Stay in touch and find the help you need, whilst staying at home and staying safe – in and around Okehampton …
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all details included are correct, West Devon CVS does not accept legal responsibility for the accuracy of any information quoted. Reference to any products, services, hypertext link to third parties or other information does not constitute or imply its endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation by West Devon CVS. If you have any queries, please email info@westdevoncvs.org.uk.
The information is now arranged in categories which relate to Wellbeing, Health, Families, Young People and Transport. These are in addition to the sections on Local Village Support, Mental Health and Useful Money and Debt Advice.
Updated: 5 April 2022
WELLBEING
| Age UK | Free, confidential helpline for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals. | 0800 678 1602 8am-7pm, 365 days a year www.ageuk.org.uk | ||
| Andy’s Man Club | Men’s mental health | info@andysmanclub.co.uk www.andysmanclub.co.uk | ||
| British Red Cross | Emotional support and mobility aids | 0344 871 11 11 https://www.redcross.org.uk/ | ||
| Care Direct | Support & advice for older adults in Devon | 0345 155 1007 csc.caredirect@devon.gov.uk | ||
| Community Links South West | Support for a range of issues, including befriending | 01837 650933/07808 523111 (Autism/ADHD) 01837 55105/07808 523111 (Mental Health) www.communitylinks-sw.co.uk | ||
| Farming Community Network | Helpline offering help & support to farmers & allied industries | 03000 111999 (7am-11pm everyday) Email: colinsmallcombe.fcn@gmail.com | ||
| Filo Project | High quality day care for small groups of older people | 0333 939 8225 and 07719 532116 Email: info@thefiloproject.co.uk https://www.thefiloproject.co.uk | ||
| Fire Service Safety | Advice from home safety team on smoke alarms, arson threats | 0800 05 02 999 | ||
| Forget Me Not Cafe | Dementia support | 01837 53397 | ||
| Free4Life (formerly Living Free Okehampton) | Telephone or FaceTime support to people who are struggling with or stuck in life controlling issues or behaviours such as addiction | 07970 219990 Email: Free4lifeoke@gmail.com | ||
| Get Changed Theatre Company | Vibrant theatre company for adults with learning disabilities; weekly workshops | Email: info@getchanged.com www.getchanged.com | ||
| Gilead Foundations Charity (at Risdon Farm, Okehampton) | Supported living service for women with a range of experiences, e.g. drug and alcohol addictions, homelessness, anxiety and domestic abuse | 01837 851240 Email: admin@gilead.org.uk www.gilead.org.uk https://www.gilead.org.uk | ||
| Independent Age | Help and advice for older people,offering impartial advice and information | Free advice line 0800 319 6789 Email: community@independentage.org www.independentage.org | ||
| Ladies Friendship Group | Monthly social meetings | 01837 53079 | ||
| Living Options -Time to Talk | Confidential listening support service and practical help for those who are disabled, deaf or vulnerable | 0300 303 3691 0785 642 6940 Email: time2talk@livingoptions.org www.livingoptions.org/support-help/time-talk | ||
| Local History Society | Monthly meetings on local history | 01837 82701 | ||
| Macular Society Support Group Okehampton | Help and support | enquiries@devoninsight.org.uk | ||
| Made-Well CIC | Day service support for those with disabilities and mental illness | 01837 810584 laura.feaver@made-well.co.uk www.made-well.co.uk | ||
| Marbles Lost & Found | Online mental health hub | www.marbleslostandfound.co.uk | ||
| Mary Budding Trust | Offering financial help and equipment to families with children aged 0-11 with special needs | Robin Hill 01837 840332 enquiries@marybuddingtrust.org.uk https://marybuddingtrust.org.uk | ||
