This guide has been produced by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in partnership with other organisations that provide local services. We hope it helps you find out more about Basingstoke and where you can get practical help and advice about any aspect of living and working here.
Basingstoke is a town in north Hampshire, England. Nearby is Winchester, Reading and Southampton (London is within easy reach by rail or road). It is part of the borough of Basingstoke and Deane and part of the parliamentary constituency of Basingstoke.
Disclaimer: We offer all information in good faith but cannot endorse or take responsibility for individual organisations and the quality of their service.
This guide will help you when you arrive in Basingstoke and Deane.
The services we describe are often free and confidential and have been found to be useful and important by other newcomers.
Although this guide is as accurate as possible, some information may change. To find important and up-to-date information often in a range of languages, please use the website addresses in each section.
If you do not have a computer / internet access at home, the Discovery Centre and local libraries provide a free service.
In Basingstoke and Deane, local government is organised into a two-tier system; a county council and a district council.
County councils cover large areas and provide most public services, including schools, social services and public transport.
Each county is divided into several districts. Each district council covers a smaller area within Hampshire and provides more local services, including recycling and rubbish collection, local planning, housing, council tax and leisure facilities.
District councils with borough status may be called borough councils, hence the name Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, but the role is the same.
Our Civic Offices are located in Basingstoke town centre.
The role of our Diversity and Inclusion Officer involves:
For more information you can contact our Inclusion and Diversity Officer by emailing community.development@basingstoke.gov.uk, or phoning 01256 845325.
Basingstoke Discovery Centre, 19-20 Westminster House, Festival Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7LS
For further information and opening times visit the Discovery centre webpage
There are also libraries in Chineham, Tadley and Overton and Whitchurch. Find addresses and opening times by visiting the Hampshire County Council library webpage
There is a membership card category 'Emergency Refugee Membership Card'
With this membership you can:
New customers who are eligible for this membership can join in branch only - staff will be aware and can help.
Citizens Advice offer free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone, regardless of their circumstances or who they are. It values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination.
They provide drop-in sessions in various community locations throughout the week. Please check their websites for up-to-date information about where and when these take place.
There are two Citizens Advice charities in the borough:
Citizens Advice Basingstoke
Website: cabasingstoke.org.uk
Telephone advice line: 0808 278 7829
Citizens Advice Tadley
Citizens Advice Tadley & District, Franklin Avenue, Tadley, RG26 4ET
Website: catadley.org.uk
Telephone advice line: 0808 278 7987
Immigration status can be complicated, and you may need to talk to an immigration adviser. Find information at Civil Legal Advice (GOV.UK) or by calling 0345 345 4345.
Find out more about UK visas and immigration (GOV.UK)
You can register to vote if you are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Darussalam, Cameroon, Canada, Cyprus*, Dominica, Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta*, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu, Zambia
* Although also EU member states, citizens of Cyprus and Malta are eligible to be registered to vote in respect of all elections held in the UK
Akrotiri, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dhekelia, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Island, St Helena and dependencies (Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha), South Georgia and South Islands, Sovereign base areas on Cyprus, Turks and Caicos Islands
Isle of Man, The Channel Islands (including Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, Alderney, Herm and the other inhabited Channel Islands)
If you meet the criteria above, you can Register to vote online (GOV.UK) If you cannot register online and would like to register by phone or receive a paper registration form please call 01256 845467.
You must be legally entitled to work in the UK and have a valid national insurance number (NINo) to start work. Most people in the UK pay national insurance. This money is paid to the government and contributes to healthcare, benefits and pensions. If you are employed, your employer will deduct the national insurance directly from your pay. If you are self-employed, it is up to you to pay the national insurance directly to the government.
Apply for a National Insurance number online (GOV.UK), if you require help with your application, telephone the NINo application helpline on 0800 141 2079.
Jobcentre Plus can advise you about applying for a job, preparing for an interview and starting your own business.
Jobcentre Plus, Crown Buildings, Winchester Road, Basingstoke, RG21 8ES
Telephone: 0800 169 0190
Text phone: 0800 169 0314
Basingstoke Jobcentre Plus is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday except Wednesday 10am to 5pm.
Search and apply for a jobs at Find a job (GOV.UK)
Labour providers sometimes known as gangmasters supply workers directly to employers. They must be licensed and comply with strict standards. If you are working with a labour provider and are being treated unfairly, you can contact Community Legal Services direct on 0345 345 4345 or seek support from Basingstoke or Tadley Citizens Advice (details provided on the Information and Help page).
