Welcome to CHAT!
Communities Health Action Together (CHAT) Hampshire and Isle of Wight Volunteering for Health Partnership.
CHAT brings together health, care, and community organisations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to strengthen and grow volunteering. Led by HIVCA and delivered in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS organisations and Local Infrastructure Organisations (LIO’s), this three-year programme is building a shared approach to volunteering that works better for
everyone.
What we’re doing
- Making it easier to find meaningful volunteering in health and community settings that boosts wellbeing and connection
- Improving how volunteers are recruited and supported, for people from all backgrounds
- Bringing organisations together to better support health and community needs
- Testing new ideas and sharing what works to improve volunteering for everyone
As part of this programme, we have co-designed a region-wide campaign to inspire more people to get involved -highlighting that volunteering is simply people supporting people and communities coming together. The campaign has a strong focus on encouraging young people (aged 16–25) and those not currently in employment to take part.
About the Volunteering for Health Programme
CHAT is part of a national programme led by NHS England, CW+, and NHS Charities Together. It brings together 15 partnerships across England to rethink and strengthen volunteering in health and care.
Volunteering for Health’s shared goals
- Help volunteering thrive within local health systems
- Break down barriers that stop people from getting involved
- Test new ways of organising and supporting volunteers
- Build stronger connections between organisations and communities
- Share learning to shape future best practice across England
Ultimately, this work is about empowering communities, improving wellbeing, and recognising the vital role volunteers play in supporting the NHS and local services.
Get involved in the CHAT #VolunteerLikeMe campaign
Launching at Volunteers Week 2026, we are encouraging volunteers to share their experience of volunteering. Using the hashtag #VolunteerLikeMe, we will be sharing the fantastic work Hampshire and the Isle of Wight volunteers do to support the local community on social media and partner websites. If you would like to take part, please complete the below participation form to tell us your volunteering story.
Complete the #VolunteerLikeMe participation questionnaire, follow this link