| Men in Sheds (for men of all ages) | “Shedders” make things, mend things, share and solve problems, help each other. | 01837 658779 www.okehamptonshed.wordpress.com | ||
| Museum of Dartmoor Life | Museum, events and Tourist Information | 01837 52295 enquiries@dartmoorlife.org.uk www.dartmoorlife.org.uk | ||
| North Dartmoor Garden Club | Monthly meetings on general gardening topics | 01837 840332 | ||
| Ockment Centre | Wide range of wellbeing activities | 01837 53276 contact@ockmentcentre.org www.ockmentcentre.org | ||
| OCRA (Okehampton Community Recreation Association) | Sporting and arts activities for all ages | 01837 318010 admin@ocrasport.org.uk www.ocrasport.org.uk | ||
| Okehampton Library | Wellbeing activities, free wifi, computer access and support. | 01837 52805 okehampton.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk www.devonlibraries.org.uk | ||
| Okehampton Photographic Group (formerly Okehampton Camera Club) | Photography activities | www.okehamptonphotographicgroup.org (contact via website) | ||
| Okehampton Street Pastors | Care, help and listening in the night time economy | www.streetpastors.org/locations/okehampton | ||
| One Small Step Healthy Lifestyle Service | Healthy life support | 01392 908 139 hello@onesmallstep.org.uk www.onesmallstep.org.uk | ||
| Parkinsons UK Support Group Okehampton | Support, exercise and social group | 01837 55813 | ||
| PLAIT (Preventing Loneliness And Isolation Together) | Social activity combatting loneliness and isolation | 01837 54397 Email: patridge.1946@btinternet.com | ||
| Respect | Helpline for men | 0808 801 0327 | ||
| Royal British Legion | Welfare & support for serving personnel and veterans of British Armed Forces | 0808 802 8080 Monthly drop in at the Ockment Centre www.britishlegion.org.uk | ||
| SSAFA Forces Help West Devon | Helping serving and ex-servicemen, women and their families in need. | 01822 613935 Helpline 0800 731 4880 Email: devon.branch@ssafa.org.uk (messages will be forwarded as appropriate) | ||
| Samaritans | Emotional support to those in distress | 116 123 jo@smaritans.org https://www.samaritans.org | ||
| Significant Seams CIC | Creative activities using textiles and craft for support and wellbeing | Contact via website: www.significantseams.org.uk | ||
| Silverline | Free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people | 0800 4 70 80 90 (Ring anytime) | ||
| Talkworks (formerly Depression Anxiety Service) | NHS Talking Therapy Service | 0300 555 3344 www.talkworks.dpt.nhs.uk | ||
| Together Drugs and Alcohol Services | Addiction advice, information and support | 0800 233 5444 www.devonservices.org.uk/service/ together-alcohol-services | ||
| Ubuntu Counselling Service | Counselling for those from BAME groups | 01392 201572 info@ubuntucounsellingservices.org.uk http://www.exetercommunitiestogether.org.uk/covid19counselling | ||
| Victim Support | Free confidential listening support, respect and practical help for those affected by crime | 0808 168 9111 (24/7 Supportline for Devon & Cornwall) 0300 303 0554 (SW) Victim Care Network: 01392 475900 | ||
| Walk & Talk Okehampton (Devon Walking for Health) | Tues mornings for short, easy walks; Wed mornings for longer, more demanding walks | To book, ring Chris Baines 07917 795072 | ||
| West Devon Art Workshops | Painting and craft activities | 01822 258351 www.westdevonartworkshops. co.uk | ||
| Wren Music | All aspects of community music | 01837 53754 info@wrenmusic.co.uk www.wren.music.co.uk | ||
| CHURCHES AND FAITH GROUPS | ||||
| Christians Together Okehampton | 07533 758087 (CTO co-ordinator) | |||
| Baptist Church | Faith events | 01837 55829 cliffgraemejackson@gmail.com | ||
| Inspiration Church (Church of the Nations) | Faith events | 07771 933718 Email: mike.davies@inspirationcotn.org https://www.inspirationcotn.org | ||
