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.
Updated: 16 September 2021
Local and National Organisations
More Local Support by Area:
| 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 Supportive Contacts
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.
| 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 (when restrictions allow) and phone support. Funded by the National Lottery’s Community Fund. | www.navigatecharity.org.uk/make-a-referral/ www.wisermoney.org.uk Email: enquiries@wisermoney.org.uk or 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: 07460 771519 Email: okefoodbank@gmail.com 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) |
| i |
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
| Time to Talk (Living Options Devon) | A confidential listening support service and practical help for those who are disabled, deaf or vulnerable in any way. Email: time2talk@livingoptions.org www.livingoptions.org/support-help/time-talk | 0300 303 3691 0785 642 6940 Tues Wed Thurs 10am-4pm | ||||
| Silverline | The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Call us ANYTIME | 0800 4 70 80 90 | ||||
| Diabetes UK | The Diabetes UK Helpline is a dedicated diabetes helpline for all people with diabetes, their family or friends, and people who are worried they might be at risk. Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm | 0345 123 2399 | ||||
| Parkinson’s UK | The Parkinson’s UK helpline is a free and confidential service providing support to anyone affected by Parkinson’s. | 0808 800 0303 | ||||
| British Heart Foundation | Helpline – for medical enquiries: Phone lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday | 0300 330 3311 | ||||
| British Lung Foundation | For all support, please telephone. Lynne Rogers is offering online movement therapy, mostly seated, for all levels of fitness and movement restriction, Mondays and Thursdays at 11 am, for a small charge. Email: lynne-inmotion@email.com https://www.facebook.com/lynneatinmotion | 03000 030 555 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (We aim to answer within 6 rings, and calls will cost the same as a local call) | ||||
| Samaritans | Providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, often through the telephone 24 hour helpline. Email: jo@samaritans.org (response time:24 hrs) | 116 123 | ||||
| Every Mind Matters (NHS) | Practical tips and advice to help you manage and maintain your mental and emotional health https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters | |||||
| Red Cross Support | Free telephone support line offering emotional support plus information, advice and practical help. | 0808 196 3651 | ||||
| Victim Support | Supporting those affected by crime, offering free confidential listening support, respect and practical help, to make people feel safer and find the strength to move beyond crime. Email and live chat via website. Free, safe and secure online space at My Support Space account with interactive guides. www.victimsupport.org.uk | 24/7 Supportline: 0808 168 9111 (Devon & Cornwall) 0300 303 0554 (SW) Victim Care Network: 01392 475900 8am-8pm (Mon-Fri); 9am-5pm (weekends and bank holidays) | ||||
| Alzheimer’s Society | Offering advice, information and support Dementia Support line: https://dementiaconnect.alzheimers.org.uk | 0333 150 3456 | ||||
| Fire Service Safety | Advice offered by home safety team over the telephone; however, technicians will ring to assess the need for home visits if there is a significant high risk of fire with no smoke alarms, a need for replacement alarms, or arson threats (letterbox restrictors). | 0800 05 02 999 | ||||
| Giving World | Offering to charities free of charge clothing, food Items, toiletries, cleaning and household products (business surplus stock). Apply to register via website. Browse available products: https://products.givingworld.org.uk/product-categories https://www.givingworld.org.uk/charity/ | |||||
| Parenting Solutions | Offering family support and parenting programmes to families in need, via telephone, Facetime and email. Email: sonia.worthington@icloud.com | 07463 969245 | ||||
| Parent Progression | Support for parents with children under 8 to access training/volunteering and work. Email: enquiriesppt@eci.org.uk www.parentprogression.eci.org.uk | 01392 205800 Sue: 07999 879367 Jane: 07547 958156 | ||||
| Devon Family Resource | New advice line providing a listening ear and guidance for families and their relationships. | 01392 949059 (10am – 2pm Mon-Fri) | ||||
| Devon in Sight; Macular Society Support Group | Mainly offering telephone advice; home visits considered only in extreme cases for clients without a local support network or for those with concerns over health and wellbeing. Offering information, help and support from Devon in Sight Email: enquiries@devoninsight.org.uk | 01392 876 666 | ||||
