Sophie Day

Residents at Templeton Place Care Home in Nursling experienced virtual reality activities hosted by Community Gaming, including an Elvis concert, a Spitfire flight over the Solent, visits to the Norwegian fjords and Caribbean beaches, and an NFL game. Residents Sonia Wright and Philip Mills said the technology felt realistic and exhilarating, while wellbeing coach Kiya McFarlane praised it for helping residents fulfill bucket-list experiences.

YMCA Fairthorne Group has been named among the UK’s Best Big Places to Work for 2026, appearing as one of 25 charitable organizations on the list and one of two YMCAs from the England and Wales federation to be recognized. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight charity attributed the achievement to its focus on employee wellbeing, engagement and workplace culture. Chief executive Phillipa Spicer said valued staff and volunteers are central to the organization’s work supporting children, young people and families through accommodation, childcare, outdoor education and community programs.

Southampton-based Cab My Ride has won the Taxi and Courier Services contract for University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. The company will provide 24-hour, year-round transport for patients, NHS staff, medication and urgent operational journeys across Southampton and the wider region. Its service will include real-time tracking, booking tools, approval workflows and audit trails, with implementation carried out in partnership with the trust. Cab My Ride says it will continue investing in technology, electric vehicles, compliance systems and local employment.

Naomi and Jack’s, a hospice serving babies, children and young adults in southern England, has been shortlisted for Medium Charity of the Year at the Third Sector Awards 2026. Over the past 11 months, it supported around 700 families and delivered 400 admissions. Chief executive Mark Smith said the nomination recognizes the staff’s commitment as the charity approaches its 30th anniversary. The organization rebranded earlier this year, has held an outstanding Care Quality Commission rating since 2016, and operates the only young-adult hospice in southern England with a specialist Duchenne muscular dystrophy clinic.

Southampton City Council has adopted the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan after it was approved through an independent planning examination. Developed with Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council and the New Forest and South Downs National Park authorities, the plan provides a framework for mineral supply and waste management across the region through 2040. Council leader Sarah Bogle said it would support housing, jobs and economic growth while strengthening environmental safeguards, addressing climate change and guiding future planning decisions.

Flowerdown Care Home in Winchester has reached the national finals of the National Garden of the Year competition after winning the South West division in the Barchester Care Awards. Ian Gregory helped create and maintain the garden, while senior housekeeper Marcela Vasiliu also won the South West Hospitality Champion title. Both will attend the national finals in October.

A growing Hampshire group called the Dinks’ Divas brings more than 100 women together to play pickleball at the Dinks Pickleball Club in Chandler's Ford. Founded by Nicki Baker, the group promotes fitness, mental wellbeing and social connection, offering inclusive sessions for women of all ages and abilities. Baker describes the sport as transformative and encourages newcomers to join for both physical benefits and supportive community atmosphere.

A series of YMCA Fairthorne Group programs across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight provides young people facing homelessness, health issues and employment barriers with practical workshops and personalised support. Services include job search assistance, budgeting and cooking sessions, interview preparation and wellbeing initiatives. The initiative responds to national concerns over nearly one million 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK being out of education, employment or training despite most seeking opportunities.

New Forest District Council will engage residents at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show to explain upcoming Local Government Reorganisation plans and gather public feedback. Council leader Jill Cleary highlights the importance of informing people about expected changes to services while offering opportunities to view proposed council area maps and share views on local priorities.

Kitnocks House in Curdridge received a 'good' rating from the Care Quality Commission, with inspectors commending its person‑centred care, strong leadership and focus on improvement. Management highlighted the dedication of staff in supporting residents with complex needs, and Cornerstone Healthcare Group’s CEO credited the result to the team’s professionalism and compassion.

A regional summit in Southampton organised by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and partners emphasised integrating nature and climate considerations into future regional decision-making. More than 100 leaders from local government, business, and environmental organisations examined how natural‑environment investment can support economic growth, address flooding, improve health, and drive sustainable development. With upcoming political changes in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, the trust urged leaders to prioritise environmental issues as part of new governance structures. Research commissioned by the trust reported strong stakeholder agreement on the long‑term value of nature.

Five Hampshire country parks—Lepe, River Hamble, Royal Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Staunton—retained Green Flag Awards for meeting high management and conservation standards. Three of the sites also maintained Green Heritage Site Accreditation. Councillor Kirsty North praised the parks’ quality, and the announcement coincides with the council’s participation in the Great British Summer Savings scheme. The awards, administered by Keep Britain Tidy, were released ahead of Love Parks Week and mark the 30th year of the programme.

A modernised four-bedroom detached home in Oakmount Avenue, Chandler's Ford, is listed for £575,000. The property features multiple ground-floor living spaces, an en-suite master bedroom, landscaped gardens bordering Monks Brook, and both single and double garages. The estate agent highlights its desirable location within the Hampshire town.

A time‑limited programme is offering free MenB vaccinations to young people beginning university or further‑education courses, with first doses available from July 20. Health officials warn that close living conditions raise meningitis risk and highlight vaccination as effective protection. Eligibility covers students in specific birth-year ranges, and doses can be booked through late 2026 and early 2027. The MenB vaccine is distinct from the routine MenACWY jab.

A new children’s cookery club, Cooking with Emily, is opening in Romsey and North Baddesley, led by experienced teacher Emily Grice. The sessions, beginning July 27, will introduce children and teens to global cuisines and practical cooking skills. Grice, formerly the owner of Amelie Food Emporium, is also launching Words and Chocolate, a creative writing and cookery venture. The club accepts children aged four and older and offers specialised sessions, including university preparation and Duke of Edinburgh courses, with a contest offering a chance to win a free place.

Bluestar urges England fans in Southampton to use its bus network for World Cup semi-final celebrations, highlighting safety and late-night service availability while reminding passengers that the discounted evening fare does not apply to certain night routes.