Introduction

Community projects play a vital role in keeping Hampshire connected, resilient and supportive. Across the county, local charities, grassroots groups and partnership programmes help people with everything from transport and family support to wellbeing, housing and volunteering. These projects matter because they respond to real local needs, strengthen communities and give residents practical ways to support one another. Below is a useful guide to 12 community projects across Hampshire that are making a positive difference in towns, villages and neighbourhoods across the county. (connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk)

1. Hampshire Young Carers Alliance

Area served: Across Hampshire
What it does: Hampshire Young Carers Alliance is a consortium of independent charities supporting young carers aged 8 to 18 with respite, activities, advocacy and tailored help. (hyca.org.uk)
Who it helps: Children and young people who help care for someone in their family.
Why it matters locally: Young carers often take on major responsibilities at home, and this support helps them feel seen, heard and better able to balance caring with school and everyday life. (hyca.org.uk)
How to get involved: Donate, raise awareness, refer a young person for support, or contact the alliance to find your nearest local project.
Website/contact: HYCA website. (hyca.org.uk)

2. connect4communities

Area served: Across Hampshire
What it does: connect4communities links families to funded activities, food support and local help, including library activities, family sessions and community support during financial hardship. (connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk)
Who it helps: Families, children and households needing extra support.
Why it matters locally: It helps reduce pressure on struggling households while keeping children and families connected to positive activities close to home.
How to get involved: Check the directory, attend local activities, or share the scheme with families who may benefit.
Website/contact: Connect to Support Hampshire – connect4communities. (connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk)

3. Community First Connect Transport

Area served: Basingstoke, East Hampshire, Fareham, Gosport and other parts of Hampshire
What it does: Connect Transport provides accessible community transport for people who cannot easily use ordinary public transport because of mobility or sensory difficulties. (Community First)
Who it helps: Older people, disabled residents and others who need help getting to shops, services and town centres.
Why it matters locally: Reliable transport can make the difference between isolation and independence, especially where public transport is limited.
How to get involved: Book a journey, refer someone who may benefit, or ask about becoming a volunteer driver.
Website/contact: Community First Transport Services. (Community First)

4. Community First Shopmobility

Area served: Hampshire town centres served by Community First
What it does: Shopmobility provides scooters and wheelchairs for people aged 16 and over with short-term or long-term mobility issues. (Community First)
Who it helps: Residents and visitors with mobility challenges.
Why it matters locally: It helps people stay active, independent and able to use town centres, shops and community facilities.
How to get involved: Use the service, tell others about it, or support Community First through volunteering and local promotion.
Website/contact: Community First Shopmobility. (Community First)

5. Volunteer First

Area served: Across Hampshire, including East Hampshire, Fareham, Havant, Winchester and the New Forest
What it does: Volunteer First advertises hundreds of volunteering roles for more than 500 charities and community groups across Hampshire. It also includes opportunities for young volunteers. (Community First)
Who it helps: Anyone wanting to volunteer, plus local charities looking for support.
Why it matters locally: It makes it easier for residents to find flexible, meaningful ways to help in their own communities.
How to get involved: Search for a role by postcode, interest or age group and register your interest online.
Website/contact: Volunteer First via Community First. (Community First)

6. Age Concern Hampshire Help at Home

Area served: Across Hampshire
What it does: Help at Home offers practical support such as housework, shopping, companionship, meal preparation and trips out to help older people stay independent. (Age Concern Hampshire)
Who it helps: Older people who need a little extra support at home.
Why it matters locally: Small amounts of help can make daily life safer, more manageable and less lonely for older residents.
How to get involved: Contact the service for support, refer a relative or neighbour, or support Age Concern Hampshire’s wider work.
Website/contact: 01962 868545, [email protected], Age Concern Hampshire Help at Home. (connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk)

7. Hart’s Community Garden

Area served: Fleet and the Hart district
What it does: Hart’s Community Garden is an inclusive, accessible growing space with raised beds, polytunnels and room for workshops, group meetings and wellbeing activities. (hartvolaction.org.uk)
Who it helps: Local residents, including unpaid carers and people looking for social, health and wellbeing benefits through gardening. (hartvolaction.org.uk)
Why it matters locally: Community gardens bring people together, improve wellbeing and create welcoming outdoor spaces where skills and confidence can grow.
How to get involved: Arrange a visit, join as a member, attend an event or workshop, or support the garden through referrals and local awareness.
Website/contact: Hart Voluntary Action – Hart’s Community Garden, phone 01252 815652. (hartvolaction.org.uk)