| Methodist Church West Devon Circuit | Services, prayer and study groups at Fairplace Church | www.westdevonmethodists.org.uk On Facebook. | ||
| New Life Church | Life groups, Christians Against Poverty, Alpha | 07484 113523 nlcokehampton@aol.co.uk www.newlifeokehampton.org.uk | ||
| Parish Church (All Saints Church & St. James Chapel) | Faith events, social activities | 01837 659297 www.northmoorteam.org.uk | ||
| St. Boniface Catholic Church | Mass, talks and wellbeing events | 01837 52229 darlinemsfs@gmail.com www.st.bonifacechurch.co.uk | ||
| EDUCATION AND SKILLS | ||||
| Devonshire Association (West Devon branch) | Talks, excursions and study relating to Devon | 01822 852636 registrar@devonassoc.org.uk www.devonassoc.org.uk | ||
| Learn Devon | Adult learning, employment skills, computers for beginners, art and wellbeing | 0345 155 1014 learndevon@devon.gov.uk www.learndevon.co.uk | ||
| U3A (University of Third Age) | Helping you keep your brain in gear | 01409 231668 www.u3asites.org.uk/okehampton | ||
| VOLUNTEERING | ||||
| Devon Voluntary Action | Volunteering in a wide range of roles in and around Okehampton | support@devonva.org.uk www.devonva.org/volunteering |
HEALTH
| Okehampton Hospital | Range of services and clinics | 01837 658000 www.rdehospital.nhs.uk/patients/services/community-hospitals/okehampton-hospital.html |
| Okehampton Medical Centre | General Practice & Minor Injuries Unit | 01837 52233 www.okehamptonmedicalcentre.co.uk |
| Alzheimer’s Society | Helpline offering advice and support | 0333 150 3456 www.alzheimers.org.uk |
| Beat | Support for those with eating disorders | 0808 801 0677 (Helpline) 0808 801 0711 (Under 18) help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk yp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk (under 18) www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk |
| British Heart Foundation | Helpline for medical enquiries | 0300 330 3311 |
| British Lung Foundation | Helpline for medical enquiries | 03000 030 3311 |
| Care Direct | Information and support | 0345 155 1007 |
| Diabetes UK | Helpline for people affected by diabetes | 0345 123 2399 www.diabetes.org.uk |
| Dental helpline | Information and support helpline | 0845 0020034 |
| Devon Carers | Carer’s support | 03456 434435 www.devoncarers.org.uk |
| Devon in Sight | Sight loss support | Helpline 01392 876666 (Mon – Fri 10 am – 2 pm) www.devoninsight.org.uk |
| Devon Sensory Outreach Service | Help and support for the deafblind | 0345 155 1007 csc.caredirect@devon.gov.uk |
| Every Mind Matters | Advice to help you manage and maintain mental and emotional health | https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters |
| Force Cancer Charity | Information and support | 01392 406151 (at Okehampton Hospital) support@forcecancercharity.co.uk www.forcecancercharity.co.uk |
| Marie Curie | Support for those with terminal illness | 0800 3047 412 (Referrals) 0800 090 2309 (Support Line) southwesthelper@mariecurie.org.uk community.mariecurie.org.uk |
| Parkinson’s UK | Information and support | 0808 800 0303 (Helpline) www.parkinsons.org.uk |
| RNID (Formerly Action on Hearing Loss) | Hearing loss support | 0808 808 0123 (Helpline) 0808 808 900 (Textline) Jason.sculthorpe@rnid.org.uk information@rnid.org.uk www.rnid.org.uk |
| Stroke Association | Advice and support | 0303 3303 100 (text or phone)helpline@stroke.org.uk https://www.stroke.org.uk |
FAMILIES
| PARENTING | ||
| Community Links | Family support, counselling, parenting. Befriending and social isolation | 01837 55105/07808 523111 info@communitylinks-sw.co.uk www.communitylinks-sw.co.uk |
| Devon Children & Families Partnership (+ Early Help) | Wide range of support; Early Help assessments | 0345 155 1015 www.dcfp.org.uk |
