The Social Exclusion Unit defines social exclusion as something which happens when people or places suffer from a series of problems such as unemployment, discrimination, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime, ill health and family breakdown. When such problems combine they can create a vicious cycle.

Social exclusion can happen as a result of problems that face one person during their life, but it can also start from birth. Being born into poverty or to parents with poor life skills can have a major influence on future life chances (Social Inclusion Unit). The long term objectives of the Forum are to eradicate social exclusion in this area and improve the overall quality of life for all residents of East Hampshire.

Membership of the Forum is open to any organisation, voluntary, statutory, or other interested in furthering the Steering Groups objectives, and meetings are held quarterly.