Employment agencies find jobs for agency workers. There are many employment agencies in Basingstoke, most of which are located at the top of the town centre, in the London Road, Wote Street and Winchester Street areas.
You should be given an employment contract when you start work. This is an agreement between you and your employer. Your rights and responsibilities, and those of your employer to you, are called the terms of the contract. Your employer has eight weeks to issue a contract before being in breach of employment law.
Almost everyone who works in the UK is entitled to be paid the national minimum wage. The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you're an apprentice. Find out more about national minimum wage rates (GOV.UK).
If you think you have been underpaid, check by using the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage calculator for workers - GOV.UK or call Acas on 0300 123 1100 who can help you with your employment rights.
Your rights as a worker are protected by UK law. If you want advice on employment law and good practice you can contact the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 or find more information on the Acas website.
Young people under 13 years of age can only work in special circumstances with the permission of Hampshire County Council. Find information about child employment: Minimum ages children can work (GOV.UK)
You should receive a written payslip on the day you are paid showing your pay before and after deductions. Deductions will be taken for national insurance contributions and for income tax. Most people in the UK pay income tax and it is based on the amount you earn. Your employer should deduct the correct amount every time you get your pay and your tax code can be found on your payslip. If you are self-employed, it is up to you to pay the correct amount directly to the government.
If you think there is a problem with the deductions from your wages, call the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 for advice.
Volunteers give their time for free to help the community, from helping an older neighbour with their shopping to providing legal advice for a local charity.
Find out more about volunteering through Volunteer North Hampshire. Or contact the Volunteer Hub by emailing vc@bvaction.org.uk or calling 01256 423816.
Some employers allow their employees to take a limited amount of paid company time (usually one to two days a year, either as whole days or part days) to contribute to the community.
You can use your passport to prove your identity. Identity cards are not required in the UK.
You may be asked for proof of address, for instance when opening a bank account or applying for a savings account. You can use a utility bill (electricity, gas or water), a letter from a landlord, or an official letter that is clearly addressed to you. Often a letter from your employer is needed.
Other documents you may need are:
A valid driver's licence, insurance, road tax vehicle registration and MOT test (certificate of roadworthiness) will be needed for most cars and the police can ask to see them.
A register office (often more informally called a "registry office”) is a British term for a government office where births, deaths and marriages are officially recorded and where you can legally marry in a civil (non-religious) ceremony.
The Basingstoke Register Office is located at Goldings, London Road, Basingstoke, RG21 4AN. Find out more information about Basingstoke Registry Office
All births in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland must be registered within 42 days, and are usually registered in the district where the birth took place.
If the birth took place within Hampshire, (for registration purposes Hampshire is a single district, excluding Southampton and Portsmouth) you can book an appointment online or get further information by visiting Register a birth (Hampshire County Council) or calling 0300 555 1392. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday.
In England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland you should register a person's death within five days.
If the death took place within the district of Hampshire (for registration purposes Hampshire is a single district, excluding Southampton and Portsmouth) you can book an appointment online or get further information by visiting Register a death (Hampshire County Council) or calling 0300 555 1392. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday.
In England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland you usually need to give your notice of marriage in the district where you live.
For further information or to book an appointment visit the webpage Marriage and civil partnerships (Hampshire County Council) or call 0300 555 1392. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday.
A fee is payable for this appointment.
You can have a civil marriage (non-religious) or civil partnership ceremony at the Basingstoke Register Office, as well as at a number of other register offices and licensed venues.
Find further information about Marriage and civil partnerships (Hampshire County Council)
To book your ceremony telephone 0300 555 1392. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday.
If somebody is terminally ill and you need to arrange an urgent marriage or civil partnership, or you need to arrange a funeral to follow religious beliefs, please telephone 0300 555 1392. If calling this number out of hours, an emergency contact number will be given for you to call.
Find the latest information about the EU Settlement Scheme (GOV.UK)
If you are successful and the Home Office approves your application for British Citizenship you will need to attend a citizenship ceremony. There is an additional fee for private ceremonies.
To book a private citizenship ceremony please telephone 0300 555 1392. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday.
You can order copy certificates for events that have happened in Hampshire such as births, deaths and marriages by visiting Order a copy certificate (Hampshire County Council) or calling 0300 555 1392. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday.
