 1951, we (then known as Hampshire Council of Social Services – HCSS) set up a countywide old people’s welfare committee in response to a growing number of older people without family support, due to the impact of WWII. With the development of the welfare state, more funds became available to support work with older people. HCSS’s countywide work provided support to many local committees by 1955, 20 committees; by 1958 40 committees It also supported a... read more »
We support the delivery of affordable homes in local communities
Action Hampshire provided vital evidence for the Odiham Neighbourhood Plan and supported the Parish Council to consult with the community. This has resulted in 12 new affordable homes being developed for local people in Odiham. More information about the ongoing Odiham development can be found here Are you interested in building affordable homes in you local area? Please get in touch, we would love to hear from you! Click this link to email our infobox. read more »
We have supported over 300 social entrepreneurs since 2009
Through all our various social enterprise training programmes, Action Hampshire has supported over 300 people to set up a social enterprise since 2009. Ashlene Boyer-Millard had the idea of setting up a social enterprise called Angels & the Architect, producing candles and eventually employing others who have come through addiction. ‘I want to thank you all at Action Hampshire for your support, guidance, time and energy. Without you all, I would not be doing what I’m... read more »
We established the Hampshire Independent Equality Forum
In 2009, we receievd Big Lottery funding for a 3 year Diversity Support Project, which built on work we had been doing since 2005. As part of this project, we established the Hampshire Independent Equality Forum (HIEF). The Big Lottery funding ended in June 2012, but Action Hampshire kept the HIEF going until 2015. Unfortunately the Forum lost steam at that point and stopped meeting, but Action Hampshire are hoping to re-establish it –... read more »
We bring the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector together!
Case study: What’s it Like & Awaaz FM The Communities Against Cancer (CAC) project brought together two very different organisations – Awaaz FM – A Southampton based radio station for the Asian Community, and What’s it Like? – a project from Enable Ability creating virtual videos of health settings to help reduce anxiety for those autism and/or learning difficulties. Ali from Awaaz FM and Steve from What’s it like? had both successfully received a CAC grant... read more »
Action Hampshire has a 7-decade history supporting VCSE organisations
A countless number of Hampshire’s VCSE organisations, particularly village halls and community centres, though many other organisatons as well, will find Action Hampshire was part of their origin story. A lot of this is thanks to Peter Martin, who was Director of Action Hampshire (back then called Hampshire Council of Social Services and Hampshire Council of Community Services) from 1955-1986. Peter used the organisation to pilot new ideas, with his longstanding motto “promote and float”.... read more »
We are proud of our partnerships at Action Hampshire
Since 2019 we have been working with Incuhive, available via this link. Our Winchester site sits in the heart of the city and offers a huge range of spaces and services under the IncuHive model of co-working. We have welcomed over 150 people to our Winchester community since opening 3 years ago. ImpactSE – a social enterprise incubation hub We need your support to build a thriving incubation hub to nurture the ideas... read more »
Supporting Community Buildings
In March 2021 we shared information for village halls about safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. 45 people attended an online briefing session which covered safe recruitment of staff, trustees, and other volunteers; the hiring agreement; reporting concerns. ACRE, our national partner charity, revised their safeguarding guidance booklet and model policy (available via this link) back in the summer, as part of a project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. This booklet is part... read more »
We helped to establish HIWCF!
Between 2002-2006, we supported the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) to establish itself . Over the years we have continued to work closely together and provide insight and advice. HIWCF is the largest grant maker to specialise in awarding grants across Hampshire. Recently we completed a grant review of HIWCF’s Covid-19 funding to inform their future funding priorities and strategy. Also, until they recently decided to work completely remotely, we hosted them at... read more »
We work with Community Land Trusts to deliver homes needed in the community
‘Lovell Gardens’ in Wickham was the first time we worked with a Community Land Trust (CLT). 20 affordable homes were completed in 2012, 8 of which are owned and managed by the Wickham CLT! Wickham CLT have also recently increased the number of homes they provide for their community. They are a great example of local people coming together to deliver the homes needed in their community. They continue to work with us by being part... read more »
We provide guidance and information to the VCSE sector in Hampshire
In 2007, we produced a Fitter Finance toolkit to help VCSE organisations get to grips with financial terminology and processes. This simple and practical guide explores the basic principles needed to manage financial aspects of a VCSE organisation, and was accompanied by a glossary and appendix of templates. Should we update and re-release this guide? Please let us know if you’d find that useful by emailing us via this link. read more »
We promote VCSE organisations that provide advice and support for communities
In the early 1960s, we helped to establish 15 local Citizen’s Advice Bureaus (CABs), which have been a vital source of advice and support for communities across Hampshire for nearly 60 years since. In 1961-63, we supported the development of New Milton CAB, having also supported the development of New Milton Community Association in 1960. By 1968, the CAB was receiving over 100 support requests a month! New Milton is now one of the five... read more »
Action Hampshire have been proudly running SSE Hampshire for 12 years
Over this time we have supported nearly 200 social enterprise start-ups. These will have created approx. 370 jobs and brought money and resources to the area. This work is carried out primarily within Hampshire, but 40-45% of our students come from neighbouring areas. The pandemic has brought existing social and environmental challenges into sharp relief – those of the climate emergency and the vast inequalities of health, wealth and opportunity. Our newest Fellows that graduated... read more »
