PS – Schools can also get involved with the The Giant Fruit & Veg Challenge that invites pupils to create their own fruit‑and veg‑packed dish, encouraging creativity, practical food skills and engagement with ingredients in a positive and accessible way. One winning recipe will be developed for school menus and served in over 1,500 schools across the UK, giving pupils the opportunity to see their ideas shared more widely. The challenge is supported by JB Gill alongside nutritionists from the British Nutrition Foundation, who will visit the winning school to host a cooking session and bring the activity to life. The Giant Fruit & Veg Challenge is open to school‑aged children across the UK and is free to enter.

About the course: This Emergency First Aid course is for anyone who wants to learn how to help in an emergency. In a small, friendly group, you’ll learn simple, life-saving skills. The course is hands-on, easy to follow, and gives you the confidence to stay calm and take action when needed.

Who is this course for? This course, funded by UK government is for Hampshire Residents aged 19+, looking to develop a stronger sense of community and who have little or no first aid knowledge. The course is designed to give the learner skills to be able to respond to everyday first aid emergencies, confidently and effectively. It is a practical course, so floor work for CPR/Recovery position is needed. Previous knowledge or experience: This practical based course is suitable for both complete novices as well as those wishing to refresh their skills.

To book a place, please go to this link.

I’m incredibly proud to share that Hope Basingstoke will be managed by Inclusion Education, following our role in hosting Baton of Hope Basingstoke during the 2025 Tour. What began as a single day has grown into something permanent, community‑led and rooted in care, compassion and hope.

Hope Basingstoke will focus on:

• Promoting open, safe conversations about suicide and mental health

• Supporting local communities and early intervention

• Strengthening partnerships across education, health, business, sport and the voluntary sector

• Championing the Baton of Hope pledges and national campaigns

We’re now inviting people to get involved. As we take this next step, we’re looking for individuals who would like to be part of:

• A small Steering Group, helping hold the vision, values and direction

• Working committees, supporting specific areas such as community engagement, youth, workplaces, events or communications

Our work will include:

Project Iris: Growing Hope - Continuing and expanding the Chatty Bench -

Supporting The Baton of Hope workplace Pledge and the BSI Standard: Suicide at Work

And we are planning at least two events in the coming months:

• Goal for Hope Football tournament (August)

• Hope Anniversary Event - 25^th September 2026

If you would like to be involved, please let me know. And please share widely with anyone and everyone!

18:00 - 22:00 - Aerobility, Blackbushe Airport, Blackwater, GU17 9LQ. Further about ticket bookings on the Aerobility website.

 The Christmas Challenge utilises a Pledge Model of match funding. This model allows supporters of participating charities to have their donations doubled with match funds provided by the charity’s own supporters (pledgers) and Big Give’s Champion partners. 

To take part, a charity must secure a portion of their match funding pot from their pledgers. If eligible, they can be awarded up to the same amount again from a Champion funder, creating a combined match pot which is used to double public donations made through Big Give’s platform during the campaign week. 

• Applications now open.

• Deadline to apply: 3 July

• 28 August: Pledge deadline

• 7 October: Offer deadline

• 1 – 8 December 2026 (midday): Campaign

It is strongly encouraged to make early submissions to allow plenty of time to secure pledges. Don’t leave it until the last minute - find out more and apply via the Christmas Challenge page.

• Bringing people and organisations together

• Sharing information and good practice

• Improving signposting to support

• Helping shape more joined-up local services

By creating stronger links between services and communities, the Alliance aims to ensure that people affected by dementia – whether living with a diagnosis or supporting someone who is, can more easily find the right help, at the right time, in their local area.

Brogan Rehill, Head of Strategy, Partnerships & Community Impact at Age Concern Hampshire and spokesperson for the Alliance said:

“The launch of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Dementia Alliance during Dementia Awareness Week reflects our shared ambition to improve everyday support for people affected by dementia. By working together across organisations and communities, we can make a real difference to how people experience and access support locally.”

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Dementia Alliance connects people, organisations and services to make support easier to find. To find out more or to get involved with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Dementia Alliance, please contact: supporters@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Applications for the 2026 round of funding are open and close on 17 July.

Annually there are eight grants available:

• £1,000 – small grant x five available

• £5,000 – medium grant x one available

• £10,000 – large grant x two available

Project applications will be scored accordingly:

Biodiversity enhancements: is the environment left in a naturally better state than it was before? How will local wildlife and habitats benefit from the project?

Health and wellbeing: how will your project improve the health and wellbeing or quality of life of those affected by it? 
Value for money: does the application include details on expenditure and are these realistic?
Educational benefit: how will the project improve educational awareness and reach as many people as possible?
Method: is the project plan clear and considered? Does it include detail on how each element of the project will be executed and who will be responsible for it. 
Sustainable: how will the project be managed to maximise future benefits? Is the project carbon friendly? Have sustainable methods been implemented e.g. use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood.