8. Emmaus Hampshire

Area served: Winchester and wider Hampshire
What it does: Emmaus Hampshire provides a home, tailored support and work experience opportunities for adults who have experienced homelessness. (Emmaus UK)
Who it helps: Adults aged 18 and over who are homeless or at risk and need a fresh start.
Why it matters locally: It offers more than emergency help by supporting long-term recovery, stability and renewed independence.
How to get involved: Donate, volunteer, shop in Emmaus stores or contact the charity about referrals and support.
Website/contact: 01962 868300, [email protected], Emmaus Hampshire, Bar End Road, Winchester. (Emmaus UK)

9. Hampshire Healthy Families 0–19

Area served: Across Hampshire
What it does: Delivered in partnership with NHS services and Barnardo’s, Hampshire Healthy Families offers workshops, courses and community-based support to help families with children aged 0 to 19. (Barnardo’s)
Who it helps: Parents, carers, babies, children and teenagers.
Why it matters locally: Early family support can improve child development, confidence, health and parenting support before problems grow bigger.
How to get involved: Browse local sessions, sign up for workshops or explore support through the service website.
Website/contact: Hampshire Healthy Families. (hampshirehealthyfamilies.org.uk)

10. Hampshire Healthy Steps

Area served: Across Hampshire
What it does: Hampshire Healthy Steps is a family-focused programme helping children aged 2 to 12 become more active, sleep better and build healthier habits through practical, achievable goals. (Barnardo’s)
Who it helps: Families with children who would benefit from healthier routines and extra encouragement.
Why it matters locally: It supports prevention and healthier childhoods in a practical way that families can manage together.
How to get involved: Families can explore the six-step course and check whether they can self-refer or be referred by a professional.
Website/contact: Barnardo’s – Hampshire Healthy Steps. (Barnardo’s)

11. The Resilience Garden

Area served: Aldershot and Rushmoor
What it does: The Resilience Garden at Aldershot Military Museum was created with veterans, serving forces and civilians recovering from mental health challenges, and continues to welcome people to help maintain and plant the garden. (hampshireculture.org.uk)
Who it helps: Veterans, civilians and local people looking for a reflective, community-based wellbeing space.
Why it matters locally: It combines creativity, nature and shared activity to support mental wellbeing and community connection in an area with strong military links.
How to get involved: Take part in gardening activities, visit the museum site and look out for related events and community sessions.
Website/contact: Hampshire Cultural Trust – The Resilience Garden. (hampshireculture.org.uk)

12. Action Hampshire Rural Communities Support

Area served: Rural communities across Hampshire
What it does: Action Hampshire supports community-led action in rural areas, helps local groups strengthen village life and champions rural needs across the county. (actionhampshire.org.uk)
Who it helps: Rural residents, parish groups, village halls, voluntary organisations and community leaders.
Why it matters locally: Rural communities can face isolation, limited services and fewer opportunities, so targeted support helps them stay active, connected and sustainable.
How to get involved: Contact the team for advice, attend events, explore support for local initiatives or connect your village or group with Action Hampshire.
Website/contact: Action Hampshire, including rural communities support; contact Kevin Sawers at [email protected] or 01962 679332. (actionhampshire.org.uk)

How to Get Involved in Community Life in Hampshire

Getting involved in community life in Hampshire does not have to mean a huge time commitment. Many local projects welcome one-off volunteers, occasional fundraisers, trustees, drivers, event helpers, donors and people who simply help spread the word. A good starting point is to search countywide volunteering listings, check local charity websites, visit your nearest community hub or library, and ask local organisations what help they need most. Hampshire County Council and Connect to Support Hampshire also point residents towards volunteering, support services and community opportunities across the county. (Hampshire County Council)

Closing Thoughts

Hampshire is full of projects that quietly make everyday life better, whether by supporting families, tackling loneliness, helping people travel, creating safe spaces or opening up new opportunities to volunteer. Exploring even one local initiative can lead to stronger connections, practical support and a greater sense of belonging. Whether you give your time, raise funds, donate, attend a session or recommend a service to someone else, there are plenty of ways to play a part in community life across Hampshire.