On February 5, 2026, the charity Action Hampshire announced at its Annual General Meeting that it is making “Healthy Communities” its primary strategic focus to help people in Portsmouth, Hampshire, live longer and healthier lives. The new focus aims to bring local groups together so residents can access health advice and social support — such as help with debt, housing or utilities — through a joined-up, “no wrong door” network.
The plan involves working closely with HIVE Portsmouth to connect small community groups with larger health services. By concentrating effort in high‑need neighbourhoods such as Paulsgrove and Nelson (and other wards identified as high deprivation), the organisations want to make sure that getting medical help or practical advice — for example about heating a home or utility bills — is as straightforward as visiting a local library or community hub.
The move follows data showing a persistent gap in healthy life expectancy between parts of the city. Organisers say tackling upstream social problems such as poor housing and fuel poverty can help prevent issues escalating into medical emergencies and reduce pressure on Queen Alexandra Hospital.
The project sits within the wider local strategy led by Portsmouth City Council and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Integrated Care System to improve well‑being by 2030. Initial reports from the AGM indicate the work may be supported by regional health grants and funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to help local groups build capacity; the organisations will confirm final funding arrangements publicly when allocations are agreed.
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