A new network has been launched in Devon and Somerset which will connect the region’s many and varied social enterprises, supporting them to grow and benefit their local economies - and create positive social change.
Enhance brings together new and existing members from across the two counties to form an umbrella network that will provide events, training and networking opportunities across the region. Members also receive a listing on the new website at: www.enhancesocialenterprise.org.uk, along with regular newsletters, opportunities for additional support programmes, peer-...
A pioneering project to promote wellbeing and good mental health for young children has received a cash injection from a leading housebuilder in the region.
Exeter’s Trinity Primary and Nursery School has been handed £1,000 from Persimmon Homes South West’s Community Champions fund to develop a unique project helping Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage One pupils learn about their emotions and how they affect mental health.
Music teacher Laura Loft, who made the successful funding application, said: “We want to put on a workshop and event called ‘BIG EMOTIONS:...
Over 50 volunteers of all ages teamed up with East Devon District Council officers, councillors and Greener Ottery on Saturday 11 January to help plant native West Country apple trees in a new community orchard in Land of Canaan, Ottery St Mary.
The project, which was organised by East Devon District Council’s Parks service in conjunction with Greener Ottery and ward member Cllr Vicky Johns, is a reflection of both the council and local community’s interest in sustainability and climate change.
The community orchard is the start of a bigger project to help support wildlife...
Devon’s residents are being urged to hang on to their broken possessions over the Christmas holidays so they can be fixed at what promises will be the largest repair café ever held.
The Big Fix 2020 will be held on Saturday February 15, and will see up to 109 repair cafes across the UK being held simultaneously.
The national event is being coordinated by Devon County Council and follows the success of The Big Fix last year when volunteers broke the record for the number of items repaired at a single repair café.
Both events are examples of Devon County Council’s...
An action plan to help reduce the amount of food waste in Devon was endorsed by Devon County Council's ruling Cabinet.
It follows a Food Waste Spotlight Review being commissioned by Devon County Council’s Corporate, Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Commitee earlier this year.
Representatives from food charities, councils and anaerobic digestion plants attended the review to discuss why food is wasted, how to reduce it and ways to improve its collection.
Almost a third of all food purchased in Devon is thrown away, either by residents or businesses,...
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has donated 60 hampers to local members of the Armed Forces community in need this Christmas.
The SSAFA Devon branch has donated 60 hampers and 28 gift cards across the county to those in need this Christmas across the local area.
On Tuesday 10th December, the charity hosted a hamper presentation at the Exeter Guildhall where the Lord Mayor Councillor Peter Holland presented ten hampers to local beneficiaries.
Corporate supporters were also in attendance on the day, including Fraser and Wheeler Estate Agents, Gilbert Stephens LLP...
Through its Well Built Community Fund, RGB Building Supplies has already donated £5,000 for groups, charities and schools to spend at its branches this year. It has one last giveaway for 2019 and is calling for nominations for the chance to win £1,000 to purchase building materials or tools.
RGB's Community Fund aims to help groups complete much-needed projects that they would not otherwise be able to.
The donation is to be spent at an RGB branch and can be used to buy materials to complete a renovation project, or perhaps tools that could help with construction trade...
Fuel poverty levels in Devon have been on the increase in recent years and whilst projects like Healthy Homes for Wellbeing , run by Exeter Community Energy (ECOE), have been tackling this issue head-on with drop-in energy clinics and in-depth home visits across the region, there is still a lot more that could be done.
ECOE’s new Winter Warmth campaign highlights the issues of fuel poverty and hard-to-heat homes faced by local residents each and every winter. Having recently launched the Healthy Homes Hardship Fund, ECOE is seeking donations which they hope will make a world of...
Do you sit on a town or parish council in Devon? If so, you need to know how to respond to planning proposals affecting your community. Your response, as consultees in the planning process, can significantly influence the outcome and make a real difference to what the local planning authority decides. CPRE Devon invites you to a special ‘planning workshop’ for Devon’s town and parish councils. Experienced, independent Planning Consultant, Jo Widdecombe, will guide you through the process and explain what’s important. Free admission for member organisations (up to 3 people free per member...
Honiton business owner Lucy Wakefield is this month celebrating the 5th anniversary of running her dog sitting business, Barking Mad. Despite her business success, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. The story of why she started the business revolves around giving up a career she loved due to a health scare and losing her beloved Newfoundland, Kodiak.
Up until 2008 Lucy was enjoying her career teaching children at Shute Community Primary School. However, at the start of the new school year, Lucy developed an intense headache which lasted a week, which she thought could be solved with...
