Welcome​
It's a pleasure to introduce Stronger Together Community CIC, founded by Riah Bunce and Samantha Fry. With a combined 16 years of experience working in the charity sector and supporting our local community, we've now embarked on an exciting new journey to establish an independent community interest company.
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Our Mission
Stronger Together Community CIC provides weekly activities and comprehensive support for individuals aged 50 and over, as well as for veterans of the armed forces. We're dedicated to combating isolation and loneliness by building confidence, introducing new hobbies, and fostering new friendships. Our mission is to promote both physical and mental well-being within a safe and supportive community.
Meet The Team
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Riah | Activity and Wellbeing Coordinator (Right)
Fun Fact: Riah loves long walks outdoors with her English Springer Spaniel.
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Sam | Support and Wellbeing Coordinator (Left)
Fun Fact: Sam enjoys nothing more than a good music quiz.
​​​​Discover more about Riah and Sam below.
​Why We Started Our Community Interest Company (CIC)
After dedicating a combined 16 years to a local charity that unexpectedly closed in December 2024, we felt a deep-seated need to continue our work. Throughout our time there, we passionately supported armed forces veterans and saw firsthand the need for strong community support in Gosport. Inspired by this, we decided to create our own Community Interest Company (CIC) with a clear mission: to help individuals thrive. We focus on providing guidance during challenging times and developing support plans and activities that enhance the physical and mental well-being of the community, especially for those over the age of 50.
Our Vision for the Next 10 Years
Our long-term goal is to build a vibrant community that actively tackles isolation and loneliness. We want every person to feel seen, heard, valued, and truly connected. We'll do this by continuing to create tailored support plans and activities that improve physical and mental health. Our ultimate legacy is to nurture a stronger Gosport community that will last for generations, where every individual knows there's a place for them and they are welcome to grow into their best selves. We’re still in the early stages, but our vision is clear.
A Typical Day in Our Lives
A typical day for us is all about connecting with people. We are constantly working to develop new activities and interests for our community members. Building genuine connections and having conversations are at the heart of what we do, as we work alongside those who are eager to make healthier choices for their well-being and longevity.
Our Backgrounds
We both have strong ties to Gosport, having grown up here.
​Sam has lived in Gosport her entire life, raising a family and building a deep understanding of the community. With a background in early years education, she spent 15 years supporting armed forces families. Her passion and warm-hearted approach led her to co-found Stronger Together Community with Riah. Outside of work, Sam loves solving puzzles and is a competitive '90s music quiz enthusiast. An interesting fact about her is that she was a competitive sea angler in her youth and still enjoys fishing when she can.
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Riah has been a Gosport resident since 1984. She grew up in a family with a rich military background and, now a mother herself, has always been passionate about helping others realise their potential. After working in nursing and care, she found her dream role supporting veterans through planning activities and social events. This experience was the foundation for creating Stronger Together Community CIC alongside Sam. In her free time, Riah thrives in the great outdoors, enjoying nature and taking her Springer Spaniel on plenty of muddy adventures.