We provided an opportunity to shape the future through consultation and engagement
Between 2018 and 2020, we supported 35 community business through the SSE partnership with Power to Change community business trade up programme. Estimated 9000 community businesses in England 69% work within the 30% most deprived areas 85% aim to reduce social isolation 82% promote community cohesion Community businesses are locally rooted, community-led, trade for community benefit and make life better for local people. From pubs to libraries; shops to bakeries; swimming pools to solar farms; community businesses are creating... read more »
We inspire business and the social entrepreneurs of tomorrow
Between 2017 and 2020, we delivered the Inspiring Enterprise project. This was a free training programme that helped unemployed people develop the ideas, confidence and skills they needed to become self-employed, create a social enterprise, or move into training or employment. The Inspiring Enterprise project was part of the Building Better Opportunities programme funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund. The project aimed to bring together skills, expertise and experience... read more »
We supported young people to develop their own ideas for setting up a business
The SSE Young Entrepreneurs Programmes enabled young people to develop their confidence, resilience and business skills necessary to be a successful social entrepreneur and the vision, values and ethics needed to set up a social enterprise. Modules included: business planning; leadership and people management; finance; mission, vision and goal setting; marketing, branding and advertising; pitching your idea. The programme finished with an awards ceremony to which local businesses, parents, press and others were invited. Young people presented their enterprise ideas and celebrated their... read more »
We are a beacon for social enterprise across Europe
As a long-standing champion for social enterprise, and Action Hampshire was a partner in an EU project called MESSE, aimed at sharing good practice in social enterprise across Europe. Early in July 2013 we welcomed a group of twenty delegates from MESSE partners in eight European countries, to visit some of Hampshire’s flourishing social enterprises. Eight inspiring examples of social enterprise around the county demonstrated how effective their models can be in answering the needs... read more »
We are proud to support and promote social enterprise!
From 2012 to 2017, in the first 5-year phase of The Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs Programme, in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs and funded by the Big Lottery Fund (The National Lottery Community Fund): 89 start-up social entrepreneurs supported 193 jobs created £315,000 invested in local social enterprises 2,618 beneficiaries reached Have you got an idea? Are you thinking about becoming a social entrepreneur or would you like to... read more »
We carry out research to support the work of local organisations
In 2017 we carried out research and wrote two reports to improve local healthcare in Mid Hampshire. Research reports: Social isolation and its impact on health and wellbeing in Mid Hampshire Well before Covid-10 brought it into the spotlight, social isolation was receiving increased attention from public health professionals, GPs, social care agencies and the not-for-profit sector. A wealth of data now exists indicating that social isolation has a negative impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing,... read more »
We supported the delivery of over 500 affordable homes for local people!
2019 marked the 500th affordable home delivered by the Hampshire Alliance for Rural Affordable Housing (HARAH) partnership to which Action Hampshire was a founding partner. CASE STUDY: Housing development in Wonston 15 new rural affordable homes were built for local people The scheme provided 11 rented homes and 4 shared ownership homes for local people in Wonston, allowing those connected to the parish to remain or return to their local area. Today we are delighted to... read more »
Supporting health and social care services in Hampshire
In 2013, we helped to set up Healthwatch Hampshire, available via this link, which is the new independent consumer champion for patients, carers and all those using health and social care services, gives people a powerful voice locally and nationally. At a local level, it works to help people get the best out of their local health and social care services – whether it’s improving them today or helping to shape... read more »
We support Hampshire VCSEs who support those who have experienced abuse
Between 1987-89, Action Hampshire, then known as Hampshire’s Social Services Committee, identified a lack of clarity about where adults who had been sexually abused could go for support and advice. At the time the New Milton Advisor reported: “Unlike agencies and legislation to protect children, there is little that adults can do to seek advice or support”. A working party was set up, and HCCS conducted 18 months of consultation with organisations. HCCS published “Sexual Assault,... read more »
We promote and support communities with rural affordable housing
By 2014, the average rural home cost 14 times the average income. Our booklet ‘A Home for Where the Heart Is’ shares stories from residents for whom an affordable home transformed their life, and it continues to encourage other communities to support rural affordable housing. ‘A Home for Where the Heart Is’ applauds parish councils and communities who have worked with us to deliver rural affordable housing schemes which have made a lasting difference to hundreds... read more »
We delivered a series of workshops to support VCSE organisations with commissioning & tendering
Between 2017-19, Lloyds Bank Foundation published a report: “Commissioning in Crisis. How current contracting and procurement processes threaten the survival of small charities”. They carried out research with a range of smaller charities across the UK and found that: “All of the evidence shared in this report unequivocally demonstrates that the current approach to commissioning is in crisis. … It is seen most prominently in the marginalisation of small and medium-sized charities. … Small and medium-sized... read more »
Championing the experience and needs of rural communities and using evidence to inform policy