The UK currency is pounds sterling, shown as £. Euros and other currencies are not accepted. You can change money into pounds at post offices and banks which are found in the town and some villages.
Find a Post Office branch
Getting a bank account
A bank account will enable you to pay using a plastic debit card or online, to save money and earn interest on it, or to send money home. Many employers prefer to pay wages directly into a bank account.
Further information about getting a bank account (Citizens Advice)
Sending money home
Some travel agencies provide a cash transfer system for sending money to another country. Post offices also have banking and cash transfer services.
Understanding and using credit
You can borrow money to pay for goods by using a credit card or obtaining a loan. Interest rates for borrowing money can be quite high and can vary. You should compare offers before signing any credit agreement.
Wessex Community Bank
A not-for-profit and ethical community bank for people living and working in Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
Find more information about Wessex Community Bank
The Pension Service will work out the amount of state pension and pension credit that you are entitled to.
State Pension new claims
Apply for your state pension online (GOV.UK) or call 0800 731 7898 (Textphone: 0800 731 7339)
Pension Credit new claims
Find information and apply for Pension Credit (GOV.UK) or call 0800 99 1234 (Textphone: 0800 169 0133)
Attendance allowance
A tax-free benefit available for people aged 65 years or over who have a disability and need someone to help look after them. Find more information and apply online for Attendance Allowance (GOV.UK) or call the Attendance Allowance Helpline 0800 731 0122 (textphone 0800 731 0317). Phone lines open Monday to Friday.
Carer's allowance
If you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get a disability benefit then you may be eligible to get carer's allowance.
Find more information and apply online for Carers Allowance (GOV.UK) or call the Carer’s Allowance Unit to request a form 0800 7310297 (textphone 0800 731 0317). Phone lines open Monday to Friday.
Financial help and benefits
If you are working and are on low income or you are out of work you may be entitled to financial help called welfare or state benefits such as Universal credit or Jobseekers Allowance
Find out about tax credits and benefits (GOV.UK)
Universal credit
You may be able to claim Universal Credit instead of certain income-related benefits if you're on a low income or out of work. The amount of Universal Credit you'll get depends on your circumstances and your income.
Find information about Universal Credit (GOV.UK) or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 9344 (textphone 0800 328 1344). If you're already getting Universal Credit and your circumstances change you should call the helpline.
Housing benefit and council tax support
We can advise you about housing benefit and council tax support, visit our webpage Housing benefit or Council Tax support or if you have an enquiry send a message to the Benefits Team.
Disability benefits
If you are disabled or too ill to work you may be entitled to financial support. Find more information about benefits and financial support if you're disabled or have a health condition (GOV.UK)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
A tax-free benefit for those between the ages of 16 and 64 who have a long-term health condition or disability. Find more information on PIP and how to claim online - Personal Independence Payment (GOV.UK) or call 0800 917 2222 (Textphone 0800 917 7777). There is assistance for people who do not speak English as their first language.
Many people in the UK rent their homes from private landlords. Our finding private rented accommodation webpage provides information to assist with this.
You may be eligible for housing provided by a housing association through the housing register. Find out about the housing register and how to apply.
If you have any queries about your housing situation, have nowhere to live or you are about to lose your home, you can email hpos@basingstoke.gov.uk, call 01256 844844, or find more information on our housing webpages
You can also contact the Camrose Resource Centre or May Place House for assistance.
Find out about The Camrose Resource Centre
Located at: Glebe Hall, Church Square, Basingstoke, RG21 7QW
Email: info@thecamrosecentre.org
Phone: 01256 320877
A 20-bed direct access hostel which can provide support and a place to live for adults aged 18 or over who are without a home.
Located at: May Place House, May Place, off London Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7NX
Phone: 01256 840110
VIVID Housing Association
Provides a range of affordable housing, such as housing for rent. If you'd like more information, call Vivid on 0800 652 0898 or visit vividhomes.co.uk
Sovereign Network Group
Owns, manages and maintains a large number of properties in and around Basingstoke. If you would like any more information you can call Sovereign's Customer Services team on 0300 5000 926 or visit sng.org.uk
Council tax is the local tax which pays for services such as the police, fire service and rubbish collection. Find further information about Council tax
Council tax and business rates questions
Email: localtax@basingstoke.gov.uk or phone 01256 844844
Housing and council tax benefit questions
Email: customer.service@basingstoke.gov.uk or phone 01256 844844
Benefit fraud
Email: fraud@basingstoke.gov.uk or phone the Freephone hotline 0800 525 927
If you live in rented accommodation, your tenancy agreement will state whether your landlord will pay your water, electricity and gas bills. If not, you are responsible for paying these and you may be disconnected and/or fined if you do not pay on time.
