Local MP Alan Mak will be bringing his popular Community Groups and Older Persons Information Fair to a new central Havant location this summer, it has been announced.
The event, now in its third year, has been previously held on Hayling Island in 2016 and 2017, attracting more than 1,000 people interested in finding out more about the range of services on offer to residents across the constituency.
The local MP said he wanted to bring the Fair to the new location to ensure that all residents living in the Havant constituency had a chance to attend. In addition, for the first time the event has been expanded to include community groups and clubs.
Now known as the Community Groups and Older Persons Information Fair, the event will be held at the Meridian Centre on Friday 3 August from 10am to 2pm. This year it is expected to feature around 40 exhibitors – those confirmed as attending include Hampshire Police, Hayling Island Choir, Staunton Farm & Country Park, Dementia Friends, Churchers Solicitors, Pensions Advisory Service, Barclays and Hampshire County Council.
Alan said: “My first two Older Persons Information Fairs were big successes and proved popular with residents, so I decided to expand the event to include some of our excellent community groups.
“Combined with an excellent new central location in the Meridian Centre, it should be a great day showcasing the very best of what is on offer for residents in the community while also signposting essential services.”
As with previous years there will still be a focus on providing advice for senior citizens. Older people, carers, family, neighbours and friends will be able to speak to a range of specialist organisations, businesses, government agencies and community groups that serve or help older people.
There’ll also be the chance to ask questions about health, wellbeing or benefits in addition to finding out about activities.
Alan added: “I fully appreciate the hard work and contribution to society made by our older residents, with many of them now running groups for the benefit of the whole community.
“These help address loneliness, combat illness and improve wellbeing, all of which help older people live independently for longer, something I am very keen to promote as local MP. Hopefully, the fair will be as fantastically supported as in the last two years, and I hope to meet many residents again on the day.”
The event is being supported by Age UK as a community partner.
Rory Massey, operations manager of Age UK Portsmouth, said: “I am delighted that Alan's Community Groups and Older Persons Information Fair will be returning for a third consecutive year.
“Last year it was a very well attended event with a wide range of exhibitors.
“So whether you are interested in joining a club or would like to find out more about what support is available in the community, I encourage you to come along.”
While stalls will be inside the Meridian Centre, both downstairs near the Sky stand and near the lifts, the majority of exhibitors will be inside the Beacon Centre, which is located on the first floor of the shopping centre.
Ruth Scott, Centre manager of The Beacon, said: "We are very pleased to be hosting Alan’s Community and Older Person's Fair at the Beacon this year as it is such a pleasant and accessible venue, right in the heart of Havant. It is part of our church ethos that we actively support those in need in our local community, which we do through Beacon Food Bank and Beacon Lounge but there is so much else happening in our community for people of all ages to get involved in, so it is very useful to have everyone together in one place so people can see what a variety of activities and support is available. Havant is an active and friendly place so it's good to see so much on offer."
If you are interested in exhibiting on the day, email [email protected]