Community First 2023 Impact Report

Making life better for everyone

SUMMARY REPORT

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Welcome to Community First Community First is a leading voice in Hampshire’s voluntary and community sector supported by more than 1,000 volunteers, 450 member and partner organisations and 120 staff.

A strong voluntary sector enables communities to influence decision-making, builds resilience and long-term partnerships and encourages and mobilises volunteers.

When this support is accessible locally, individuals and communities thrive.

Working with communities and partners we’re reducing health and wealth inequalities, to lessen pressure on social care and health services. Our energetic H&IOW social prescribing network and health and wellbeing forums showcase some of the best of the voluntary sector in helping people to live happy and healthy lives.

We’re helping families and young people develop skills and build resilience, supporting community hubs, delivering

2 Summary Report

essential transport, mobility, training, home help, specialist trauma counselling and vital support for young carers.

We operate at scale having successfully brought together seven organisations, managing centrally while delivering locally, reducing duplication and investing more in frontline services.

I hope you enjoy reading a summary about the support we provide for organisations and the services we deliver with and for people in Hampshire.

Tim Houghton Chief Executive

Membership and community development

“

Community First’s support allows us to reach more young people and get them involved in making a difference in the community.

We are passionate about creating a strong and influential voluntary and community sector through the set-up of new organisations, projects and ongoing support for our growing membership. The development services we offer include business planning and support with day-to-day management, finding volunteers and funding applications.

620 £434K 440

Voluntary, community & social enterprise organisations we supported with guidance and advice Income generated into voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations with our help Number of membership organisations

Membership is just £10 per year. Join us www.cfirst.org.uk/join-us www.cfirst.org.uk 3

Transport

Operating across 70% of Hampshire, our community transport and mobility services, including Dial-a-Ride and Connect Call & Go, provide a lifeline supporting people with shopping, leisure trips and access to employment and training.

Number of trips

33,424

Number of passengers carried

50,432

Number of groups supported

4,902

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“

The kindness Betty and the Community First team have shown goes a long way and it’s so important for people like my dad Walter, who often don’t go out and socialise, to speak to people.

Volunteering

Through our online Volunteer First platform and events across Hampshire, we have encouraged and inspired people to become volunteers, connecting them with voluntary and community organisations and helping them to find their ideal role.

Volunteering roles advertised

494

Enquiries about volunteering roles 2,064 Number of Volunteers placed

566

Number of young people supported to volunteer

135

To advertise your opportunities or get started on your volunteering journey visit www.volunteerfirst.co.uk www.cfirst.org.uk 5

Supporting our Communities

Wheels to Work

Shopmobility & Events Mobility

Health & Wellbeing

A moped loan service allowing people to independently get to work, apprenticeships, training or job interviews.

Our service providing mobility scooters to anyone who cannot manage to get around the local area or events.

We help vulnerable people in the community supporting them with gardening, home help and walks.

Annual hirers

Customers supported

906

Clients supported: Gardening

213

Trips made

3,215

Number of walks

386

Clients supported: Home help

281

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Heart of the Park

Positive Pathways

Clanfield Centre

A friendly space at Leigh Park Community Centre offering facilities, activities and space for a number of local organisations.

Supporting Havant Borough residents to volunteer in their community, gain valuable work experience and learn new skills.

We manage the Clanfield Centre for the community to enjoy a range of classes, sports, and refreshments in the café.

Annual visitors

Clients supported

Annual users

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30,992

320

35,932

“

Young Carers

Training

Supporting young carers aged 7-18 with one-to-one work, school support, trips and activities and signposting.

We offer training for the private and voluntary sector including first aid, people management and minibus drivers.

Young Carers/families supported

Courses held

258

Learners supported

176 1,333

START

Timebank

A specialist counselling service for those who have suffered sexual abuse or trauma in North and Mid Hampshire.

A friendly group of individuals, community organisations and businesses who swap skills and exchange support.

Clients supported

Skills exchanged

467

My trips out with Sandra have enhanced my life because I don’t get out otherwise.

It does a lot for my confidence and happiness.

1,472 hours

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General enquiries: 0300 500 8085 Email: support@cfirst.org.uk www.cfirst.org.uk Registered Office: Leigh Park Community Centre, Dunsbury Way, Leigh Park, Havant, PO9 5BG Charity No. 1147527 | Company No. 0807197