Community groups key to improving health in Hampshire, experts say

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network’s annual showcase event brought together partners from across health, local government and the voluntary sector to share practical ways to expand access to “social prescribing” – non-clinical support that helps people improve their wellbeing through community-based activities.

Held ahead of National Social Prescribing Day on March 26, the event highlighted the growing role community groups play in supporting people experiencing loneliness, mental health challenges, long-term conditions and complex social needs.

Social prescribing was formally introduced across primary care in England in 2019 and now generates more than one million referrals every year. In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight alone, around 90 social prescribers work alongside GPs and healthcare professionals, and are part of the 560-member Hampshire and Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network, who deliver or support services across the region.

The event, organised by Community First, explored how stronger collaboration between healthcare services and community organisations can help people live healthier, more independent lives while reducing demand on statutory services.

Tim Houghton, Chief Executive Officer at Community First, said: “Communities have a huge role to play in improving health and wellbeing. Through social prescribing, people can connect with local groups, volunteers and activities that support them in ways traditional healthcare alone cannot.

“This event showcased the incredible work already happening across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, but also highlighted the opportunity to expand these services so more people can benefit from them.”

Speakers from across the health and voluntary sectors shared insights into the future of neighbourhood-based health support.

Samantha James, Health Integration Lead at the National Association for Community and Voluntary Action (NAVCA), outlined the challenges facing community health systems, including rising demand, inequality and the need for stronger collaboration between statutory services and community organisations.

Jason Brandon, Deputy Director and Principal Social Worker for Adults’ Health and Care at Hampshire County Council, highlighted how preventative, community-based support will become increasingly important as the population ages and health inequalities grow.

Attendees also heard from Debbie Thompson, a Social Prescriber at Mosaic Primary Care Network, who shared a patient story demonstrating how personalised community support can transform lives and build resilience.

Alongside keynote sessions, participants took part in interactive workshops exploring how to improve men’s mental wellbeing, tackle health inequalities and translate community health programmes into practical action.

The event concluded with networking sessions and a marketplace featuring more than 30 local organisations delivering activities and services across the county.

Attendee feedback included: “this was an excellent chance to make new connections in my local area and I have a better understanding of just how vital social prescribers are” and “it was great to speak to different services about different support they can offer patients – the day gave a brilliant over view of what social prescribing is all about.”

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network was established in 2017 and now connects more than 560 professionals and organisations involved in social prescribing across the region. The network meets quarterly to share best practice and strengthen partnerships across health and community services.

For more information or to join the network visit: cfirst.org.uk/wellbeing/hspn/