Winchester – A guide for the elderly

What senior services are available in Winchester?

Learning new skills, visiting new places, and socialising is incredibly important to keep up as we age. Elderly people living in Winchester can fully enjoy their local community with plenty of senior-friendly activities and amenities. From a dementia-friendly high street to accessible outings, active community centres and social groups, there’s plenty to explore and discover.

Read on for a complete guide for the elderly in Winchester. In this local guide, you’ll find helpful information such as Winchester community transport schemes, senior scooter hires, senior social clubs to join, pharmacies, and more.

Looking for a local live-in carer in Winchester? Learn more about our Winchester live-in care services here.

Community centres in Winchester

There are a number of friendly community centres throughout the Winchester area. Many offer classes, clubs, and groups for local people, as well as exclusive senior sessions for older people in the community.

Explore some of the best community services for seniors and Windsor community groups below.

Badger Farm Community Centre

This Winchester community centre hosts a number of different groups and activities. Some groups and activities available for the elderly or those living with dementia include:

• Bridge clubs.
• Winchester Fibromyalgia Support Group.
• Spanish classes.
• Fitness classes such as yoga.
• Art Groups.
• Dementia support groups.

Bishop’s Sutton Village Hall

Located on Alresford Road, this village hall is home to a wide range of local senior clubs and societies including:

• Community Coffee Mornings – held on the first Saturday of the month.
• Art Society.
• Bridge club – meeting every Wednesday from 1 – 4:30 pm.

MHA Communities Winchester

MHA (Methodist Homes MHA)  aims to help tackle loneliness and isolation in those over the age of 60 living in Winchester. MHA encourage older people to lead fulfilled lives and remain active members in their community. Some current services at the MHA communities Winchester include:

• Singing for Wellbeing.
• Exercise classes for all abilities.
• Pub lunch clubs.
• Walking groups.
• Lunch club.
• Outings and annual holidays.

Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall

Located in Littleton, this hall is well-used by the local elderly community with events, social clubs, classes, societies and more. These activities are available to those of all ages, and many are perfectly suited for elderly people. Some groups and activities include:

• Flower arranging club.
• Art clubs.
• Festival Choir.
• U3A.
• Photographic Society.
• Alzheimer’s Memory Cafe.

Colden Common Community Centre

This community centre on St. Vigor Way offers plenty of activities and groups for seniors, from exercise classes to social clubs. Find activities such as:

• Lunch clubs.
• Badminton clubs.
• Singing groups.
• Meditation.
• Methodist Church drop-in for coffee

Senior social groups in Winchester 

There are plenty of activities and events for the elderly living in Winchester to keep a full schedule. From Knit and Natter groups to flower arranging classes, there is a wide variety of senior social groups to choose from.

Chat Tea Cafe

This free community cafe for the elderly is open on the last Monday of the month, between two and four in the afternoon at the Badger Farm Community Centre. Here, you can expect home-baked cakes, tea and coffee, guest speakers, live music, and friendly chats.

Home Instead Activity Group

A free activity group for older people living in Winchester – help on the third Friday of every month from 10:30 in the morning to 12:30.

Intergenerational Dance Classes

With a free first class, this is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, improve mobility and balance, and reduce stress. To join these creative movement classes, contact keeleigh.hamilton@outlook.com.

  

Colden Common Gardening Club

Perfect for those interested in gardening, this club meets on the last Wednesday of the month from September to April at the Colden Community Centre at 7:30 pm. Expect speakers, illustrated talks, garden visits starting at 6:30 am, and day trips. Email gardeningclub_CC@talktalk.net for more information.

Elder Life Fitness

This group meets to improve general fitness, health and mental well-being through seated exercises for those over 60. Contact Shane O’Connell at 07769 892 833 or email info@elderlifefitness.co.uk.

Winchester U3A

This group is dedicated to enriching the lives of those past full-time employment and parental responsibility – from outings and trips to activities ranging from architecture to cookery.  Contact Barrie Brinkman at barrie.brinkman@btinternet.com for more information.

All Saints Winchester flower arranging club

Enjoy friendship through flowers with this flower arranging club. This educational club meets at the Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall on the last Thursday of the month at two in the afternoon. For more, contact Sue Gibbons at 01252 616900 or email kate.butler@btinternet.com.

The Warren Centre Tea Room

Visit this lovely tea room during the summer months on Tuesday to Saturday afternoons and on Sunday mornings. Enjoy a range of teas and coffees as well as locally made cakes. Here, you can enjoy the lending library or join a Kit and Natter or Scrabble-playing group.

GEMS

This is a relaxed and friendly dance class for those over 65. Feel free to dance at your own pace with a mixture of seated and standing movements. Stay afterwards to build friendships and enjoy a warm drink and biscuit!

Knit and Natter Winchester

Drop in at 10 am to 12 pm every Tuesday for some knitting and a good chat! Bring along your knitting project and find this friendly self-led group in the community area in the Arc – between the cafe and the library.

Men’s Shed Association

Supported by the Men’s Shed Association, but all genders are welcome! This community shed aims to build social connections and skills surrounding woodwork, metalwork, restoration, and electrical repairs.

Beehive

This social club for retired people meets every Wednesday in St Barnabas church in the hall at 11 am. Join for occasional outings, friendships, crafts and music, and games such as Rummikub and Scrabble.