| Devon Family Resource (part of Exeter Community Initiatives) | Listening advice line offering guidance for families and their relationships | 01392 949059 (10am – 2pm Mon-Fri) https://familyresource.eci.org.uk |
| Home-Start S. & W. Devon | Parent support for struggling families with at least 1 child under 12 | 01752 249740/0730 787 3163 homestart.shpt@gmail.com www.homestart-southandwestdevon.org.uk |
| Parent Progression | Support for parents with children under 8 to access training/volunteering and work. | 01392 205800 Email: enquiriesppt@eci.org.uk www.parentprogression.eci.org.uk |
| Parenting Solutions | Support and parenting programmes to families in need | 07463 969245 sonia.worthington@icloud.com |
| West Devon Children’s Centre | Parenting support from birth to 8 yrs | 07872 503515 Email: westdevonchildrenscentre @actionforchildren.org.uk www.westdevonchildrenscentre. co.uk |
| CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES | ||
| New Life Church | Children’s and young people’s activities | 07484 113523 www.newlifeokehampton.org.uk |
| OCRA | Sporting and arts activities for all ages | 01837 318010 admin@ocrasport.org.uk www.ocrasport.org.uk |
| Okehampton Community Garden | Children’s University activities: Tuesday activity sessions for children during school holidays. | 07926 735956 okehamptoncommunitygarden @gmail.com Website: okehamptoncommunitygarden.com (no www.) |
| Okehampton Library | Range of children’s and family activities | 01837 52805 okehampton.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk www.devonlibraries.org.uk |
| Ockment Centre | Range of activities e.g. drama, tots play | 01837 53276 contact@ockmentcentre.org www.ockmentcentre.org |
| Parish Church (All Saints & St. James Chapel) | Children’s activities | 01837 659297 www.northmoorteam.org.uk |
| Wren Music | Free music sessions for 0-5 years at The Ockment Centre, Mondays 10.00 – 11.00am. | 01837 53754 info@wrenmusic.co.uk www.wrenmusic.co.uk/what-we-do/under-5s-music-making |
| CARERS | ||
| Devon Carers Young Carers | Support, information and advice for carers under 18 | 03456 434 435 info@devoncarers.org.uk www.devoncarers.org.uk |
| HELP AND ADVICE | ||
| Childline | Helpline for under 19’s | 0800 1111 |
| Devon Domestic Abuse | Helpline | 0345 155 1074 (Domestic Abuse Helpline) 0808 802 9999 (Rape Helpline) |
| NSPCC | To report possible child abuse | 0808 800 5000 |
| Tor Support Services | Counselling service for young people aged 5-25 | 01837 53668 07886 444263 (Text) office@torsupportservices.org.uk www.torsupportservices.org.uk |
YOUNG PEOPLE
TRANSPORT
Public bus operators and their services – due to frequent changes and revisions of services, the full details are not printed here.
Travel Devon timetables – for timetables covering all current West Devon services, including a map of routes, please go to Okehampton Library, Ockment Centre and Museum of Dartmoor Life, or visit www.devon.gov.uk/travel or www.travelinesw.com.
Okehampton District Community Transport Group
01837 55000 (office hours 8.30 am – 4 pm)
Email: sue@odctg@btinternet.com
A community led service providing transport for the local people in Okehampton and the surrounding area, especially for those who find it difficult to use public conventional transport, the elderly and those who are rurally isolated.
Ring & Ride Buses – a scheduled service from your home
Community Car Service – a car service for individual journeys
Community Bus Trips – organised days out by bus
Dartmoor Line (Network Rail)
Dartmoor Line from Okehampton to Exeter providing a regular, daily passenger rail service between Okehampton and Exeter, stopping at Crediton, Newton St Cyres, Exeter St Davids and Exeter Central.
For more information and timetables, visit https://dartmoorline.com or go to GWR.com, or use their app or visit a station.
Taxis (various companies)
Taxi rank next to Co-op during the day; in Fore Street during the evening.
