A group of people who are passionate about ensuring that people with learning disabilities get greater choice from services and wider access to the community are inviting people to attend an information sharing event in Okehampton.

The aim of the event is to bring service users, their families, carers, service providers, community partners and organisations together in order to share information and discuss what opportunities are currently available and what people wish to have in their community in the future.

At a time when some services are being cut the group wants to ensure people are fully informed about what is available to them. The event, which is being held, at the Okehampton Table Tennis Club on Monday 6th October at 4pm will give people the opportunity to learn about what services are available from local providers and how to access funding for services through Direct Payments. An exciting activity will be facilitated by trained support workers alongside the event for those with a learning disability who many not wish to be involved.

Carers can be reassured that their cared for person will be well supported whilst they are at the information sharing event.

Blog written by Vicky Hooper and published by Dom Palfreman

Local voluntary groups, and people with not for profit businesses, have a chance to get the latest information on funding opportunities, and how to run their groups in a more enterprising way, at a free event in the Boniface Centre, Crediton on Tuesday 7 October.

The keynote speaker is Julie Hawker, Chief Executive of Honiton-based IT consultancy and social enterprise Cosmic, and Board Member of Devon & Cornwall Business Council.

The event is being organised by Involve, which supports voluntary and community groups throughout Mid Devon. Involve’s Chief Officer Duncan Wood said: “Volunteers are being expected to do more and more with less and less, and we can’t rely on things going on as they were. So it’s time for everyone to think outside the box.

As well as hearing about Cosmic, an exemplar of social enterprise in the county, attendees will also be able to get practical advice on how to build their own social businesses from Debbie Stewart, partner in The Fruit Tree for Business, and hear about more general funding opportunities for local groups.

The free event will run from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. at the Boniface Centre, Church Lane, Crediton on 7 October and includes a free lunch. People wishing to come are asked to email development@involve-middevon.org.uk or call John Skrine on 07814 387090.

John Skrine offers free support and advice to local voluntary and community organisations on behalf of Involve. He is also in Crediton Library in Belle Parade every Thursday from 12.30 – 2.00 p.m.



This event is run by Evolve, this blog represents a shortened version of their press release. For further information take note of the paragraph in bold or head to Evolve's website.

Blog published by Dom Palfreman

The weekly sessions have begun at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre on Fridays and are going great! We have people coming to both sessions but why come to one when when you could push the boat out and join us for both! 

There is a Dance Session in the Sports Hall, 1:00pm - 2.30pm, and a Music and Art Session, 3:00pm - 6:00pm. If you do fancy joining for both Sessions, of course it is fine to leave before 6pm if you like! 

Each session in Crediton is just £5 thanks to support from Active Devon and the Mid-Devon Leisure Centre Team at Lords Meadow. There are loads of other activities available at the Leisure Centre and a lovely new Cafe, you should come and and check it out. As an added bonus, rumour has it Shane has a special offer just for you! 

By Jane Williams