Seniors with dementia with Winchester 

Through the Hampshire Dementia Action Alliance, Winchester has become the first Hampshire city with a “Dementia Friendly” high street. This means that a number of Winchester businesses have committed to making their staff dementia aware – educating them to be confident in helping those with dementia. These businesses will feature window stickers to reassure those with dementia and their carers that the staff inside are able to meet them with understanding and support.

There are also a number of services and support groups in Winchester for seniors with dementia, such as:

• Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Cafe – Held at the Badger Farm Community Centre on the first Monday of each month from 1:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon. Socialise with a cup of tea and speak with highly informed staff as well as others in similar situations.
• Alzheimer’s Society Activity Club – This activity club runs every Friday morning from 10 in the morning until 12:30 at the Badger Farm Community Centre. Participants with dementia are invited to enjoy organised therapeutic activities.
• Winchester Memory Choir – Join this memory choir from 3 to 4 in the afternoon on the second Wednesday of every month. This choir aims to enhance the memory of those living with dementia by singing and stimulating the brain.

See this page for more information about living with dementia in Winchester.

Accessible trips and outings for the elderly in Winchester 

Winchester is a historic city, meaning that some of the streets are narrow, uneven, and cobbled. However, there are a number of pedestrianised streets and extensive dropped curbs that make the area especially accessible and wheelchair friendly. Below, find a list of the most accessible trips and outings available in Winchester.

Winchester Cathedral 

This Cathedral is a lovely location for those who enjoy history and architecture. It has been welcoming visitors for over 900 years and has a stunning west-wing window and a number of must-see collections and exhibitions. Most of Winchester Cathedral is accessible, and there is a power lift available for wheelchair users to visit the upper sections.

The Trail 

This trail was created by Winchester City Council and Winchester Shopmobility specifically to help wheelchair users confidently explore the historic city. The trail passes by major tourist sites and spots of interest in a mainly level path with just one ramp. This scenic trail will take you by the river Itchen, Winchester College, Winchester Cathedral, and a house where Jane Austin spent her last days. Click here for more information.

The Hospital of St Cross 

From the lush grounds to the old church – this historic almshouse is the perfect way to spend a sunny day in Winchester. Almost all of the areas are accessible and there is a disabled toilet located on the grounds.

Markets

Winchester is home to a number of picturesque markets that offer everything from antiques to fresh produce.

• Winchester Market – Every week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 9 am – 5 pm. Find it on Lower High Street / Middle Brook Street.
• Antiques, Vintage, Retro & Collectables Market – First Sunday of the month 9 am – 5 pm. Find it on the Broadway, Lower High Street, and Middle Brook Street.
• Hampshire Farmers’ Market – Second and last Sunday of the month from 9 am – 2 pm. Find it on the Broadway and Lower High Street.
• Art & Design Market – Third Sunday of the month from 9 am – 5 pm. Find it on the Broadway, Lower High Street, and Middle Brook Street.

Open spaces and garden centres to visit in Winchester

• Hillier’s Haven – Meadow and woodland area perfect for gentle walks and birdwatching.
• Whiteshute Ridge – Great location to enjoy views over the city centre.
• Abbey Gardens – Historic house and grounds with a public pleasure garden, complete with formal flower beds, rose garden, and scented garden.
• Hillier Garden Centre Winchester – Individualistic garden centre with a range of seasonal plants, homeware, and the Mulberry & Thyme coffee shop – located just outside of the city centre.
• Brambridge Park Garden Centre – Garden centre found within the walled gardens of Brambridge estate and featuring a welcoming cafe.

Community Transport Schemes in Winchester

Dial-a-ride 

This community transport service can be used by anyone who either cannot or would prefer not to use public transportation such as buses or taxis. Dial-a-ride minibuses are specially adapted for those with mobility or sensory impairments – fitted with handrails and low steps. Each vehicle is also equipped with a lift or ramp for walking frames and wheelchairs.

There is no need to be registered as disabled to use the service. Although it cannot be used for hospital appointments, the bus will provide a pick-up and drop-off service for social and shopping trips in Winchester city and the outlying villages. The drivers are trained and ready to provide assistance on and off the bus.

Dial-a-Ride runs from Monday to Friday between 8:45 am and 4:30 pm, and the cost will be similar to bus fares. Visit the Dial-a-Ride website for more information. Contact lynne.peters@cfirst.org.uk or 01962 852602 for more information.

Voluntary Car share schemes

Within the Winchester district, there are many voluntary car share schemes. Click this link to find a directory of voluntary community transport. Narrow your search by the types of journey you are making (such as collecting prescriptions, dental appointments, or shopping) and if you need wheelchair-accessible options.

Older person’s bus pass

There are concessionary bus passes available for older people living in Winchester. This pass will provide you with free travel on Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 am to 11 pm as well as all day on weekends and public holidays. Check when you can get your bus pass here.

Local Winchester Pharmacies: 

• Lloyds Pharmacy on High Street.
• Tesco Pharmacy on Easton Ln.
• Lloyds Pharmacy on Alison Way.
• Boots on High Street.
• Superdrug on St George Street.
• Springvale Pharmacy on Fraser Road, Kings Worthy.

Local Winchester hospital:  

Royal Hampshire County Hospital – Approximately a mile from the Winchester city centre and a 20-minute walk from the mainline train station.

 

Remain connected to your Winchester community no matter your age – be it through lunch clubs, exercise groups, or simply going out and exploring your wonderfully historic city. A live-in carer can make a world of difference in confidence and ability to access all Winchester has to offer. Read more about our live-in care services in Winchester to see if it’s right for you or your elderly loved one.