Family Life

With a growing number of children coming into the care system than ever before, there has never been a more crucial time to find potential adopters.

Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council are working together as part of National Adoption Week 2014 (3 November to 9 November) to encourage more people across the county to consider adoption.

Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Skills, Councillor James McInnes at Devon County Council said:

“The most important thing is that we are looking for people who can offer unconditional love and...

A survey of women living in Exeter has revealed that nearly 80 per cent have received unwanted presents with more than half practising a pleased face before being given a gift.

The poll, by Persimmon Homes South West, also revealed not only the ultimate list of bad presents but who are the worst gift givers. A quarter said some presents had caused a row while more than half have now told people not to bother giving them gifts as they know they will not like them.

A circuit board, tin opener, ironing board cover and a toilet seat made the worst presents list. Of those...

One in three vulnerable young people is leaving care aged just 16 or 17, in sharp contrast to new polling which shows the public in the South West believes 21 or older is the right age to move out of the family home.

Leading charity Action for Children warns that young people in the most difficult situations are not getting the right help early enough, leading to even greater problems.

Brigitte Gater, director of children’s services at Action for Children, said: “Young people who have had traumatic early lives, who struggle with learning disabilities or mental health issues...

Paignton Zoo has teamed up with Wollen Michelmore Solicitors to hold Will Week. The event - from 6th to 11th October – is an appropriate one for the Zoo, as the charity has received many significant legacies over the years.

Paignton Zoo fundraiser Jenny Paton: “Our Ape Centre – home to gorillas and orang utans, including babies Tatau and Natalia – was built thanks to a legacy. Another sum built a whole set of owl aviaries. It is a very important way for a charity like ours to receive funds.”

A Will is important if you are getting married or divorced, have children or...