charity

Local community network secures £1m to address ‘the issues that matter most’ to Isles of Scilly communities 

The Isles of Scilly Community Research Network has secured £1m to research the topics that matter most to Iocal communities.

The money has been awarded through phase two (the implementation phase) of the Community Research Networks programme, which has been funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and will be delivered by The Young Foundation, a non-profit organisation that specialises in community research and social innovation.

In phase one of the programme (the expression of interest phase), the group received £25k. It used the money to engage a diverse cross-section...

North Devon views chosen by blood cancer patients set scene for charity calendar

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 11/19/2024 - 9:59pm

For fish and chip shop owner Mark Dimelow, the historic Exeter Quayside means more than to most people.

While visitors enjoy the cafes, ice cream and places to stroll, for Mark, Exeter Quayside has become a sanctuary, while he has been undergoing treatment for blood cancer.

Mark, 60, who lives in Landkey and has a restaurant in South Molton, is one of 12 blood cancer patients who have contributed to the 2025 calendar produced by the charity, Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF).

Each month features a different location in North Devon, chosen by one of the hundreds of...

Lady Seawards School Raises £888 for Children in Need with School Marathon

Lady Seawards School in Exeter is proud to announce that, through the incredible efforts of our students, their families and our staff, we have raised a fantastic £888 for Children in Need.

Our school community came together for a school marathon, with students running laps of the playground to support this worthy cause.

The event was a true testament to the spirit of courageous advocacy that we foster here at Lady Seawards.

The school council led the initiative, inspiring students to not only take part in the run but also to engage in the broader mission of...

Community comes together to share message of hope this Christmas

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 11/18/2024 - 9:30pm

Exeter-based charity Julian House unveiled its Christmas tree in Princesshay last week, decorated with handmade baubles created by students from Petroc’s Tiverton campus.

The Christmas Tree showcases the talents of Petroc students Harvey Hogan, Harvey Butler and Connor Pearce, under the guidance of their lecturer, Roger Edgecombe.

Displayed on each bauble is a "message of hope" written by Julian House clients, staff, members of the public and the housing team at Exeter City Council.

Julian House supports rough sleepers and people at risk of, or recovering from,...

Charity’s celebration to thank its army of volunteers

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...

Westbank Community Health and Care’s newest trustee, semi-retired health worker Pam Smith

Westbank’s newest trustee brings wealth of health service experience

Westbank Community Health and Care’s newest trustee, semi-retired health worker Pam Smith, has attended her first board meeting for the charity this month.

70-year-old Pam, from Alphington in Exeter, has worked in senior health service management roles for more than 20 years, including as a PCT Chief Executive. Since 2013 she has worked on a freelance basis supporting general practice, latterly mostly in Cornwall, working through a provider owned by all the GP practices in the county. Pam has previously chaired a small local dyslexia charity and is looking forward to supporting the...

Isca Ensemble South West present a special concert for Hospiscare

The very popular Isca Ensemble South West will be presenting a very special concert in Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 19th October at 7.30pm.

This fine orchestra conducted by Roger Hendy comprising of leading players from the Southwest, continues to receive high critical acclaim for its performances which feature International soloists.

Roger has been a leading conductor of orchestras in the Southwest, France and Germany for many years.

On this occasion, the orchestra will be joined by the renowned international cellist Kacper Nowak from Poland who will be...

Double win for charity's volunteers in the BBC Make A Difference awards

Authored by Sharon Goble
Posted: Thu, 10/03/2024 - 11:49pm

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...

Westbank's Head of Carer Services wins Care and Support West 'Team Leader' award

A senior leader at Devon’s foremost health and wellbeing charity, Westbank Community Health and Care, has won a prestigious regional award that recognises the work of Care Professionals across the South West.

Andy Hood, who oversees Westbank’s Carers Services including Devon Carers, was named Team Leader of the Year at the Care and Support West awards 2024, now in their 11th year.

Andy attended a ceremony at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol last week (Thursday 26 September) to receive a trophy in recognition of his leadership of a team that supports more than thirty thousand...

It's World Alzheimer’s Month - Have you Heard of Young Onset Dementia?

When most hear the word dementia it’s often Alzheimer’s disease and older people they think about. In fact there are over 100 types of dementia.

However for this piece I want to raise awareness and touch upon one of the more rare types - Young Onset Dementia (YOD) which means the person diagnosed is under 65.

This presents many challenges such as the person may have a young family, be working and also struggle to get a definitive diagnosis.

It is estimated there are over 70,800 people living with Young Onset Dementia in the UK.

Raising awareness is key...

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