Further detail including information about which organisations were sucessful in the previous funding round at this link.

John Lewis nomination forms can be downloaded from: www.johnlewis.com/our-services/helping-our-community  

Waitrose nomination forms can be downloaded from: https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/content/about-us/charities/community-matters  

Impact Grants - which covers

• Poverty – bedroom items, clothing, school uniform, white good*, laptop/tablets for study, baby equipment, sensory room/equipment, before/after school activities clubs

• Mental Health and well-being – Therapy* including counselling, music/art therapy, speech/language, physiotherapy, bereavement support, sensory equipment.

• Sport and Physical well-being

• Disability or life limiting illness – Specialist equipment

• Education and essential skills – Educational materials School trip/residential*, volunteer training, swimming/sport/uniformed organisation subs for disadvantaged children.

• Diversity and inclusion – Projects that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

Holiday Hunger Grants

This funding is specifically to provide disadvantaged children and young people who have a lack of access to food AND activities in the school holidays. Projects must focus on outcomes that encourage children to eat more healthily and be more active during the school holidays. Full details about all of the grant options (including for individuals and families) at this link.

initial, basic help, but also know when, and how, to call in the experts when you need them. The programme comprises three strands:

1. Face to Face Training for frontline workers (volunteers or staff)

2. Easy referral opportunities to get those in need quick access to our advisers

3. Ongoing support for you in delivering advice first aid

The remaining training half-day dates for 2026 are:

• Wednesday 24th June 2026

• Wednesday 7th October 2026

• Wednesday 2nd December 2026

If you would like to find out more or book a training course place - please contact Marcia afa@citizensadvicehart.org.uk (01252 227014).

• Cllr Stuart Bailey (Yateley East & Blackwater)

• Cllr Chris Dorn (Odiham & Hook)

• Cllr Steve Forster (Fleet Town)

• Cllr Alan Oliver (Church Crookham & Ewshot)

• Cllr Richard Quarterman (Hartley Wintney & Yateley West)

Each County Councillor receives an annual budget to support local projects, initiatives, or organisations within their Division. Organisations cannot apply for grants for the same purpose every year ie for the same project or event. Grant awards from the previous two years will be taken into account when applications are assessed. The County Councillors' grant scheme will re-open on 1 July. Minimum grant £100 and maximum grant £1000. Grant awards are one-off. Grant applications must demonstrate how the proposed project or initiative supports one or more of Hampshire County Council's four priority commitments in the Strategic Plan:

• Keeping you healthy, well and independent

• Giving your communities the best chance to thrive

• Keeping you, your families, and friends safe

• Providing innovative services you need and value

Please check the full guidance, and you must contact your County Councillor before making an application via the online application form. Full details at this link.

• Extreme weather

• Food security

• Health

• Cost of living

After the film there will be a discussion about what it means for our community and what we can do locally.

Seats are free but limited, so please book in advance:
The Cross Barn, Odiham - Sunday 31 May 3.15pm (refreshments from 3pm)
buytickets.at/u3aodihamdistricteandc

St John’s Church, Hartley Wintney
Sunday 7 June 2.30pm (Refreshments from 2pm) stjohnshw.churchsuite.com/events/bx2up3mp

Winchfield Village Hall, Monday 15 June 7pm (Refreshments from 6.30pm)
buytickets.at/winchfieldpeb/2205821

The film is rated as 16+ and therefore not therefore suitable for children. Further details about the National Emergency Briefing initiative at this link

The Counselling Directory provides a nationwide database of qualified counsellors and therapists, including the following:

• An advanced search tool that allows you to filter your search according to your needs and location (or if you’d rather receive support remotely, you can find a therapist offering online or telephone services).

• Full profiles of each counsellor including their background, qualifications, fees and availability.

• A thorough approvals policy which means all counsellors provide evidence of professional body membership before they can be listed, so you can be sure of contacting a credible professional.

• A detailed library of fact sheets featuring useful information about how counselling might be able to help with what’s worrying you.

• An FAQs section that looks to answer any questions you may have.

• Additional resources, such as events, where you can find workshops and courses, and articles, where experts share their knowledge on a variety of subjects.

See announcement from the Happiful Foundation here.

Each week will focus on a different theme related to the emotional aspects of this stage of life.

• The group will provide peer support for each other with an emphasis on compassion and respect.

• Together, the group will explore the impact this transition can have on mood, identity, relationships, self-esteem, and overall mental health helping you feel heard, validated, and less alone.

To register to attend this group please visit this link.

Once registered we will contact you to let you know how to make payment and once payment has been received your place on the course will be confirmed. If you would like more information, then please email 121@hartvolaction.org.uk