In 1973, we started a two year research project to understand the impact of major housing expansion in 4 villages surrounding Basingstoke (Oakley, Overton, Kingsclere, Basing). This took the form of a social survey, to understand what life is like, whether newcomers had integrated, and what community assets were required to manage the development well. Margaret Livingston described at the time: “As far as I can see, a check on the effect of the southern expansion on... read more »
Supporting Village Halls throughout COVID-19
We acted as a key source of information for village halls and community buildings over the last several decades, and been especially supportive over the last two years. Throughout the pandemic we provided key information and signposted village halls and community buildings to guidance about closing, diversifying and safely reopening. Briefing events: The pandemic was an excellent tutor in running online seminars! We ran 3 briefing sessions for community buildings trustees and managers in 2020-21, with attendance... read more »
We are dedicated to working with parish councils to deliver affordable homes for local people
In 2002, we established the Rural Housing Enabler service in Hampshire and we continue to support the provision of rural affordable housing for local people. This service has enabled over 1700 local people to remain in or return to their local area. Rural Housing Enablers support rural parish councils and communties to identify the affordable housing needed in their community. They also help look for suitable sites, consult with the community and work with local... read more »
We produce a State of the VCSE Sector report every two years, on behalf of Hampshire CVS Network.
Whether you’ve been volunteering, shielding, furloughed, struggling with work-life balance, grieving, had work paused or cut short, been part of new projects and collaborations, seen funding and support pour in, had funding cut and supporters fade away, been pulled in 500 directions, been left behind: each person, each organisation that makes up the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Hampshire has been impacted by the pandemic. Every couple of years, we take a... read more »
We supported and promote the services of diverse communities
As part of Community Action Portsmouth (CAP), we supported the Guinea Community of Portsmouth (GCP), which was set up in January 2013. It aimed to support people originating from Guinea (West Africa), particularly women, children and families in the city of Portsmouth and surrounding districts in order to promote the education, social development and well-being of the members of the Guinea community. CAP supported GCP with: Setting up all the paper work for the community including: the... read more »
We founded Hampshire’s CVS organisations
Having operated for 15+ years. in the 1960s we started to establish local committees, which were initially part of Action Hampshire (fomerly known as HCSS) but eventually became their own independent organisations. These organisations have since evolved into the district CVSes we now work together with in the Hampshire CVS Network. For example… Basingstoke Voluntary Action Basingstoke Council of Social Services (now Basingtoke Voluntary Action (BVA), available via this link) In 1965, we supported the development of Basingstoke... read more »
We support and promote the work of environmental organisations
As part of our work in Bordon, East Hampshire in the early 1980s, our first ever Environmental Officer/Ranger worked with local schools and the wider community to establish a wildlife area, starting with creating a wildflower meadow. Despite a mixed reception from some residents at the time, the area (Deadwater Valley) is now a thriving local nature reserve, with 12 different habitat types and 38 hectares of green space. It is managed by read more »
We promote community empowerment!
In 2010, Action Hampshire administered the Hampshire & IoW portion of the South East Community Empowerment Awards, which was an initiative of the former South East Regional Empowerment Partnership. After difficult review, four organisations won the top prize of £5,000. One of these was Buriton Village Voice Group. At the time the judges said: The Buriton Village Voice Group is a team of volunteers who have produced a very successful parish plan for the rural parish of... read more »
We support services that provide art, community, environmental and heritage activities
From 1979-1983, Action Hampshire started a project in Bordon, a community based around an army base in East Hampshire, supporting the development of an old primary school into a new multi-purpose community hub with arts, community, environmental and heritage activities. What was then the Community Arts Centre is now Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre. Our work on Bordon was documented in a 1993 publication: Rural Action: A collection of community work case studies. In 2012, a... read more »
Our extensive networks mean we can engage with people that others often struggle to reach
In 2016, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) had a challenge. They were publicly consulting about a significant restructure to the Fire Service, but were concerned they were not hearing the voices of everyone they serve. They were keen to hear from people whose voices are less often heard. Would the restructure have any additional or different impacts on these communities? And how could insights help to inform the implementation process? HFRS wanted to... read more »
We help services that provide essential support to those that most need it in our communities
Empowering 2 Change is a cooperative (not for profit) which aims to support people seeking recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Here’s what Empowering 2 Change had to say about the project… As part of Community Action Portsmouth (CAP), we supported the set up of a “Recovery Cafe” in Portsmouth to provide a place where people in recovery and those seeking help can come for support, advice, support groups such as ACT, Life Coaching, and... read more »
We supported the promotion of local history in the community
In 1953, Action Hampshire (previously called HCSS) formed the Hampshire Local History Council, with Bishop of Winchester as Chairman. This group was to “act as a clearing house for the activities of the numerous local societies“. Pointing out the danger of becoming too highbrow, he said that they wanted all kinds of people to be concerned about the history of their own village and towns. First meeting on Saturday 10 October, 1953 with 20 county... read more »
In 2021 we provided support to the community with the digital switchover!
