The voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is uniquely placed to provide a link between health services and the local community. These local organisations provide vital services that enable our wider health and care system to achieve our shared aspirations where local people are better supported to live happier, safer, healthier lives.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight VCSE Health and Care Alliance (HIVCA)
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight has worked with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to establish a voluntary sector alliance. The development work for the alliance was undertaken by Action Hampshire and, as a result, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight VCSE Health and Care Alliance (HIVCA) was formed in 2022.
The role of HIVCA is to:
- Be an alliance of voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations in Hampshire Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton
- Deploy people to advocate for voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations at meetings and in the health and social care system
- Act as a central point of contact for the Integrated Care Board, Integrated Care Partnership and Integrated Care System with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector ensuring open and transparent communication
- Convene alternative provider collaboratives to co-develop and deliver services
There is more information and details on how voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations can join here.
Going Further. Together – our strategic approach to working with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector across Hampshire and Isle of Wight
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight has developed a strategic approach with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector outlining how we will work together.
The strategic approach sets out our vision and principles and the next steps on how this relationship will develop and strengthen over time.
This approach will provide a framework for working in partnership with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. Working together in partnership with HIVCA and the wider VCSE sector is an exciting opportunity for co-design and collaboration, to help deliver better health and care services and improve the health and wellbeing in our communities.
Read the full NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Strategic Approach to Working with the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise Sector.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network
Co-ordinated by Community First, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network was established in 2017. There are three informative, free webinars and a Social Prescribing Celebration and Networking Event each year. The Network is funded by NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight and has over 500 members - who are interested in, deliver, commission, provide services and/or support for social prescribing countywide.
Also co-ordinated by Community First, are four informative, free Health and Wellbeing webinars per year, covering a wide range of health-related topics. There are currently two face to face Health/Health and Wellbeing Showcase and Networking Forums. All members of the above also receive regular ‘Helpful Info’ update monthly email updates.
To register or for more information for any of the above, please contact healthforums@cfirst.org.uk