If you have questions about your bill or are having problems paying your water bill you will need to contact the water provider. Find your water provider
Different companies supply gas and electricity, and you can choose your supplier. Compare prices and suppliers at Uswitch.com
We offer kerbside waste and recycling collections for most household items. The collections are for general waste (black/grey bin), food waste (green caddy), recycling (green bin) and glass (green box or red bin).
Find out when your bins are collected and find out what you can put in your bins
If you have re-usable furniture and white goods to donate The Community Furniture Project will be happy to collect them from your home. For more information please call 01256 320700.
You can also recycle or dispose of many household items, garden waste and building materials at the Household Waste Recycling Centre (the tip).
There are several companies offering mobile phone services, and you can usually find mobile phone companies in the main shopping areas.
In the UK it is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while you are driving. If you are caught doing this, you will be fined and could face more serious consequences.
You need a television (TV) licence to use any television receiving equipment such as a TV set, set-top box, video or DVD recorder, and computers or mobile phones that you use to watch or record programmes as they are being shown. You can pay for a TV licence online, at most post offices or paypoints in shops or petrol stations. You can be taken to court and fined if you do not have a valid TV licence.
You must be 17 years old or above and hold a valid driving licence to drive a car. You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
You must comply with the Highway Code when driving any vehicle. Libraries have copies of the code or you can buy one from most bookshops. The car you drive must be taxed, insured and have a valid MOT certificate. It is an offence to smoke in a vehicle with any passengers who are under 18 years old.
You'll need to meet all the legal obligations for drivers before you can drive. Find out about all legal obligations of drivers and riders (GOV.UK)
To drive a vehicle in the UK you must hold a valid driving licence. You are entitled to drive on a European Community driving licence in the UK providing that licence is valid. However, you will need to exchange your European licence for a UK licence within a certain period. Find out more from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (GOV.UK)
If you are over 17 and have no licence, you can apply for a provisional licence and learn to drive. Only when you have passed your driving test will you receive a full driving licence.
Your car, motorcycle or other vehicle must be taxed using a reference number from:
Find more information or pay for your Vehicle Tax (GOV.UK) You can pay by debit or credit card, or direct debit and you need to have the insurance certificate and MOT certificate to get your tax.
Seat belts must be worn by the driver and all passengers in a vehicle. Children must be carried in an appropriate child seat according to their age and size. The driver must make sure all passengers wear seat belts. It is a criminal offence to not wear seat belts in a vehicle. Find more information about the seat belt requirements for children
Find out about Blue Parking Badge and if you are eligible.
The information in this section provides details about travel links along with various options for travel in and around the borough.
London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports and Southampton and Portsmouth seaports are all within a one-hour drive from Basingstoke.
Stagecoach operates bus routes throughout the borough and the main bus station is located at Festival Place, Basingstoke. Visit their website for up to date timetables and routes.
The borough has convenient connections to main road networks, including the M3 and M4 motorways and the A33, A303 and A34 trunk roads. All are easily accessed from Basingstoke.
There is an expanding network of cycleways covering the borough. View an interactive map of Basingstoke that highlights cycle routes and parking along with other points of interest.
Basingstoke has its own railway station which offers a fast train service to London Waterloo as well as connections to many other destinations within the borough including Overton, Whitchurch and Bramley.
Find information about train timetables from National Rail
Basingstoke has licensed taxis and private hire vehicles. All licensed taxis in Basingstoke are purpose-built and wheelchair accessible. For more information visit Licensed Private Hire Operators
Older residents or those who have certain disabilities can take advantage of free travel on local buses throughout Hampshire and the rest of England. Find out about concessionary bus passes
Community First is a not-for-profit organisation offering a reliable and affordable transport service for the less mobile in the Basingstoke and Deane community.
Connect transport (formerly known as Dial-a-Ride) is a service for anyone who finds it difficult or impossible to use ordinary bus services. For further information call the booking line 01256 574401, email BasingstokeTransport@cfirst.org.uk or visit the Connect transport website.
