About Us

‘Local Solutions to Local Issues from Local People’

The aim of our centre is to build safer and stronger communities through:

• Promoting social inclusion and opportunities for all
• Working with individuals, families and young people
• Working in partnership to improve access to services and information locally

In October 2008, Hart Neighbourhood Centre officially became an independent Charity.  Our aim is to serve the district of Hart to advance education, and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions.  Bringing together the community, the local authority, voluntary and other organisations.

Since we opened in September 2005 we have piloted various support and advice groups, some of our most successful being Taking Steps, a support group for those who have experienced domestic abuse.  Junction 5 who provide free money advice and support.  Sunshine and Showers, supporting those who experience depression and/or anxiety and the Local Councillor surgery where residents can speak with Local District and County Councillors at a drop in facility.

We are proud to have become accredited by Natural England to be a Healthy walk scheme provider which is part of the ‘Walking the way to Health Initiative’.

We currently run 2 successful walks in Hook and Odiham.

Health walks are aimed at people who would like to walk at a gentle pace in a safe and social setting.  We encourage people who may be rehabilitating after an illness, who would like to begin to take gentle exercise or who feel they would like to meet people.  We are currently averaging 40 walkers a week come rain or shine! We will be launching walks in Hartley Wintney, Crondall, Church Crookham and Fleet in the New Year.

One of our projects is the management of ‘Get With’ a multi agency youth diversion project that has successfully run in Hook during the school summer holidays for the past 2 years. ‘Get With’ is a free scheme open to all 11 – 16 year olds from Hart to come along and receive different positive experiences trying things they may not have tried before in the hope of motivating and encouraging them to have aspirations. The benefits of ‘Get With’ have been many, ranging from success for the young people in terms of gaining awards and qualification and meeting staff from various agencies.  It is also successful in reducing anti – social behaviour. Statistics from Business Objects Hampshire Constabulary, show a 37% reduction in criminal damage during the period of Get With since 2006.

The Hart Neighbourhood Centre is staffed by a Manager and 2 part time administrators with over 20 volunteers that give their time working in various roles such as information assistants and Health Walk leaders. We have a board of trustees which includes representatives from Hampshire Constabulary, Hart District Council, Hart Parish Councils and Hart Voluntary Action.  The future of the Hart Neighbourhood Centre as a Charity is a varied and exciting one. We will be working with many agencies in areas such as housing, adult education, employment support, youth diversion and 16-19 year old support.