| RNID (formerly Action on Hearing Loss) | Support on managing hearing loss, including practical advice on hearing aids. Also offering free talks to groups. Jason Sculthorpe 07393 147780 Email: Jason.sculthorpe@rnid.org.uk Email: information@rnid.org.uk Tinnitus helpline: 0808 808 6666 Text line: 07800 000360 (text only) Email:tinnitushelpline@hearingloss.org.uk www.tinnitus.org.uk | Helpline 0808 808 0123 Textline 0808 808 900 | ||||
| Stroke Association | Advice and support Area Co-ordinator Sonya Webb Email helpline@stroke.org.uk | Helpline: 0303 3033 100 Textphone: 18001 0303 3033 100 07717 275759 | ||||
| Job Centre Plus Devon & Cornwall | Job Centres open only for those unable to use telephone or computer, or who are homeless. For all other clients, no requirement to attend in person. For online information and guidance on benefits, go to www.gov.uk/browse/benefits. | 0800 1690 190 (for more info and further numbers) | ||||
| One Small Step Healthy Lifestyle Service | Face-to-face meetings suspended; however, for self-referrals go to https://onesmallstep.org.uk/online-health-assessment; for third party referrals, go to https://onesmallstep.org.uk/refer For free virtual eMECC (Making Every Contact Count) courses, email Kris to book, at Kristinahargreaves@onesmallstep.org.uk Vicky Banks Email: hello@onesmallstep.org.uk OneSmallStepon Facebook https://www.facebook.com/1stephealthy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesmallstep_18/ www.onesmallstep.org.uk | 01392 908 139 Kris: 07935 06213007935 06213007935 062130 | ||||
| The Filo Project | This high quality day care for small groups of older people is now fully operational. Email: info@thefiloproject.co.uk https://www.thefiloproject.co.uk | 0333 939 8225 | ||||
| Independent Age | Help and advice for older people,offering impartial advice and information, including free guides you can order to be posted to you. Campaigns for better and fairer services for older people. Email: advice@independentage.org www.independentage.org | Free advice line 0800 319 6789 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-6.30pm; Sat 9am-1pm) | ||||
| Age UK | Offering a free, confidential national phone service for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals. Our team will give you information that is reliable and up to date and help you to access the advice you need. www.ageuk.org.uk | 0800 678 1602 8am-7pm, 365 days a year | ||||
| Young Minds | Supporting young people’s mental health. For free 24/7 help , go to Young Minds Crisis Messenger: Free, confidential advice on Parents helpline: (includes email and webchat service) www.youngminds.org.uk | Text YM to 85258. 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm) | ||||
| Kooth | The UK’s leading digital mental health platform for under 18s, providing free, safe and anonymous mental wellbeing support through discussion boards, help articles and even support via a counsellor live via chat. https://explore.kooth.com/dontdoitalone/ | |||||
| Citizens Advice | Citizen’s Advice: free and confidential money, debt and budgeting advice; consumer advice (e.g. cancelled holiday or event). Face to face appointments or requests for a call back (for those unable to use telephone or email) now open; book using post box service at Ockment Centre main reception during the Centre’s opening hours) For existing clients to change or cancel appointment, ring 01837 54845 www.cabdevon.org.uk/need-advice/ www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ | Adviceline for urgent matters: 0808 27 87 999 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) Universal Credit and benefits help to claim: 0800 144 8444 (8am-6pm, Mon-Fri) Consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133 for issues of trade and trading standards (9am-5pm Mon-Fri) | ||||
| Tamar Energy Community | Providing energy advice and support including help with bills, fuel debt, prepayment meters, concerns about heating etc. Helping DCC deliver their green homes programme. Email: hello@tamarenergycommunity.com | 0800 233 5414 | ||||
| Transitions Project Navigate | Telephone advice for those with money, debt or benefit concerns 8.30 am-4.30pm Mon-Fri. Email: enquiries@navigatecharity.org.uk or wisermoney@navigatecharity.org.uk www.navigatecharity.org.uk/make-a-referral/ | 01823 299050 | ||||
| Devon County Council | For the latest information: https://www.devon.gov.uk/document/coronavirus-advice-in-devon/ Devon COVID-19 Mutual Aid on Facebook Emergency helpline for those at high risk: Forlocal financial support e.g. healthy start vouchers, free school meals, community larders etc. go to: www.devon.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-in-devon/document/support-for-people-and-families | 0345 155 1011 | ||||
