Groups come together to tackle isolation

Members of East Devon voluntary organisations and community groups turned out in force for the annual event run by East Devon District Council called “Working Together for the Future of East Devon”.

This year's focus was on ‘Isolation’. After the conference on 10 October Councillor Jill Elson, EDDC Cabinet Member for Sustainable Homes and Communities, said it had been good to hear about the excellent work being done in our local communities.

She went on: “There is a lot of good work taking place in East Devon. It was a great opportunity to meet and hear about the many voluntary organisations all doing such excellent work and listen to their views ”.

About 100 representatives of voluntary organisations, community groups and town and parish councils packed into the Council Chamber at EDDC’s Knowle offices in Sidmouth for the event, whose broad aim was to improve communications between the voluntary and statutory sectors.

East Devon MP Neil Parish visited midway through and stayed on to address the delegates about the theme of the day. He also thanked delegates for everything their organisations are doing to help isolated people in the district. Also speaking at the event was Sophie Andrews, Chief Executive of Esther Rantzens new free helpline for older people called The Silver Line (0800 4 70 80 90).

Delegates were able to find out more about the great work done in East Devon to combat isolation by Liz McQuiston from Devon Young Carers who support young carers aged 4 to 18, EDDCs Home Safeguard Service, EDDC Housings ‘Let’s go Digital’ workshops for tenants in sheltered housing, and learn about isolation and the health implications for older people from Dr. Anthony Hemsley, Consultant Geriatrician at the RD&E Hospital in Exeter.

Attendees also brought with them items of non-perishable food, which were collected by Exmouth Foodbank for handing out to needy families in the area.