The number of Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) claimants in Devon has fallen to a record low again in October, in line with the national trend. Total claimants now stand at 4,118, or 0.9% of the working age population, representing a further fall of 105 claimants from September.
At a district level, overall JSA claimant numbers fell across the County with the exception of East Devon, which experienced a very small increase between September and October. The JSA claimant count rate in South Hams stands at just 0.6% of the working age population. The rate in Torridge stands at 1.5%, but...
Foster carers from across Devon were celebrated for their exceptional service to Fostering Devon.
The annual Carer Celebration Awards took place at County Hall in Exeter where over 60 carers received a certificate of appreciation. Around 120 people (including many foster children) gathered to recognise the achievements of carers who have given between 5 and 30+ years of their lives to fostering.
The longest-serving carers were Jenny and Charles Thorpe from Teignmouth, Linda and Graham Denning and Sandra and Robin Cooke, all dedicating more than 30 years to fostering. These...
This week we pay tribute to the leaders of the 355 voluntary organisations in Exeter that all rely on the dedication, energy and commitment of around 2,000 trustees in order to support their beneficiaries.
Hundreds of events will be taking place this week as charities use Trustees’ Week as a time to thank the one million trustees across England and Wales for their time and dedication.
Trustees are the people ultimately in charge of a charity. They make decisions that help charities achieve their aims and change their beneficiaries’ lives.
The weather may be relatively calm at the moment, but the Met Office have issued another yellow weather warning for rain tomorrow (Thursday) which is set to continue through Friday, into Saturday.
Forecasters say a developing frontal system is expected to bring another period of persistent rain, which will be heavy at times, to parts of the southern England later on Thursday and into Friday. The rain is likely to be accompanied by strong and gusty winds.
There is a risk of localised flooding, exacerbated by fallen leaves blocking drainage courses.
Retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis has invited designer Soula Zavacopoulos, from Chawleigh, to sell her ‘Wisdom of Kids’ books in 98 Ryman stores to raise funds for BBC Children in Need.
Ryman nor Soula Zavacopoulos will make a penny from the venture – because all of the profits will go directly to the charity.
A special price of £4.99 (£2 off the normal retail price) has been set for this fundraising campaign and at least £4 from the sale of each book will benefit BBC Children In Need, helping disadvantaged children across the UK.
Police are hoping to speak to a generous donor after a large amount of cash was left in a bag outside an Exeter charity shop.
The donation was discovered outside the Hospiscare charity shop in Cowick Street on the morning of Monday 11 November and police are now trying to establish if the donation was made legitimately.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall police said: “There is nothing to suggest that it is not legitimate but we want to make sure that the person who left the money intended to do so.
“The money, which was in used £20 notes and was in excess of £2,000...
More than 1,000 people across Devon and Cornwall have taken part in a consultation process which allows communities to decide how low-level criminals may be punished in the future. Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg carried out a summer long consultation asking people across the peninsula what sanctions they felt would best deal with those who commit crimes such as antisocial behaviour and vandalism. The consultation was required under legislation outlined in the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act. A total of 1,022 people took part in the process, either face to face or...
Two Birds Kitchen has won the prestigious Best Newcomer category at the Devon Life Food & Drink Awards 2014.
“We are so proud of our achievement,” said owner, Emma Tay.
“We are a family business passionate about cooking and serving fresh, local, organic food which tastes fantastic! This award recognises our achievements in striving to deliver food on the go which is delicious, healthy and homemade, using the best quality, local, seasonal ingredients all served from our pop-up kitchen caravan.”
Two Birds Kitchen is about to build on its success with a hot new...
Work to find out more about the cost of living in Exeter continues to take place following the conclusion of a comprehensive survey.
The University of Exeter carried out the research on behalf of Exeter City Council into the impact that low wages and high costs of living has on people living in Exeter. The work is part of a City Council-led Cost of Living Forum which was set up last year.
Although a report by the University on the findings of the survey has now been produced and will go before the City Council's Scrutiny Economy Committee on Thursday (13 November), the...
Devon County Council's adoption team has won a major industry award as part of National Adoption Week.
The British Association of Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) has announced Devon County as Local Authority Adoption Team of the Year 2014.
The team received their accolade at the awards ceremony last night week at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London.
The evening was hosted by BAAF patron and broadcaster Nicky Campbell and the Children’s Minister Edward Timpson MP will be the charity’s special guest.
BAAF Patrons, actress and adoptive mother Clare...
