About Hand in Hand

St John’s Hand in Hand points people in the right direction towards social events that they can benefit from and enjoy, as well as towards groups, people and organisations who are best placed to help. 

We believe that everybody should lead their life with enjoyment, friendship, fulfillment and choice. Sometimes in later life these things can become a little more difficult to achieve. Our aim is to make a real difference by improving the wellbeing of local older people, offering access and gateways to new social opportunities and helping our scheme members to live full and independent lives for as long as possible.

There are three core elements to the Hand in Hand scheme:

1. Signposting Services

   Our dedicated staff and volunteers identify appropriate services or activities taking place in the local area and ‘signpost’ scheme members to them. With the help of the community, we have created a database of services, activities, clubs and events in the Winchester area to support this. It is our intention to liaise with third parties and other organisations to keep the database up to date for the benefit of local older people (coming soon). 

2. Living Well Plans

   This involves us chatting with the member using the St John’s Hand in Hand service about what support they may need and what they want to achieve. This conversation will allow us to get to know our scheme member a bit better and will help us to gain a clear understanding of how we can help. 

3. Befriending

   A key part of the initiative includes offering companionship, especially in circumstances where help and support is needed. It will involve volunteers and staff spending time with people using the service in ways that will make a positive impact and a real difference!

Our Hand in Hand team is led by Wellbeing Team Manager, Marie Johnson-Hall, supported by our Volunteer Coordinator Claire Feltham, and Social Prescribers Julie Harman and Collette Ford.

Please read our press release, or view our service leaflets for further information.