Basingstoke Community Transport (BCT) is a not-for-profit organisation offering a reliable and affordable transport service for the less mobile in the Basingstoke and Deane community. For further information call 01256 320501 or visit the Basingstoke Community Transport (BCT) website
Good neighbours groups
ShopMobility Basingstoke provides facilities for those with mobility challenges and has a wide range of mobility scooters and wheelchairs for all abilities. Visit the ShopMobility Basingstoke website or call 01256 476066 for more information.
Search for timetables and travel guides for your area (Hampshire County Council)
The information in this section provides details about schools and learning and the types of support available.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Hampshire EMTAS runs free ESOL classes for adults (19 plus) who are in the early stages of learning English. For more information contact Hampshire EMTAS
For queries call 03707 794222 or email emtas@hants.gov.uk
Speaking English
Visit the English Café at Hope Community Church This is not a lesson but a chance to speak English in an informal setting over a cup of tea.
Eligible children who are aged two, and all children who are aged three and four, are entitled to free early years education until they start school.
Find information about Early Years education and childcare providers. The Services for Young Children team can be contacted by phoning 0300 555 1384 or emailing childrens.services@hants.gov.uk
To search for childcare, early years education and family services visit the Family Information Directory
Useful links about schools, admissions and childcare:
Most schools provide supplementary education as Saturday/Sunday/after school clubs for children aged 4 to 16 years of age.
Linguatastic School of Languages
(French, Italian, Spanish, German, Japanese, English and Mandarin) - Enquire for further information.
Phone: 01256 471474
Email: info@linguatastic.com
Website: linguatastic.com
Basingstoke Hungarian Community School
Wessex Christian Fellowship Church, Wessex Close, Basingstoke, RG21 3NP
Email: uk.bhcs@gmail.com
Basingstoke Supplementary Islamic School
A Saturday School delivering quality Islamic Education to children (ages 5 to 13 years old)
Phone: 07979 246673
Email: principal@basingstokeislamicschool.org.uk
Website: bsis.org.uk
Fellowship Educational Society Basingstoke branch
Working to enable and empower young people through their education.
Phone: 01256 541054
Email: info@fellowshipeducation.org.uk
Website: fellowshipeducation.org.uk/basingstoke-head-office/
South Asian Arts and Heritage - Kala The Arts (KTA)
Basingstoke is the home of Kala The Arts - a diversity led professional Arts in education and Heritage charity.
Phone: 07725 838419
Email: admin@kalathearts.co.uk
Website: kalathearts.co.uk
Schools can access support from the Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service for families who do not speak English as a first language. Some information, translated for parents can be found on the EMTAS website
Early years admission and attendance
Find details about preparing your child for school and key things to know about schools in the UK
Supporting languages
Find useful advice on bringing up your child bilingually
Further information for parents and carers using english as an additional language
Phone lines in various languages are offered by ETMAS during school term time only, to provide information about educational issues. Find information about language phone lines
If you need an interpreter for any other language please call 0370 7794 222 or email emtas@hants.gov.uk with your contact details and the language you speak and they will do their best to help you. For more information visit Civil Service Languages Network - GOV.UK
Contact details for EMTAS
Dame Mary Fagan House, Chineham, RG24 8AG
Phone: 03707 794222
Both colleges offer a variety of educational courses.
Queen Mary's College
Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke, RG21 3HF
Phone: 01256 417500
Email: info@qmc.ac.uk
Website: qmc.ac.uk
Basingstoke College of Technology (BCOT)
Worting Road, Basingstoke, RG21 8TN
Phone: 01256 354141
Email: information@bcot.ac.uk
Website: bcot.ac.uk
Basingstoke Young Carers helps enable young carers and their families to access the services they need and provides the opportunities to receive respite from their caring role.
Phone: 01256 423824
Email: office@bdtc.org.uk
Website: basingstokeyoungcarers.org.uk
This Hampshire County Council service offers a range of support for children aged 0 to 19 years. For further information visit Hampshire's Family Information and Services Hub
Public healthcare is provided in the UK by the National Health Service (NHS). You may be entitled to free or reduced cost treatment on the NHS.
For advice on how to access the right NHS service for your condition, call 111.
In the UK you and all members of your family living here should register with a local doctor called a General Practitioner (GP) at a nearby medical office called a surgery. You must be registered before you can see a doctor. Find your nearest GP surgery or contact the NHS by calling 111.
The nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) is Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Aldermaston Road, Basingstoke, RG24 9NA
Phone: 01256 473202
Website: hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk/
To find a dentist, visit Find a dentist - NHS
Midwives: If you are pregnant you will need to visit your GP to inform them, and they will then pass your care to a specialist in pregnancy and birth. This is likely to be a midwife, but in some cases you may need to see a consultant.
Health Visitors: If you are due to have a baby soon, and once your baby arrives all families will have appointments with the health visitor. The health visitor is a specialist in care for children under five years old and their families. For more information, visit Basingstoke child health services (Hampshire Hospitals)
School Nurse: If you have a child over five years old, the school nurse is available to offer support and guidance to either yourself or your child on many issues relating to health and wellbeing.
When you arrive in the UK, or any new family members arrive, it is worth contacting your GP or practice nurse to review the immunisations you have had and those vaccinations you may need. Find more information about vaccinations
The information in this section provides other details about health service support.
In order to shift decision-making as close as possible to patients, power and responsibility for commissioning, or the buying of health services have become the job of local groups of clinicians (doctors, nurses and consultants), known as Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).
GPs and other clinicians are responsible for working with the local population to ensure that the services they are paying for meet local needs. Some of the actions Clinical Commissioning Groups will be required by law to take are:
The Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for this area is called the Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group.
The Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight CCG vision is to continuously improve the health and wellbeing of the people of North Hampshire, so that:
They need public support to help shape the future thinking for commissioning (the buying of) healthcare for the people of North Hampshire in the future.
Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight CCG
The Castle, Ground Floor Castle Avenue, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8UJ
Phone: 02380 627444
Facebook: Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight CCG
X: @HIOW_ICS
Smokefree Hampshire offer free and confidential advice to stop smoking.
Find out more by:
Hampshire County Council's Adult Health and Care department encourages you to do as much as you can for yourself to remain healthy and independent with support from your family, friends and community networks.
Website: connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk
Find further information and support about Adult Social Care (Hampshire County Council) or call 0300 555 1386
Solent NHS Trust Sexual Health Service provides Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) services across Hampshire. They have a clinic based at Crown Heights, in the centre of Basingstoke town.
Specialist services include:
You can contact the service by calling 0300 300 2016, lines are open 8.15am to 3pm Monday to Friday or you can find more information on the Sexual Health lets talk about it website.
Whether it's improving health and social care services today or helping to shape them for tomorrow, Healthwatch is all about local voices being able to influence the delivery and design of local health and social care services. Not just for people who use them now, but anyone who might need to in the future. Find more information at Healthwatch Hampshire
Every voice counts when it comes to shaping the future of health and social care. Healthwatch Hampshire brings the voice and influence of local people to the development and delivery of their local services.
Healthwatch Hampshire
Tel: 01962 440262
Email: enquiries@healthwatchhampshire.co.uk
Fire, police and medical emergencies:
Dial 999 (the UK emergency number) or 112 (the international distress number)
You do not have to pay to use the emergency services for fire, police, ambulance or a lifeboat (when someone is in trouble at sea).
Law enforcement in the borough is provided by Hampshire Constabulary. Basingstoke police investigation centre is located at Viables Business Park, Jays Close, Basingstoke, RG22 4BS. Opening hours are 8am to 8pm everyday. On bank holidays, the centre is open between 10am and 6pm.
Website: hampshire.police.uk
Dial the emergency number 999 and ask for the police only if a crime is being committed or has just occurred.
You can report non-urgent incidents, antisocial behaviour, crimes or suspicious behaviour that might be criminal with Hampshire Police or dial 101. You can also visit the Crimestoppers website or call 0800 555 111.
The community safety patrol service exists to improve the wellbeing of local residents by helping to make people feel safer. The focus of the service is to reduce anti social behaviour affecting people and places.
To contact the community safety patrol team, call 01256 844844 or email cspo@basingstoke.gov.uk. To report antisocial behaviour, call 101 or 999 in an emergency. To report environmental issues, such as litter, fly-tipping or dog fouling, Report it on our website or call 01256 844844
Domestic abuse occurs where one family member abuses another either verbally, physically, sexually, emotionally or psychologically. If you do not want to go to the police, there are other organisations which can help.
Victim Support is a national charity that delivers the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Victim Care Service, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The service has specialist teams who deal with the most vulnerable victims, such as those who have experienced domestic or sexual abuse and children from the age of four upwards.