In 2012 were commissioned to run two Digital Switchover programmes: the ‘Communities Programme’ and the ‘Community Outreach Programme’ in the Meridian West area (Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole, Isle of Wight, Southampton, Portsmouth and Sussex). We worked with partner organisations across the area, and together trained 194 community volunteers who engaged with 6,405 Community Supporters. Quotation from external evaluation of Digital Outreach programme: “The performance of Action Hampshire stood out for delivering the most relatively productive... read more »
We provide all you need to know about running a voluntary or community organisation or group
Re:minds, available via this link, started up over 6 years ago when a small support group was set up by one parent, supporting families of children with autism, ADHD or with poor mental health. This very quickly grew and today they have over 1500 members! After securing funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, they felt they needed to change to a more formal structure and this is where Action Hampshire came... read more »
We support essential services in the community!
In 1981, Action Hampshire (then Hampshire Council of Community Service) undertook a voluntary transport survey which recommended that the county council appoint a broker to act as a contact between community transport services and users. As a result of this, HCC appointed a voluntary transport officer in 1982 – the first role of this nature in the county! This new and “progressive” model was promoted as a national recommendation in a 1985 report which said,... read more »
We ran a Chiropody service for 40 years!
As part of the work of the Hampshire old people’s welfare committee, Action Hampshire (known as Hampshire Council of Social Services at the time) set up a countywide chiropodist service in 1954, which by 1955 had 26 clinics. At the time, we were “rather proud that we have been the very first county in the country to develop this service on a countrywide basis”. Chiropody was an innovative service which gave mobility and independence back... read more »
We support social enterprises – changing the future, one business at a time!
Fiona Ollerhead, fellow and associate of AH, founded The Pantry Partnerships (TPP), available via this link. Fiona talks about the impact Action Hampshire has had on her work over the last several years, particularly the support we have provided during the pandemic… “As a fellow of the first SSE Hampshire programme I have been associated with Action Hampshire for many years, in various capacities. Most recently and currently as the Learning Manager... read more »
We support the promotion of equality and diversity in Hampshire
This Toolkit began as a Hampshire Leadership Forum (previously known as Hampshire Voluntary Sector) Consortium initiative and was developed as part of the Diversity Network Project during 2006-2008 and updated during a further project in 2012. This Toolkit aims to serve as a good practice resource that will help voluntary and community organisations in Hampshire improve the way we promote equality and diversity, and to reach out and engage with people and groups from all... read more »
We support others to raise awareness of cancer in their communities
70 participants have attended Communities Against Cancer Zoom workshops! The Communities Against Cancer (CAC) workshops are friendly, informal, interactive sessions to help people feel more confident in the messages of the CAC project. We discuss how to reduce risk of cancer, awareness of possible symptoms, importance of cancer screening and the barriers some people face to accessing help and a healthy lifestyle. This is all in the context of trying to improve early diagnosis and highlighting... read more »
We championed rural craft traders
1956 In 1956, our annual report highlighted the economic contribution rural craftsmen make nationally, noting that there were 613 master craftmen’s shops in Hampshire, with each providing work for 3 men on average and an output of £1.5 million 1958 From 18-21 June 1958, HCSS organised a large exhibition of village craftsmen, who would show off how to make “boats, saddles, bricks, pottery, hurdles, wrought ironwork, sails and furniture” as well as “stone masonry, weaving, bowl turning,... read more »
We support people who want to build homes in their community
Action Hampshire was part of the team that developed an affordable housing scheme in Twyford, and Anne and Peter were absolutely delighted to be offered one of the properties to rent. “We are so thrilled and excited to be back where we belong. I am 67 and my husband is 68 and this has meant that we can end our days in the place we love best in the world.” Anne Blake (Twyford resident) read more »
We provide valuable information to the VCSE sector
We provide a weekly policy and information newsletter including local and national news, policy snippets, digital tips, events & funding opportunities. Each week, our newsletter reaches 1,700 people, helping them to make a difference everyday! read more »