More than 40 volunteers have attended a special celebration organised by Westbank Community Health and Care to thank them for their tireless hard work and dedication throughout the year.
The Exminster based charity relies on an army of volunteers to deliver its extensive range of health and wellbeing services across Devon. These include Devon Carers, which supports around 32,000 unpaid carers across the county; Westbank’s Neighbourhood Friends and Patient Transport services, which support vulnerable and isolated people in the community; the Community Cookery School; Exminster based...
Foodcycle appeals for volunteers as community dining charity opens second Exeter project to help tackle food pro
A charity that aims to tackle food poverty, loneliness and food waste, has opened its second free community meal in Exeter, and is appealing for volunteers to help.
FoodCycle needs more volunteers to help provide free weekly hot meals for local guests in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, every Thursday at 6.30pm, atBeacon Heath Church.
Volunteers get to be part of the ‘FoodCycle magic’ – transforming surplus food that would otherwise go to waste...
Two volunteers for Devon charity Westbank Community Health and Care have been recognised at this year’s BBC Radio Devon Make A Difference awards, which celebrate people who genuinely make a difference in communities across the county.
Jane Taylor and Arthur Harman received their trophies from BBC Radio Devon presenters at a ceremony on Wednesday, held at Winslade Park in Clyst St Mary.
Jane Taylor, from Okehampton, is an ambassador for Westbank’s Devon Carers service and an unpaid carer for her husband, who has advanced MS. Jane won the Carer award, celebrating those who...
The East Devon District Council (EDDC) Countryside team, which manages the Seaton Wetlands nature reserve, is calling for enthusiastic volunteers to join the Discovery Hut team during the busy summer period.
Volunteers at the Discovery Hut play a crucial role in enhancing the visitor experience. Volunteers work in pairs to greet visitors, provide up-to-date information about recent wildlife sightings and serve simple refreshments.
From the Discovery Hut visitors to the wetlands can view live footage on the seasonal nest cams, hire pond dipping equipment and explore the...
Westbank’s Devon Carers organised a well-attended conference and a multitude of free activities for unpaid carers during Carers Week (10 - 16 June 2024)
Devon Carers, a free service by Westbank Community Health and Care, has received uplifting feedback from participants after putting on a host of events to celebrate Carers Week this June. An unpaid carer who enjoyed free entry to the National Trust’s Greenway in Kingsbridge said, “We often feel invisible but the activities provided throughout the week have put carers on the agenda.”
When most people are making plans to hit the beach or take it easy, one intrepid group of volunteers from The Nayamba Trust are preparing to jet off to Zambia on Saturday (15 June) to lead a week of phonics, sport and PSHE in a small rural community.
The volunteers are all connected in some way to the East Devon-based charity and as well as giving of their time free of charge, they have raised the cost of their travel and expenses in keeping with the ethos of the Trust in sending 100% of donations raised to Zambia.
A rich and varied programme has been prepared in advance...
Volunteers in Devon & Cornwall Police have been thanked by senior officers for giving so much of their own time to support Force colleagues and make a difference.
Dedicated volunteers contribute many hours to the Force and carry out a variety of roles including as vehicle checkers, volunteer drivers, police chaplains, victim care officers, police cadet leaders and Special Constables. Many volunteers juggle these roles alongside their normal day jobs and busy family lives.
Police Support Volunteers from Exeter, East and Mid Devon were invited to an event at Exeter...
Over the past couple of years I have been advocating for families living with dementia in addition to leading the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance.
I have witnessed family carers on their knees at crisis point, desperate, isolated with overwhelming feelings of helplessness.
At times I have felt useless, but having immersed myself into the world of dementia over the past decade I realise I have gained invaluable knowledge which I feel able to share and is making a difference. This is a humbling privilege.
Navigating the complexities of the health and social care...
Throughout Volunteers’ Week (3 - 9 June), Westbank Community Health and Care is celebrating the army of volunteers who are the beating heart of the Devon-wide charity and sharing volunteers’ stories to inspire more people to help make a difference.
Volunteers’ Week - now in its 40th year - is a week when charities across the South West celebrate those who give up their time to help others and say thank you to them for the contribution they make. The week also raises awareness about the many benefits of becoming a volunteer and the diverse volunteering roles available.
An exciting series of events is being planned in Cranbrook this year with the aim of supporting residents to be more active and helping the town to celebrate its 13-year anniversary.
The events are being planned by Move More Cranbrook, the Sport England supported programme that aims to help residents in the town to lead more active lives.
And following the success of events last year which include the town’s first ever Santa Run, the Move More Cranbrook delivery group is on the hunt for volunteers to help it deliver a programme of events in 2024.