The service is free, confidential and independent.
A confidential, specialist counselling and support service for anyone who has experienced sexual abuse and/or sexual assault, resulting in sexual trauma. The services are offered to everyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, cultural or religious background. For advice or support call 01962 868 688
If you have any other queries or would like to join the Friends of START, please call 01962 807037 or visit the START website
A hate crime is a criminal offence directed against another person or their property because of who they are. If you think you are a victim of an incident or crime because of your ethnic, religious, disability, sexual or any other background, or you see such an incident happening, you can contact the police. If it is an emergency, dial 999; otherwise you can contact 101 and ask to speak to an officer from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team where you live.
The Hate Crime Working Group was formed to encourage and support a wide range of organisations across the borough of Basingstoke and Deane to work together to tackle hate crime to create a safer environment for everyone.
Member organisations are:
If you are interested in becoming a member of the local Hate Crime Working Group, please contact our Inclusion and Diversity Officer by calling 01256 845325 or email community.development@basingstoke.gov.uk.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service aims to make life safer for everyone living or visiting the county. The borough is covered by five fire stations located in Basingstoke, Whitchurch, Kingsclere, Overton and Tadley.
Find advice about fire safety (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service). You can contact the service's community fire safety team on 023 8062 6809, or visit your local fire station.
Find local information and support for businesses in the borough or email business@basingstoke.gov.uk
Other sources of information and support include:
GOV.UK provides detailed information and support on starting up and growing a business, finance and grants, sales and marketing, tax, payroll and company information.
Website: gov.uk/get-business-support
Phone: 0800 998 1098
Email: enquiries@businesssupportservice.co.uk
IncuHive brings together business mentoring, investment, training and networking events all under one roof. In addition to a range of free support, including independent advice, mentoring, practical workshops on marketing and finance as well as providing clients with an introduction to numerous networking opportunities.
Phone: 0800 689 3564
Email: hello@incuhive.co.uk
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is a business membership support organisation that provides and delivers networking opportunities, representation, business services, business information and advice to help businesses to grow and prosper individually and collectively.
Grove House, Lutyens Close, Basingstoke, RG24 8AG
Website: hampshirechamber.co.uk
Phone: 01256 338633
Email: info@hampshirechamber.co.uk
The information in this section provides other details about getting involved in your local community.
For information activities available for you and your family in the borough visit our Leisure, parks, sport and culture page
Basingstoke and Deane Local Sports Council working with and for local sport
Phone: 07796 491667
Website: basingstokelsc.org.uk/
Basingstoke and District Disability Forum (BDDF) is your local adult disability charity. BDDF offers support to anyone affected by disability within our local community, including people with disabilities and their carers, fellow charities and local businesses.
Phone: 01256 423869
Email: info@bddf.org.uk
Website: bddf.org.uk
SPECTRUM supports disabled people and other service users to live independently, speak up for themselves and campaign for their rights. They also support and encourage people to set up their own user led organisations or self-help groups.
Phone: 023 8033 0982
Minicom: 023 8020 2649
Email: info@Spectrumcil.co.uk
Website: Spectrumcil.co.uk
Basingstoke and Deane Over-55s Forum promoting a better quality of life for the over-55s in the borough, the forum was set up to ensure that the views and needs of the borough's older population are represented to the people that provide everyday services.
Phone: 01256 412119
Website: theover55.co.uk/
Together with the Over 55s Forum, we have produced the Basingstoke and Deane Over 55s Directory of information
Basingstoke Voluntary Action (BVA) maintains a directory of activities, services and local voluntary/community organisations and charities in the borough.
Phone: 01256 423816
Email: contact@bvaction.org.uk
Website: bvaction.org.uk
Destination Basingstoke a not-for-profit organisation that deliver, promote and support local events in the borough.
Website: destinationbasingstoke.co.uk
AccessAble provides access information for over 500 venues in the area, useful for anyone with access needs.
Website: accessable.co.uk/organisations/basingstoke-and-deane
Energise ME has an online directory of sports clubs and facilities
Website: energiseme.org
Email: info@energiseme.org
Many of these groups provide activities and services culturally specific to the community they represent.