LOCAL VILLAGE SUPPORT
| Okehampton (and area) | COVID-19 community support group. On Facebook Greta Button Email: gretab@okehampton-pri.devon.sch.uk | 07707 565612 |
| Hatherleigh (and area) | Support from Made-Well on Facebook Hatherleigh Town Council, Mrs. Lock Email: hatherleightc@gmail.com | 07707 565612 01805 804254 |
| Hatherleigh & Meeth | Support from local volunteers Cllr Clare Kemp ckmultimedia@gmail.com | 07563 154245 |
| Chagford | Chagford Hub on Facebook page Help co-ordinated by Chagford Parish Clerk: For collection and delivery of prescriptions: | 01647 432999 01647 432424 |
| North Tawton | Support from Lions member Michael Brint Email: Michael.brint@btinternet.com | 01837 82220 |
| North Tawton | Community Support Group help and support Sarah Say at North Tawton Town Council Email: townclerk@northtawtontowncouncil.gov.uk | 01837 880121 |
| North Tawton Pharmacy | North Tawton Pharmacy is able to deliver prescriptions & pharmacy shopping to those in North Tawton & surrounding areas. | 01837 82824 (after 11 am) |
| South Tawton and South Zeal | Community Support Group help and support Barry Griffiths Email: stpc.covid19.help@gmail.com | 01837 500999 option 2 |
| Folly Gate & Inwardleigh | Support from Lions member Michael Chastey Email: mchastey@aol.com | 01837 53346 |
| Exbourne, Jacobstowe, & Monk-okehampton | Burrows Community Shop & Cafe Jacobstowe Community Group, Peter Steer Email: ptsteer@aol.com (group also on Facebook) | 01837 851928 01837 851669 07966 404347 |
| Bridestowe Parish | Contact Pete Daniels Email: bridestoweparishcouncil@yahoo.co.uk | 01837 861244 |
| Belstone, Priestacott | Contact Ella Curnow Email: ella.curnow@hotmail.co.uk and Rona Gundry www.belstonevillage.net | 01837 849363 07815 636 613 |
| Sourton | Contact Angela Braidwood (parish clerk) Email: parishclerk@sourtonpc.org.uk (Also co-ordinating with Bridestowe) | 01837 871 308 07990 712 484 |
| Lions Club Okehampton | Okehampton Lions have responders to help people needing supplies. Bob Chapman: Email: DARTMOORWALKER@uwclub.net Kevin Pedrick: Email: kspedr@gmail.com | 01837 54170 07969 512668 |
| Rotary Club Okehampton | For help and support, contact Secretary Allenton Fisher Email: rotaryokehampton@outlook.com Offering garden packs with trough, compost, and seeds to encourage people to get out into nature and fresh air through gardening; also other art and craft packs. Ring Hugh McPhillips to find out more. | 07782 222404 |
| Harley Riders Delivery Group | Delivering medicines and essential items to vulnerable people in outlying areas of Dartmoor. Email: annieshomeagain@gmail.com | Annie Durrant 07875 263466 (ring before 11 am) |
MENTAL HEALTH
Information about self-help with mental health difficulties can be found on the following websites:-
- www.mind.org.uk
- www.nhs.uk
- www.rcpsych.ac.uk
- www.getselfhelp.co.uk
- www.marbleslostandfound.co.uk
Should you experience concerns regarding further deterioration in your mental health you can do the following:-
Contact your GP in the first instance if you feel you are struggling to manage your distress safely.
If you have concerns outside of surgery hours you could contact:
First Response Service – 0808 196 8708
Out of Hours Telephone Support team (8pm to 8am) 01392 676354
Devon Docs – 0845 6710 270
NHS 111 – 111 (free from any land line or mobile phone) or your GP out of hours service.
Other sources of telephone support include:
Samaritans – 116 123
They operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them for a chat or if you are struggling with your mental wellbeing.
Saneline – 0300 304 7000.
They operate everyday 4:30pm- 10:30pm. They offer emotional support and information if you are struggling with a Mental Health related Illness.
NHS 111 – 111 (free from any land line or mobile phone)
Text Support can be accessed at; https://www.giveusashout.org/get-help/
The Mooring – Are you feeling distressed, frightened, overwhelmed, or that things are too much for you? Don’t know where to turn to get mental health support? Are your usual sources of support closed for the night?
