Charities

Fire Service support team turn rescuers as tiny kitten is saved from car

A group of fire station workers who usually leave dramatic rescues to their firefighters got a taste of the action when a tiny kitten became perilously stuck inside a car.

The usually desk-based colleagues were called upon to help when a member of the public made an unexpected detour and drove to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters at The Knowle in Clyst St George because they could hear a cat crying out from somewhere in their car.

As there are no firefighters stationed at the headquarters, members of the Digital & Data, HR, Operational...

Full story

Making a difference for blind or partially sighted people in Devon

ENERGETIC optometrist Emily Bennett is donating much-needed funds to help people living with sight loss.

Emily, who works at Specsavers Exeter, raised the money by taking part in the Great West Run Half Marathon, after which she collected £440 for Devon in Sight.

She says: ‘Through my work in Specsavers, I see first-hand the impact that sight loss can have on people’s lives.

‘It’s not just about vision – it can affect independence, confidence, mental health, and daily activities that many of us take for granted.

‘Devon in Sight provides vital support,...

Pet charity Blue Cross thanks Devon volunteers

This Volunteers’ Week, Blue Cross in Devon is thanking its team of dedicated volunteer pet foster carers who go the extra mile to care for homeless animals until permanent owners are found by caring for them in their own home.

From small pets like degus and chinchillas to dogs, cats and even horses. The charity is also calling on local animal lovers to find out more about becoming a volunteer foster carer and sign up.

Last year the rehoming centre on Matford Park Road in Marsh Barton, Exeter, helped nearly 1100 pets, and so far this year has helped nearly 500.

...

The organisers of a fundraising quiz standing together

Quiz for legal community raises £2.3K for Balloons charity

The Family Law Company ’s annual quiz raised an impressive amount for Devon charity Balloons , which supports the needs of bereaved children and young people in Exeter, East and Mid Devon.

Quizzers came from a wide section of the legal community including judges, barristers, Cafcass and local law firms. The event was held at Exeter City Football Club’s Heritage Lounge.

Before the quiz kicked off, Balloons Fundraising Officer Nasim Hartman provided insights about the charity, which is celebrating its twentieth year.

11 teams took part, with Stephen Sowden from...

Rowcroft Hospice completes major refurbishment to improve accessibility and comfort

Rowcroft Hospice has completed a refurbishment of its Inpatient Unit, made possible by a government grant to improve the hospice’s buildings, facilities, and equipment. The work has focused on making the hospice in Avenue Road, Torquay, more welcoming, accessible, and comfortable for patients and their families.

Led by Gill Horne, Rowcroft’s Programme Director - Care Services, the project was shaped by extensive conversations with staff, patients with life-limiting illnesses, and families to ensure the changes reflected their needs. The refurbishment included a new ensuite single...

Applications open for three £50,000 donations

The Persimmon Charitable Foundation has opened its second funding round for registered charities helping young people into work.

Applications opened on Monday 1st June with a total pot of £150,000 available for UK-based projects focused on employability, children and young people aged 14-25, and areas of economic and social deprivation.

The Foundation supports projects that address deprivation or disadvantage, especially among young people. These include social mobility and youth development, such as learning and training. Since 2021, the Foundation has donated over £3...

Team FORCE smash it at the 2026 Great West Run

Team FORCE has again pulled out all the stops at this year’s Great West Run.

Nearly 450 people ran either the half marathon or 10K around the streets of Exeter and beyond in Sunday’s sweltering heat to support FORCE Cancer Charity.

Between them they have raised more than £135,000 so far, which will support local people dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

Chloe Richardson, event fundraiser for FORCE, said: “It was a great day and we are astounded by the support and love for FORCE from our runners.

“It was humbling to hear all their stories, the reasons why...

Search is on for tattoo studios to hold flash days for needy moggies

This ‘kitten season’ tattoo studios across the South West as well as tattoo fans of all ages are being called on to celebrate their dedication to cats and body art by hosting tattoo-focused days during July to raise money for local needy moggies.

Cats Protection has seen a number of tattoo studios over the past two years create dedicated flash days to raise money for its cat rehoming centres and volunteer-run branches. Now the charity hopes to unite cat-loving tattoo artists with its ink-loving supporters to raise money to help more cats and kittens through the annual boom in...

Exwick Heights Pupil Raises £768 for Wildlife Trust with First Triathlon

A year 6 pupil at Exwick Heights Primary School is being celebrated after raising £768 for Devon Wildlife Trust by completing her first triathlon.

Polly, who is an Earth Councillor at the school, took on a swim, cycle and run challenge in support of the charity, as part of her Torbay and Devon Civic Award, surpassing her original fundraising target by more than double.

The school and Devon Wildlife Trust praised Polly’s determination and commitment, highlighting her passion for environmental issues and her enthusiasm for supporting wildlife conservation.

Part of...

The Exeter takes on London to Paris cycle for Macmillan Cancer Support

UK health and life insurer The Exeter has announced that seven of their colleagues are preparing to cycle 340 miles from London to Paris in June 2026, as part of a major fundraising effort for the company’s corporate charity partner, Macmillan Cancer Support.

The team has already raised more than £23,000, with fundraising continuing ahead of the challenge. The ride reflects The Exeter’s ongoing commitment to supporting Macmillan’s work, which provides care, practical support and advocacy for people affected by cancer across the UK.

The Exeter has organised a range of...

The team helping with the delivery of soil improver at Westbank's Community Allotment in Exminster

Coastal Recycling donation helps Westbank ‘grow’ its Community Allotment

The Devonwide health and wellbeing charity Westbank Community Health and Care (Westbank) is continuing to improve its Community Allotment with a generous donation of soil improver from a local waste management and recycling company.

The green waste division of Exeter-based Coastal Recycling has delivered six tonnes of quality compost created from garden waste to improve the soil for food crops at Westbank’s Community Allotment in Exminster. The allotment provides an accessible space to support people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. It underpins several other Westbank...

Charities

Fire Service support team turn rescuers as tiny kitten is saved from car

Making a difference for blind or partially sighted people in Devon

Pet charity Blue Cross thanks Devon volunteers

Quiz for legal community raises £2.3K for Balloons charity

Rowcroft Hospice completes major refurbishment to improve accessibility and comfort

Applications open for three £50,000 donations

Team FORCE smash it at the 2026 Great West Run

Search is on for tattoo studios to hold flash days for needy moggies

Exwick Heights Pupil Raises £768 for Wildlife Trust with First Triathlon

The Exeter takes on London to Paris cycle for Macmillan Cancer Support

Coastal Recycling donation helps Westbank ‘grow’ its Community Allotment

It's your Daily

You make the news

Top video

Selco Builders Warehouse | England Rugby star Jack Nowell visits Exeter Saracens junior teams

Exeter Weather

Search form

Charities

Top video

Exeter Weather