Basingstoke Multicultural Forum
Chute House, Church Street, Basingstoke RG21 7QT
Phone: 01256 322751
Email: admin@bmforum.org.uk
Website: bmforum.org.uk
Basingstoke Unites Against Racism
Website: basingstokeunitesagainstracism.wordpress.com
Email: Bsk4blm@outlook.com
Facebook and Instagram: @4buar
Basingstoke Tamil Community
Email: basingstoketamilcommunity@gmail.com
Basingstoke Caribbean and Friends
Email: bcsandfriends@gmail.com
Basingstoke Malayalee Cultural Association
Email: Basingstokemca@yahoo.co.uk
Basingstoke Russian community
Email: russiancommunitybasingstoke@gmail.com
Basingstoke Filipino community
Email: Basingstokefilipinocommunity@gmail.com
Basingstoke Hungarian community
Email: uk.bhcs@gmail.com
Basingstoke Polish Community Association
Email: basingstokepolishcommunity@googlemail.com
Bambui UK Development Association (BUKDA)
Email: admin@bukda.org
Website: www.bukda.org
Hampshire Indo British Society
Email: hampshireindobritishsociety@gmail.com
Hungarian Community Association
Email: Basingstoke.hungarians@gmail.com
Fellowship Dialogue Society (Turkish Community)
Website: www.dialoguesociety.org/
Telugu Association of Basingstoke
Email: info@tabuk.org
Website: www.tab-uk.org
Basingstoke Kannada Community
Email: admin@kannadigaruUK
Inter Faith Basingstoke (formerly Basingstoke Faith Leaders Forum)
An informal network of people from diverse faith communities, open to individuals from different faith groups and those who agree with and are supportive of their aims. The Forum is primarily made up of individuals who:
They seek to promote mutual respect and understanding between all faiths and work together to identify and support the needs of all faith groups in Basingstoke. If you or your community are interested in promoting the above and can offer some assistance in taking these objectives further, or would just like to find out more about the forum, please email basingstokefaithleaders@gmail.com
Similar faith groups with aligning motives and goals include:
OneChurch Basingstoke
Website: onechurchbasingstoke.org
Basingstoke Albirr Mosque (Muslim Community)
35-37 Sarum Hill, Basingstoke, RG21 8SS
Basingstoke Sikh Gurdwara
207 Lower Brook Street, Basingstoke RG21 7RR
Basingstoke Hindu Society
Carnival Hall, Council Road, Basingstoke, RG21 3DH
Phone: 01256 464031
Website: carnivalhall.org/basingstoke-hindu-society
Christian Congregation in the United Kingdom
Website: christiancongregation.org.uk/locations/basingstoke
Hope Community Church
The Sarum Hill Centre, Sarum Hill, Basingstoke, RG21 8SR
Website: hopebasingstoke.org
New Testament Church of God
Popley Fields Community Centre, Carpenters Down, Basingstoke, RG24 9AE
Phone: 01256 363692
Email: contact@ntcog.org.uk
Website: ntcog.org.uk
Roman Catholic
Holy Ghost, Sherborne Road, Basingstoke, RG21 5TD
Phone: 01256 465214
Website: Holy Ghost Catholic Church - Basingstoke
Church of England
St Mary's, Eastrop, Basingstoke, RG21 7PZ
Phone: 01256 464249
Email: info@stmarys-basingstoke.org.uk
Website: stmarys-basingstoke.org.uk
Basingstoke Sikh Society
Email: info@basingstokesikhs.co.uk
Website: basingstokesikhs.co.uk
A&S Market Romanian and European Delicatessen
34 London Street, Basingstoke RG21 7NY
ASDA Superstore (World Food Aisle)
Brighton Way, Basingstoke, RG22 4DH
Delikatesy Smaczek Polish Delicatessen
2 The Malls Shopping Centre, Basingstoke, RG21 7HY
Fastfare Convenience Store
Abbey Road, Basingstoke, RG24 9ES Tel: 01256 323679
Gurkha Grocery Ltd
9 Winton Square, Basingstoke, RG21 8EW
Londis/HALAL
1A Crown Heights, Alencon Link, Basingstoke, RG21 7TN
Aneta Polish shop
4 Feathers Lane, Basingstoke, RG21 7AS
Kitchen Chef
Chineham Shopping Centre, Basingstoke, RG24 8BQ
Emergency services - 999 (if life is at risk) / 101 (for non-emergencies)
Childline - 0800 1111
Emergency dental advice - Call 111
Pharmacies - Find a pharmacy - NHS
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