| West Devon Borough Council | https://www.westdevon.gov.uk/article/6652/Coronavirus-latest-information-and-advice For benefits advice, housing, homelessness, accessing government business grants, refuse or recycling, please telephone West Devon Borough Council on 01822 813600, email customer.services@swdevon.gov.uk or in an out of hours emergency 0800 1694217. | Hotline 01822 813683 | ||||
| Made-Well CIC | Continuing day service for those with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness and loneliness. Email: laura.feaver@made-well.co.uk www.made-well.co.uk | 01837 810584 | ||||
| Okehampton & District Community Transport | Ring and Ride Bus service available Monday to Friday. Ring Ring and Ride shopping bus starting again Mon 8.3.21 Life s Lifestyle trips starting early summer 2021 if restrictions allow. allo L Volunteer Car scheme available. Email: sue.odctg@btinternet.com www.odctg.co.uk | 01837 55000 07484 525577 | ||||
| West Devon Children’s Centre | Support for families with children aged 0-8 years, accepting referrals and intervention requests; now offering some referral only face to face groups with limited numbers, offering home, school and centre visits at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/DevonChildrensCentreReferralForm/ Karen Pearce; Jenny Treleaven. Email: Westdevonchildrencentre@actionforchildren.org.uk On Facebook. | 07872 503515 | ||||
| Tor Support Services | Free, professional and confidential online counselling service for young people aged 5 – 25 Email: coordinators@torsupportservices.org.uk www.torsupportservices.org.uk | 07886 444263 | ||||
| Devon Carers (Devon excluding Plymouth and Torbay) | We provide information, advice and support for unpaid carers (people who look after a friend or family member). Small budget available for carers of those with dementia, plus dog and cat robopets on loan, and an ipad loan scheme. www.devoncarers.org.uk | Helpline 03456 434 435 | ||||
| Learn Devon | Wide range of free online adult and community learning courses for Summer 2021, including on learning for work, digital and IT skills, art, languages, relaxation and wellbeing. For Maths and English, there are Free online initial assessments together with telephone interviews. Email: learndevon@devon.gov.uk www.learndevon.co.uk | 0345 155 1014 | ||||
| Okehampton Library | Opening hours: Mon 9am – 5pm, Tues 9am – 6pm, Wed 9am – 1pm, Thurs 9am – 5pm, Fri 9am – 6pm, Sat 9am – 1pm. The library is open for returns, browsing, borrowing of stock, and free 2 hour sessions on public computers. The library is free to join. Reading Well Collections for trusted information on health and wellbeing (including for Children, Young People, for Mental Health, for Long-term Conditions and for Dementia). A wide range of eBooks and eAudiobooks (including a Mood Boosting collection): https://www.devonlibraries.org.uk/web/arena/trusted-sources-of-information. Digital magazines and newspapers as well as a vibrant programme of digital events via our social media. www.devonlibraries.org.uk/web/arena Other services: Choose & Collect service, Home Library Service, Good Neighbours Service, Reading Friends; Reading on Prescription. Contact us: Email okehampton.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk; Website: www.librariesunlimited.org.uk; Facebook.com/OkehamptonLibrary@OkehamptonLib #HIW2021 Facebook groups on ‘Parent & Baby’, ‘Book Chat’, ‘Art & Craft’ and ‘Nature Wanderers’. | 01837 52805 | ||||
| OCRA (Okehampton Community Recreation Association) | “Helping children, young people and adults be more active, more often. For a lifetime in sport and activity.” The Pavilion in the Park is now open and there is a wide range of activities on offer. For all details and to book, go to: https://ocrasport.org.uk Email: admin@ocrasport.org.uk | 01837 318010 | ||||
| Get Changed Theatre Company | A vibrant theatre company for adults with learning disabilities, producing high quality arts projects which challenge public attitudes and raise the profile of the disability community. During the pandemic, we are operating digitally via Zoom; weekly workshops. Please email for details. Email: info@getchanged.com www.getchanged.com | |||||
| Ubuntu Covid-19 Counselling Service | Professionally trained counsellors from BAME backgrounds offer free counselling support to those in Devon of similar backgrounds who are experiencing distress in their lives and relationships due to Covid-19 situation, using telephone, email, WhatsApp, Zoom and Scype. Email: info@ubuntucounsellingservices.org.uk www.exetercommunitiestogether.org.uk/covid19counselling https://ubuntucounsellingservices.org.uk/index.php/covid-19-counselling/ | 01392 201572 | ||||
| Okehampton Friendship Group (hosted by Devon People First) | A new online group for those with learning disabilities, with help provided if unsure how to access. All welcome to join in. Every other Monday at 2 pm (next one 11 January 2021), or Wednesday at 2pm (next one 13 January 2021). Contact Lloyd Waterman of Devon People First Email: dpf@involve-middevon.org.uk | 07702 193487 | ||||