The Mooring @ St Leonards GP Practice (Athelstan Road, St Leonards, Exeter EX1 1SB) offers out of hours mental health support to anyone aged 16 or over in Exeter and the surrounding areas. Open 6pm-midnight, every night (including weekends and bank holidays). No appointment or referral needed.
To contact The Mooring call 07990790920 or 07484061675 or email devonexeter.mhm@nhs.net
Calls monitored 6pm-midnight, emails monitored daily
In the event that you feel unable to safely manage your mental distress please contact the Crisis Team on 01392 674988 (Exeter) or 01392 674989 (East and Mid Devon).
In the event that you feel unable to manage your distress and feel you are at imminent risk of self-harm or harm to others, please attend A&E at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where there is a 24hr a day Psychiatric Liaison Service.
MONEY AND DEBT ADVICE
| Transitions run by the Wiser£money partnership. Free, confidential money and debt advice in rural Torridge and West Devon for those that cannot access mainstream advice services. Offers home visits and phone support. Funded by the National Lottery’s Community Fund. | www.navigatecharity.org.uk/make-a-referral/ www.wisermoney.org.uk Email: wisermoney@navigatecharity.org.uk Tel: 01823 299050 8.30am to 4.30pm office Mon to Fri |
| Citizen’s Advice: free and confidential money, debt and budgeting advice; consumer advice (e.g. cancelled holiday or event). www.cabdevon.org.uk/need-advice/ www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ | Advice line 9am-5pm Mon-Fri: 0800 144 8848 Universal Credit Help to Claim 8am to 6pm, Mon- Fri: 0800 144 8444 Consumer helpline (trade issues, trading standards): 0808 2231133 |
| Help to claim Universal Credit Citizens Advice can provide initial assessment and guidance for Universal Credit claims at their local offices (see above) during opening hours. | www.citizensadvice.org.uk/helptoclaim/#h–our–help– to–claim–service Helpline: Tel: 0800 144 8444 Advisers are available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Chat on line: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/aboutus/contact–us/contact–us/web–chat–service/ Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm |
| Quids 4 Kids (CAB Devon) offers help to families in Devon with a child who has special needs, a long term illness or disability, with benefit ,tax credit claims & appeals. Also young people aged 16-21 with a special need or a disability. | www.cabdevon.org.uk/projects/quids-for-kids Tel: 0300 5000 404 |
| DATA —offering free debt advice to people living in Tavistock and the surrounding areas through home visits and phone support. | www.datavistock.org.uk enquiry@datavistock.org.uk 07955 728721 |
| Housing information about how West Devon Borough Council can help if you are in housing crisis. | www.westdevon.gov.uk/Housingadvice Tel: 01822 813600 |
| LiveWest (Housing) Offering tenancy support, housing management and emergency grants. | www.livewest.co.uk Email: enquiries@livewest.co.uk For financial support in extreme crisis , email community.investment@livewest.co.uk |
| RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) Offers help, advice & grants for individuals linked to farming. | www.rabi.org.uk Tel: 0808 2819490 Email: info@rabi.org.uk |
| The Farming Community Network Social contact telephone service providing help and support to farmers and allied industries. | www.fcn.org.uk Helpline: 03000 111 999 Email: help@fcn.org.uk |
| Perennial Advice & Support For those individuals and families working or have worked in the horticulture industry. Housing, accommodation, disability, long-term illness, financial hardship, bereavement or the unique challenges that come with old age. | Call free of charge and in complete confidence: 0800 093 8543 (Mon-Fri 8.30 am – 5.00pm) Email: info@perennial.org.uk www.perennial.org.uk |
| Royal British Legion and SSAFA: offers help, advice & grants to members of the armed services, veterans, reservists and their families. | www.britishlegion.org.uk online chat or 0808 802 8080 www.ssafa.org.uk email contact form or 0800 260 6767 |
