Local News

Have you heard of Social Prescribing?

I ask this as recently we had a conversation during a dementia training session about local community resources and I brought the term into conversation.

There were several attendees working in the health and social care sector who had not heard of this important community role leading...

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Culvert replacement completed in Sidmouth

Residents in Sidmouth have been thanked for their patience and cooperation by Devon County Council following the completion of work on the culvert under Woolbrook Road. The top of the culvert had to be replaced after a routine inspection identified concerns with its condition that had led to cracking on the road surface. Work started in March with a temporary road closure to remove the...

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sidmouth

Culvert

Woolbrook Road.

High number of accidental drownings in Devon ‘a concern’ says charity

With 15 accidental drownings in Devon in 2023, the UK’s leading drowning prevention charity has highlighted the county as an area of concern.

In the last five years, there have been 57 accidental drowning deaths in the area and 2023 saw Devon report the highest number of fatalities in England – over four times higher than the national average.

The Royal Life Saving Society...

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accidental drownings

Devon

The Royal Life Saving Society UK

Drowning Prevention Week

Member of Local Oddfellows receives highest recognition

Following a remarkable 52 years membership of the Oddfellows Friendly Society, Peter English from Redruth has been awarded the internationally recognised Unity Meritorious Service Jewel, one of very few such awards made in recent years with only eight people worldwide currently alive holding the prestigious decoration.

Following a lengthy formal nomination process, the award was...

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Charity helps put carers on the map during Carers Week

Devon Carers is ‘Putting Carers on the Map’ this week as part of an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise their invaluable contribution to society - estimated to save the Devon economy over £2 billion a year!

Devon Carers, a free service by Westbank Community Health and Care, is putting on a host of events to celebrate...

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charity

Westbank Community Health and Care

Dementia activist praises carers and tells them: 'You matter'

Over the past couple of years I have been advocating for families living with dementia in addition to leading the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance.

I have witnessed family carers on their knees at crisis point, desperate, isolated with overwhelming feelings of helplessness.

At times I have felt useless, but having immersed myself into the world of dementia over the past...

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Exeter Dementia Action Alliance

Hospice CEO takes on highest mountain in Africa

Mark Hawkins, CEO of Rowcroft Hospice, is gearing up for the challenge of a lifetime as he prepares to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa at 5,895 metres. Behind the demanding trek in mid-June is a single-minded drive to raise vital funds for the hospice to care for local patients with life-limiting illnesses.

"This journey is about pushing my limits and making a...

Aldi shoppers in Devon help raise £2,100 for teenage cancer trust

Aldi shoppers in Devon have helped the supermarket raise around £2,100 for its dedicated charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.

Last month, shoppers were given the chance to purchase a £1 raffle ticket from the till at participating stores to be entered into a draw, with all proceeds going to the charity.

One winner from each store was selected at random to win a £100 gift...

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Teenage Cancer Trust

Devon

aldi

Original 1882 plans being reinstated to kitchen garden at Knightshayes Court

Work has started to reinstate the original 1882 design of the Walled Kitchen Garden at National Trust Knightshayes.

The 2.5 acre Walled Kitchen Garden once grew produce that fed the owners of Knightshayes, the Heathcoat-Amory family, as well as their household. Now the garden team are bringing the productive garden back to its former glory using the original designs and a variety of...

97-year-old Phyliss goes riding again

An East Devon care home resident has ticked off her bucket-list dream of going horse riding again, thanks to a local charity.

Phyliss Johnson, who lives at the award-winning Seaton nursing home, which is part of the Southern Healthcare group, was a keen equestrian in her youth and despite her advancing years, had been longing to get back in the saddle one last time.

She told...

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horse riding

Devon

Southern Healthcare group

Specialist police team launched to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour

Devon & Cornwall Police has introduced a new policing team which will work closely within communities to tackle specific short and long terms problems affecting local people and businesses, including antisocial behaviour (ASB), drugs, and spikes in crime.

The Neighbourhood Support Team (NST), will be deployed across South Devon. They will work alongside communities and...

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crime

antisocial behaviour

Devon and Cornwall Police