| Circles South West | Helping to protect our communities by contributing to the safe inclusion of people who have sexually harmed. Small groups of carefully trained and selected volunteers meet regularly, providing ‘Circles of Support and Accountability’, holding individuals to account for their behaviour and supporting their safe reintegration into the community. Circles work closely with the responsible statutory organisations. Email: info@circlessw.org.uk https://circles-southwest.org.uk | 07738 947988 | ||||
| Quarantine Quilt Project (with Significant Seams) | Offering to post 100 substantial and free craft supply kits to nominated vulnerable and/or isolated people in Devon, to create connection and enable participation in The Quarantine Quilt Project, a national network of community quilts. To nominate a recipient, please email their postal address to projectteam@thequarantinequiltproject.org. https://thequarantinequiltproject.org | |||||
| Community Links | Family support – 1 to 1, Okehampton Mental Health Support Group, Neurodiversity Parent Support Group, Mens Talk Matters Group and Pattern Changing. Befriending – 1 to 1, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for people with mild to moderate dementia and “A Time for You”, a sitting service to give carers a break. Okehampton Music Centre – music lessons at affordable prices to young people and a parent and baby group. Email: Info@communitylinks-sw.co.uk. www.communitylinks-sw.co.uk and Facebook | 07808 523111 | ||||
| Okehampton United Charity | Awarding grants to support charitable organisations within Okehampton and Hamlets. Also new COVID-19 Hardship Grants Fund for eligible residents of Okehampton and Hamlets (Brightley, Southcott, Meldon or Stockley). Email: clerk@okehamptoncharities.org.uk http://www.okehamptoncharities.org.uk | 01837 55179 | ||||
| LiveWest (housing) | Offering tenancy support, housing management and emergency grants (to LiveWest tenants only). Email: enquiries@livewest.co.uk For financial support in extreme crisis, email community.investment@livewest.co.uk www.livewest.co.uk | 0300 1238 080 | ||||
| Farming Community Network | Social contact telephone service providing help and support to farmers and allied industries. Colin Smallacombe Email: colinsmallcombe.fcn@gmail.com | Helpline: 03000 111999 (7am-11pm everyday) | ||||
| Lloyds Pharmacy | Get prescriptions delivered to your door for free www.lloydspharmacy.com>info>nhs.repeat.prescriptions | |||||
| Okehampton Foodbank | Foodbank Drop-in open Fridays 10am-12noon at Baptist Church, Okehampton EX20 1AN. Delivery system available. Vouchers can be issued over the phone. Email: okefoodbank@gmail.com www.okefoodbank.org | 07460 771519 | ||||
| West Devon Art Workshops – Art for All project | Links to free videos of art demonstrations are available on our website. There is also an Art for All closed Facebook group run by Okehampton participants which you can join to share achievements and give each other support. We hope to return to socially distanced face to face classes in the new year. Email: westdevonartworkshops@gmail.com www.westdevonartworkshops.co.uk | |||||
| Walk and Talk Okehampton (Devon Walking for Health) | As from 12 April 2021, small groups of 6 including one leader set off at staggered intervals from Simmons Park bandstand. Tuesday mornings for short, easy walks; Wednesday mornings for longer, more demanding walks. Please ring Chris Baines to book your place. | Chris: 07917 795072 | ||||
| Marie Curie | Supporting those over 18 with any terminal illness and their families, offering free expert round-the-clock care, practical information and a sympathetic listening ear. Regional office: 0800 3047 400 Email: southwesthelper@mariecurie.org.uk Visit community.mariecurie.org.uk to share experiences with others in a similar situation. | For referrals: 0800 3047 412 Marie Curie Support Line: 0800 090 2309 Open 9am-5pm Mon- Fri, 11am-5pm Sat. | ||||
| Okehampton Churches Spiritual Support (Christians Together Okehampton) | Monday contact: Steve Cook (All Saints) – 07790 909442 Liz Singleton (Methodist) – 07450 676936 Tuesday contact: Dave Cook (New Life) – 07484 113523 Mary King (Baptist) – 07791 449796 Wednesday contact: Mike Davies (Inspiration) – 07771 933718. Father Darlene (St Boniface) – 01837 52229 Thursday contact: Steve Cook (All Saints) – 07790 909442 Dave Cook (New Life) – 07484 113523 Friday Contact: Father Darlene (St Boniface) – 01837 52229 Mary King (Baptist) – 07791 449796 Sat Morning:10am-1pm Tim Hooper (CTO Coordinator) – 07533 758087 | Contacts available 10am-4pm (outside these hours please leave a message) | ||||
