Nationwide and Dementia UK’s free face-to-face clinics are returning to 15 Nationwide branches in The South-West over summer, offering specialist support in a safe, comfortable and private space for people to discuss any aspect of dementia.
Hosted by Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, the clinics are open to anyone impacted by dementia, offering life-changing support to families and individuals in the area. Appointments can be booked via Dementia UK’s website here .
The clinics will offer practical and emotional advice on all aspects of dementia – from worries about symptoms...
The end of June marked the start of an exciting opportunity for would-be cooks to learn essential kitchen skills at Westbank Community Health and Care’s bespoke teaching kitchen in Exminster. A 6-week Learn to Cook course for beginners started on Monday, 29 June (with places still available), and a second one will begin on Monday, 17 August. The courses are friendly, supportive workshops for people with little or no cooking experience. Participants will learn to prepare simple homemade meals with practical support throughout. Each week includes demonstrations, guided practice and tasting...
A DEVON optician is preparing to run the Grand Western Canal, having been inspired by his best friend’s daughter who’s been battling acute leukaemia.
Neil Millen, a director at the locally owned and run Specsavers Bideford, is pulling on his running shoes to raise as much money as he can for the charity Cure Leukaemia after seeing 15-year-old Daisy McGowan battle the disease for two years.
To raise further funds, Daisy’s father Scott is tackling all 21 stages of the Tour de France route – 3,333km and 5,4450m of ascent – on behalf of Cure Leukaemia, as part of a group of...
The Ivy Exeter Brasserie celebrated five years of memorable dining and hospitality in the heart of Exeter, commemorating the occasion with an evening soiree on Tuesday 9th June.
Set within the former City Bank building overlooking Exeter Cathedral, The Ivy Exeter Brasserie combines the grandeur of one of Exeter’s most distinctive buildings with all-day dining in a unique historic setting. Original features from its banking heritage, including the historic vaults, remain part of the brasserie’s character today.
Since opening in 2021, The Ivy Exeter Brasserie has brought...
This year’s Learning Disability Week (15 to 21 June) asks “Do you see me?” and is all about ensuring people with a learning disability are seen, heard and valued. This aim is shared by Devon County Council’s Reaching for Independence team which offers short-term enabling support to people aged 17 years and upwards with eligible social care needs or likely to have them.
Over the last 12 months, Reaching for Independence has helped more than 1,850 people in the county. Of these referrals, 358 people had a Learning Disability diagnosis as the primary reason for needing support, as...
With the launch of the National Dog Survey 2026 Dogs Trust, which has rehoming centres in Salisbury and Ilfracombe , is giving people in the South West the chance to share their stories about the vital role that dogs play in our lives, whether they have a dog or not. The survey helps Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, to improve dog welfare and understand the needs, concerns and realities of owning or being around dogs.
What do you do with your dog? What does being a committed dog owner mean to you? What would you like to see change for dogs? These are just some of...
Libraries in Devon are inviting children to join The Summer Book Quest over the summer holidays. The Summer Book Quest: Mission to Wayfarer Island follows a group of friends as they set out to help an explorer on an exciting, transport-themed adventure. Children can participate with a mix of activities and reading, and receive a special medal upon completion.
The theme of transport is all about engaging children’s imaginations, encouraging them to explore traditional and fantastical modes of transport and discover new ways to get outside this summer. The Summer Book Quest is...
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.
Libraries Unlimited is delighted to announce that Our Freedom: Then and Now, a major UK-wide exhibition marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War, will be on display at Exeter Library from 15 June to 10 July 2026.
Developed by Future Arts Centres in partnership with Open Eye Gallery and Libraries Connected, and supported by public funding from Arts Council England, the exhibition brings together images from 60 locally led projects across the UK.
Together, they form a powerful nationwide portrait of people, place and belonging, revealing communities’...
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...
