advice

Trading Standards is advising consumers and businesses to ensure that e-scooters and Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (e-bikes) are safe and compliant with the correct safety regulations before they are purchased, sold or hired out.

And businesses are reminded that it is their responsibility to inform customers that e-scooters are not currently legal for use on roads or other public highways unless a specific scheme is in place.

The warning follows a market surveillance operation on electronic vehicle safety by the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service and...

Devon Carers, a free service by Westbank Community Health and Care, is this month celebrating 25 years of supporting unpaid carers across the county and is planning several events throughout the coming year as part of its landmark anniversary.

The charity provides a wide range of support services to those who look after family members or friends because they are ill, frail, or have a disability, mental health or substance misuse problem.

Over the last two and a half decades, Westbank’s Devon Carers has grown to be one of the largest charitable organisations in the UK...

Hot weather is something many people look forward to but warm spells can pose health risks for some people.

NHS Devon Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nigel Acheson, said: “Healthcare services in Devon have been very busy this week treating a high number of people suffering from the effects of dehydration. Hospitals and the ambulance service have been under a lot of pressure over the last few days.

“While it is lovely for people to enjoy this extra warm spell, just because the summer holidays are over for most, it doesn’t mean hot weather isn’t a risk to people’s health. It’s...

In Devon, approximately 135,000 people look after someone who couldn’t manage without their help and receive no payment for it. Some are new to caring, while others have cared for a family member, friend or neighbour for some time. It’s an invaluable role but carers often feel alone or unsupported, particularly in light of the current cost-of-living crisis.

Devon Carers, part of Westbank Community Health and Care, is hosting a free Information and Advice Fair specifically for unpaid carers on Carers Rights Day. The event will take place on Thursday 24th November at the Exeter...

A Ukrainian refugee has found permanent employment in Exeter, thanks to a unique support scheme offered by Exeter Works.

Iryna Drabchak who has lived with her host family in Bradninch since July, says that she had only been here for a week when she found out about the workshops taking place at the Exeter Works advice hub in the city centre, covering access to English lessons, help with writing CVs, and vital introductions to employers looking to fill vacancies.

Iryna said: “The first time I went to a session I was very shy and not confident because I couldn’t speak English...

Drivers planning to use the M5 near Exeter are advised to plan their journeys ahead of this week’s three-day Devon County Show at the Westpoint Arena.

The show, to be held on Thursday, 30 June, Friday, 1st July and Saturday, 2nd July, averages an attendance of up to 100,000 people over the three days at the Clyst St Mary venue near Exeter, with increased traffic anticipated on the M5 north and south of junctions 29 and 30, the A30 east and west of Exeter and the A38 south of Exeter.

Congestion has previously occurred during the morning influx to the show, particularly...

WITH just one month to go until runners toe the start line, Runners Need is sharing its expert tips and advice on the final preparations to help for a successful race.

Christian Allen, Product Trainer at Runners Need, explains more about the final stages of training:

What should your last month of training look like?

In the final weeks leading up to race day it is important not to cram in too many runs and factor in more rest days as the event nears.

While training plans are different for every individual, as a general guide you should look to do your...

Devon’s health visiting teams will be handing out free magnetic notepads carrying safety advice this September to help families ensure that young children and toddlers are kept safe in the home.

The notepads feature key safety advice and will serve as a helpful reminder to thousands of busy families.

The notepads are part of the ‘Take Action Today, Put Them Away’ campaign to help protect children from the risks of everyday household cleaning products.

In Devon accidental poisonings accounted for 185 emergency admissions for 0 – four-year-olds between 2016/17-...