| Macmillan free and confidential advice for individuals and families who are affected by cancer and other life limiting conditions on their benefit entitlements. | National Macmillan Support Line 0808 808 00 00 or email contact form Open every day, 8am – 8pm www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-andsupport/get-help/financial-help/welfare-rightsadvice |
| Stepchange debt charity offering debt advice on line or over the telephone | www.stepchange.org 0800 138 1111 |
| National Debt Line, offering information and advice | www.nationaldebtline.org 0808 808 4000 |
| Money and Pension Service formed in 2019, supported by the UK Government, combining the Money Advice Service, Pension Wise and Pension Advisory Service. Money Advice Service – free guidance on all aspects of managing your income and expenditure. | https://maps.org.uk/ www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk Tel: 0800 138 7777 |
| Money and budgeting advice | www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk |
| Benefit and grant calculator | www.turn2us.org.uk |
| Help to Save is a type of savings account. It allows those entitled to Working Tax Credit and receiving Child Tax Credit or receiving Universal Credit and your household earned £569.22 or more from paid work in your last monthly assessment period. The saving account offers a 50p bonus for every £1 saved over 4 years. | https://www.gov.uk/get–help–savings–low–income Follow link above for more information and to apply. Help to Save is backed by the government so all savings in the scheme are secure. |
| Government Help with applying for Attendance Allowance Help with applying for Pension Credit new claim Help with applying for Universal Credit Personal Independence Payment new claim If you do not have help and are vulnerable you can ask for the DWP Visiting Team to visit you at home. | www.gov.uk Attendance Allowance help line 0800 731 0122 Pension Service help line 0800 7310469 Universal Credit 0800 328 5644 PIP 0800 121 4433 |
| Pension Wise free and impartial government guidance about your defined contribution pension options. | www.pensionwise.gov.uk/en Tel: 0800 138 3944 |
| Pension Advisory Service provides free advice and help with tracing lost personal pensions | www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk Tel: 0800 011 3797 |
| Local services in Devon – web based directory of services | www.devonservices.org.uk www.pinpointdevon.co.uk |
| TASS (Tavistock Area Support Services) offer services to people 55 years+; community transport, befriending, advice, info & form filling. | www.tasstavistock.org.uk online enquiry form Tel: 01822 616958 |
| Age UK Call our free, confidential advice line Phone buddy line (an hourly chat once a week) | www.ageuk.org.uk enquiry form online 0800 055 6112 8am-7pm, 365 days a year |
| Independent Age Help and advice for older people,offering impartial advice and information, including free guides you can order to be posted to you free of charge. Campaigns for better and fairer services for older people. | www.independentage.org Free advice line 0800 319 6789 Mon – Fri 8.30am – 6.30pm Sat 9am – 1pm advice@independentage.org |
| Tamar Energy Providing energy advice and support including help with bills, fuel debt, prepayment meters, concerns about heating etc. | www.tamarenergycommunity.com Tel: 0800 233 5414 hello@tamarenergycommunity.com |
| Warm Home Discount If on a low income and in receipt of certain benefits, talk to your energy provider about the Warm home Discount; £140 off your bill and check if you are on the best tariff. | To find out more visit www.gov.uk/the–warm–homediscount–scheme/ |
| South West Water (SWW) provides help with dealing with water debts. Restart which offers a lower water bill based on your ability to pay. A lower water tariff named WaterSure Plus for those using more water because of a medical condition or have three or more children under 19. WaterCare for those on a low income and receiving a means tested benefit. There is also Freshstart and Waterdirect. The Water Care Team are SWW advisors that can visit customers in their own home who would find completing the application forms difficult to advise on applying a lower tariff. | www.southwestwater.co.uk South West Water Tel:0344 346 1010 To be eligible for help you will have to have a water meter or have one fitted. This is free. If you can’t have a water meter fitted ask about an assessed charge. watercareteam@southwestwater.co.uk Tel: 0344 346 1010 |
