Our Mission: That everyone affected by heart conditions receives the best possible support. Cardiovascular disease causes nearly 40% of all deaths annually in the UK. This sadly means that at some time, most of us will be affected by this disease whether it is ourselves, our loved ones or our colleagues. Established in 1992, Wessex Heartbeat is one of the region's major charities and exists to support the work of the Wessex Cardiac Centre (WCC), one of the UK's leading heart treatment centres. Since 1992, the generosity of our supporters at all levels has enabled Wessex Heartbeat to raise over £13m which we have used to help ensure that the best possible care is provided to more than 20,000 patients treated at the centre each year  www.heartbeat.co.uk

The Motor Neurone Disease Association. is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that funds and promotes global research into the disease and provides support for people affected by MND. The Association was formed in 1979 by a group of volunteers who wanted to co-ordinate support, guidance and advice for people affected by the illness. www.mndassociation.org

Through a network of over 21,000 trained parent volunteers we support thousands of parents who are struggling to cope. Our families need support for many reasons including post-natal illness, disability, bereavement, the illness of a parent or child, or social isolation. Parents supporting other parents, to help build a family's confidence and ability to cope. We are currently establishing a new group in the area.www.home-start.org.uk

Headway is a charity set up to give help and support to people affected by brain injury. It does this in a number of ways: A network of local Groups and Branches throughout the UK and Channel Islands offers a wide range of services, including rehabilitation programme's, support, social re-integration, community outreach and respite care. The services available will vary, depending on local needs and resources. www.headway.org.uk

The Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy's mission is to enable horse-motivated students with special needs to relate more successfully to others and to have greater and more appropriate control over their own lives. This is done through their involvement with horses. This use of horses, to enable young people to learn and develop, is the core of our work. It is the reason for The Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy's existence and has been the mission since the foundation of the work in 1976. It will remain the mission and our unique offer as a specialist independent provider. www.fortunecentre.org/

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance began operations on 1st July 2007. The Helicopter is based at Thruxton Airfield near Andover and our Head Office is at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton. Every day the Air Ambulance crew provide an efficient, prompt response to road traffic collisions, sporting accidents, collapses, and many other incidents throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The Helicopter is called out many times per day, and these missions are often life saving. With your help and support we will continue to extend the service, and keep the Air Ambulance flying and saving lives. Registered Charity Number is: 1106234. www.hiow-airambulance.org.uk/

The Wessex Cancer Trust is an independent charity which has raised approximately £20million to help support and improve cancer services in the Wessex region which includes Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands. Established in 1981, this unique Trust supports many aspects of cancer care, including leading edge research, the improvement of patient facilities, purchase of much needed equipment, patient grants, complementary therapy and counseling services. www.wessexcancer.org/

The Wessex Autistic Society is a voluntary organisation which aims to ensure that people with Autism receive appropriate education, care, support and individual development services. We understand that everyone on the Autism spectrum is unique, as will be the support and services that they and those who are concerned for them require. Whether you, need information; education; training; short breaks; residential care; community support or just an opportunity to discuss your concerns. www.twas.org.uk

Acquired brain injury has the most devastating effect, not only on the injured individual, but also on their families and relatives. There are a lot of misconceptions regarding this type of injury and this often leaves the families confused and vulnerable. We believe that, through our own personal experience, we can offer much needed support and advice to these families, as well as give positive help to the injured individual. The Wayne Howard Trust has been set up to further the work originally achieved by The Wayne Howard Appeal Fund. please visit www.thewaynehowardtrust.co.uk

The Rose Road Association has been providing high quality services for young people with disabilities for over 50 years The Rose Road Association has been working with children, young people and their families from across Hampshire and the surrounding counties since 1952. The children who attend Rose Road have multiple and complex health needs but we believe in valuing individuals, celebrating achievement and respecting choices of young people with disabilities. www.roseroad.org.uk/

New Forest Mencap has been providing support and services for people with learning disabilities since the 1960's. New Forest Gateway Club and the Saturday Clubs were formed in the late 1980's with Brockenhurst Gateway Club being started some 15 years ago. www.newforestmencap.org.uk

New Forest Disability Information Service. Providing free, impartial, confidential information and advice to those of any age affected by disability. Related issues include: caring, access, blue badge, welfare benefit applications, volunteering opportunities, equipment, holidays, training, education and transport etc ... throughout the New Forest and surrounding area. www.newforestdis.org.uk

Naomi House children’s hospice is a charity that provides support to children and young people with conditions that mean they are unlikely to live to become adults. The charity provides care to families living in communities across the seven counties of Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire. The children’s charity has two specialist units, Naomi House for children, and jacks place for young people. Each unit is purpose built and provides an appropriate environment for each age group. www.naomihouse.org.uk

A voluntary organisation operating the "Alison McGregor" a wheelchair-accessible motor vessel based at Hythe Marina Village, offering FREE pleasure trips to people with disabilities, or frail or elderly people. There are 21 qualified Skippers, who all undergo refresher training each year to ensure the safe operation of the boat. Solent Dolphin is financially self-supporting through all the generous donations from many organisations and benefactors.  www.solentdolphin.co.uk/

"Christian Aid exists to help those in need, regardless of religion, nationality or ethnic background. We are committed to working with people and organisations in poverty-affected areas to achieve an end to that poverty. We work on long-term development as well as immediate humanitarian relief. The Brockenhurst Area group is currently working on a project to change lives in Sierra Leone, one of the poorest countries in the world, by providing two communities with the ongoing means to have two of the basic requirements of life, good food and clean water."  www.christianaid.org.uk

New Forest Citizens Advice Bureau runs a general advice service for walk-in client assessments and appointments at offices in Fordingbridge, Hythe, Lymington, New Milton, Ringwood and Totton. We also have outreach activities which run weekly advice sessions at two childrens' centres in the Waterside area of the New Forest and monthly, appointment only, sessions in Bransgore and Lyndhurst. We currently have 17 paid staff and 191 volunteers across our offices within the New Forest. www.newforest-cab.org.uk

Libra’s over-arching aim is to improve the quality of life for disabled and disadvantaged children overseas, while providing a wide range of UK sixth-form students with personal development in leadership, team work, planning and long-term commitment and loyalty. This innovative and child-centred programme is currently working across Romania in residential centres for abandoned and/or disabled children, with the impoverished and often segregated Rroma communities and with underprivileged Romanian children. Following year-round training and fundraising in the UK, the students spend two weeks in July working on one of the Libra projects. www.librafoundation.org.uk