Community Initiative to Combat Isolation for People Over the Age of 65 Across Hampshire

A community initiative designed to combat isolation and increase confidence in people has gone live across Hampshire.

MHA Communities Hampshire will be leading the Travel for All programme with the help of Hampshire County Council, South Western Railway and Atkins.

MHA Communities Hampshire are looking for older people who would like to get out but have lost confidence with using public transport. Journeys to the supermarket, medical appointments and going into the town centre are the common trips.

Members will be matched with a friendly volunteer who will work with them and organise a personal journey plan.

Sarah Kinsey-Learoyd, project coordinator at MHA Communities Hampshire said:
“The pilot for Travel for All was conducted in November and December 2021 where almost 20 older people were supported to make journeys.

“We want to combat social isolation, encourage interaction and enable members to travel independently and continue with their daily routine.

“Each participant has continued to use public transport to get themselves to MHA clubs or personal appointments which has led to a significant improvement in their wellbeing.

“The feedback has been really good and we have seen first-hand an improvement in members.

“The purpose of the programme is to get people out and about again, due to a very difficult period when the pandemic was at its peak, a lot of older people lost the confidence to use public transport.

“The project has now been extended across Hampshire until March 2023, so we are actively seeking volunteers and participants to take part in this much needed service.