| Free4Life (formerly Living Free Okehampton) | Offering telephone or FaceTime support to people who are struggling with or stuck in life controlling issues or behaviours such as addiction. Email Laura Bird at Free4lifeoke@gmail.com | 07970 219990 | ||||
| PLAIT (Preventing Loneliness And Isolation Together) | New project run by Fairplace Church, Okehampton, starting soon to bring a group of 20 people together for guided conversation and varied activities to help combat loneliness and feelings of isolation. Soup and sweet lunch included. Email Alan Partridge at patridge.1946@btinternet.com | 01837 54397 | ||||
| Andy’s Man Club | A group for men, focussing on mental health, providing strong peer to peer support for any man over 18 where he can come and get things off his chest in a non-judgemental environment. Meets online every Monday 7-9pm (except bank holidays). To attend, visit website, fill in online form and email to: info@andysmanclub. www.andysmanclub.co.uk | |||||
| Marbles Lost and Found | “It’s OK not to be OK”. An online info hub and blog focussing on mental health, for those struggling with mental health problems and for their carers, with useful links as well as ideas and tips for self-help. Contact via form on website. www.marbleslostandfound.co.uk | |||||
| Proud2Be | Supporting LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and/or questioning+) people and their families across Devon to lead empowered, fulfilled and authentic lives, with online social groups, youth groups, family support groups, interactive workshops and awareness training. Email: hello@proud2be.org.uk or send a message via contact form on website. www.proud2be.org.uk | 01803 362083 | ||||
| Beat | Supporting those with eating disorders, with information, range of support services, chat room, peer support. Email for support: help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk Email for under 18s support: fyp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ | Helpline 0808 801 0677 Youthline: (for under 18s) 0808 801 0711 | ||||
| Ockment Community Centre | “Room for All”. Now open Tues, Wed, Thurs 9 am – 5 pm. To check current programme of a wide range of activities, go to https://www.ockmentcentre.org/page3. These include Footsteps School of Dance, One Dance Project, Castle Quilters, Okehampton Wellbeing Singers, Moo Music, Patchwork and Quakers. Scroll down for contact details of groups. More will re-start once restrictions are fully eased. Email: contact@ockmentcentre.org | 01837 53276 | ||||
| Work Club | Work Club is a free service open to everyone – whether you are claiming Job Seekers Allowance, just looking for a different job or need to work more hours. Free computer use for job searching, applications, CV creating/updating, access Government Gateway account. Free refreshments and local papers to browse. Email: ockmentworkclub@gmail.com | 01837 53276 Wednesdays 9.30 am – 12.30 pm | ||||
| Wren Music | “A world where every voice is heard”. Community folk music open to all, no experience necessary. Instrument Picnics: Music sessions for 0-5 years. Free to attend. The Ockment Centre, Mondays 10.00am – 11.00am. Singing For Wellness: A community singing group for anyone with a respiratory leaders have been trained by the British Lung Foundation. Online sessions for 5 weeks from 24 June. Thursdays 3.00pm – 4.15pm. Free to join. Join online: https://wrenmusic.teachable.com/p/sfw_west We hope to start these in person later in 2021. Email: info@wrenmusic.co.uk Website: www.wrenmusic.co.uk condition such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and people with experience of long Covid. Our professional music Booking essential via info@wrenmusic.co.uk or call/text 07918 390 016 https://www.wrenmusic.co.uk/what-we-do/under-5s-music-making | 01837 53754 07918 390016 | ||||
| Okehampton Community Garden | The community garden at Fatherford Lane is open to everyone who is interested in growing their own food. We work as a team and share any food grown between us. Open Wed/Fri/Sat 11am – 4 pm. Drop in to find out more. 16 Sept until 21 Oct at 10.30 am: weekly outdoor Tai Chi sessions 20 Sept at 10.30 am: Meditation in Nature 21 Sept at 7 pm: Equinox drumming circle around a fire pit 2 Oct: Family hula hoop class 9 Oct: adult hula hoop class As registered activity provider for Children’s University: Tuesday activity sessions for children during school holidays. Email okehamptoncommunitygarden@gmail.com Website: okehamptoncommunitygarden.com (no www.) On Facebook. | Linda Harper 07926 735956 | ||||
| Gilead Foundations Charity at Risdon Farm | Gilead Foundations Charity provides a supported living service for women at Risdon Farm, Okehampton, who have a range of experiences, including drug and alcohol addictions, homelessness, anxiety and domestic abuse. For more information and to apply, ring Debbie King or email admin@gilead.org.uk Website : www.gilead.org.uk | 01837 851240 |