From a wide selection of volunteering opportunities to advice on training for community groups, as well as help with the cost of living, and how to apply for a county councillor community grant, there’s lots of information and guidance on the support on offer via the Community support | Hampshire County Council.
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Nick Adams-King, explains: “Hampshire's greatest strength isn't found in a building or an institution - it's found in the people who roll up their sleeves and help their neighbours. Across our towns and villages, thousands of volunteers, community groups and local champions work tirelessly to support others, often without seeking recognition. They are the backbone of our county and deserve our heartfelt thanks.
"Hampshire Day is a chance to celebrate everything that makes this county such a wonderful place to live – from our rich heritage and beautiful countryside to the strong community spirit that brings people together in good times and bad. It's also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to local communities, making sure services are shaped by local people and delivered closer to where they live, so that every resident can benefit from the support they need."
Examples of how the Local Authority is working at the heart of local communities to deliver services and support, include:
Best Start Hubs – bringing family support closer to home
Community health programmes - keeping older adults well and independent for longer, for example: Steady and Strong
Tackling loneliness (search Chat About) through Hampshire libraries
Holiday Activities and Food programme for struggling families
Coproduction opportunities – working with the County Council to design local services
Hampshire Day is an annual celebration of the county of Hampshire, held on 15 July each year. It was introduced by Hampshire County Council in 2019 to celebrate Hampshire’s history, culture, heritage, communities, and people.
The date was chosen because 15 July is St Swithun’s Day. St Swithun was a 9th-century Bishop of Winchester and is closely associated with Hampshire and Winchester Cathedral.