| Water Debt Gateway for SWW customers who are in debt or struggling to pay their water bill and would benefit from more specialist advice Plymouth Citizens’ Advice Bureau offer a Restart help line service. You need your SWW customer reference number so the FreshStart team can get access to your water debt account. | https://citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk/water–debtgateway freshstart@plymouthcab.org Tel 01752 502699 |
| Report a scam Phone or visit the action fraud web site or contact Citizens’ Advice. | www.actionfraud.police.uk or Tel: 0300 123 2040 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scamsaction/ 0808 2505050 Mon to Friday 9am to 5pm |
| Get advice and report a Loan Shark | www.gov.uk/report-loan-shark Tel: 0300 555 2222 or text 07860 022116 |
| Okehampton Foodbank offering parcels of 7 days’ worth of emergency food to local people in and around the Okehampton area. Valid foodbank vouchers can be issued over the phone by a local agency e.g. Citizens Advice, Children’s Centre or health visitors/support workers. Delivery system available. | Tel: 07483 877378 Email: contact@okehampton foodbank.co.uk Open: Fridays 10am-12 noon Baptist Church, Okehampton EX20 1AN. www.okefoodbank.org Facebook page |
| Tavistock Foodbank offering parcels of 3 day emergency food to local people in and around the Tavistock area. Valid foodbank vouchers can be issued over the phone by a local agency e.g. by Citizens Advice, Children’s Centre or health visitors/support workers. | Tel: 07941 436 149 Email: info@tavistock.foodbank.org.uk Open: Fridays 10am-2pm United Reformed Church, Tavistock www.tavistock.foodbank.org.uk Facebook page |
| Bere Peninsula Foodbank providing food parcels to households on low incomes and in crisis in the Bere Peninsula. Flexible; no official vouchers required; delivery system available. | Tel: 07513 132665 Email: bpfb20@gmail.com (Drop in at Hope Cottage Café at 41 Fore St. Bere Alston to resume when restrictions allow) |
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March 2021. The contact details in this list were gathered by Transitions and West Devon CVS; they are evolving and are subject to change. If any of the information is incorrect or can be added to, please contact us.
Julie Matthews, Partnership and Social Policy Lead Email: julie@navigatecharity.org.uk
Billie Burnett, Information Co-ordinator Email: volunteering@westdevoncvs.org.uk
| Bright Futures Upbeat | Supporting young carers aged 18-24 | 01237 420141 brightfutures@carewise.org.uk www.brightfuturesdevon.co.uk |
| CAMHS | Children & Adolescent Mental Health Services | 0330 0245 321 cfhd.devonspa@nhs.net www.integratedchildrensservices.co.uk/camhs/teams/camhs-southern-devon |
| Childline | Helpline for Under 19’s | 0800 1111 |
| Community Links South West | Support for young people; Music Centre | 07808 523111 info@communitylinks-sw.co.uk www.communitylinks-sw.co.uk |
| Devon Young Carers | Supporting carers aged 5 – 18 | 03456 434 435 info@devoncarers.org.uk www.devoncarers.org.uk |
| Kooth | Counselling via website chat | www.explore.kooth.com/dontdoitalone |
| Okehampton Street Pastors | Care of young people in streets at night | www.streetpastors.org/locations/okehampton |
| Proud2Be | Online LGBTQ+ Youth group | 01803 362083 hello@proud2be.co.uk www.proud2be.org.uk |
| Room 13 | Support, help, activities for ages 11-19 | 01837 657601 www.spacepsm.org |
| Shout | Mental health support | Text Shout to 85258 |
| SNAP | Special needs activities in the Park | 01837 659990 snap.okey@gmail.com https://ocrasport.org.uk/get-involved/snap |
| Tor Support Services | Free, confidential counselling for ages 5-25 | 07886 444263 coordinators@torsupportservices.org.uk www.torsupportservices.org.uk |
| Wheels 2 Work Southwest | Help to access work and training | 07970 480807 www.devonwheels2worksouthwest.org |
| Young Devon | Changing the odds in favour of young people | 01752 691511 info@youngdevon.org www.youngdevon.org |
| Young Minds | Supporting young people’s mental health | 0808 802 5544 For Young Minds Crisis Messenger, text YM to 85258 |