This page identifies what is currently available on a National, Regional and Local Level to support people with the rising cost of essentials, which combined with existing disadvantages and vulnerability puts many at a greater risk of both immediate hardship and poor health and wellbeing.
Groups and Clubs
Ilfracombe Mens Shed – Fancy learning some new skills or sharing yours with likeminded individuals? ilfracombemensshed@gmail.com
Ilfracombe Mental Health Swims – Open to all dippers and swimmers for a chat, a hot drinks and usually cake! This is a monthly event hosted by your local Mental Health Swim Ambassadors. It’s a FREE event but you do have to register to attend. Next event 31st October at Hele Bay and can be booked here. Find them on Facebook
VC The immediate needs charity for veterans who find themselves battling distress and hardship
Barnstaple Alliance PCN Wellbeing Team
The Freedom Centre (including Gym)
VC The immediate needs charity for veterans who find themselves battling distress and hardship
ACE Holds the Space – Roshani Ramass, assist@aceholdsthespace.com 07832 511119 – Bridging the cultural and digital gaps in welfare provision in Northern Devon, based in Northam. Provided a podcasting service at the event which attracted a range of ages to have a go and express their opinions.
The Plough Arts Centre, home to a thriving youth theatre with funding to offer free places to those in need. serves as both a meeting place and a cultural hive of activity. Its a collection point for the food bank, the cafe has reopened in the evenings and has introduced children’s meals for £1. And thanks to Town Council funding, locals can now buy film tickets for just £4.
SPACE (Bideford Youth centre)
Ruby County medical group have a information on social prescribing/local community groups to connect with and mental health & wellbeing services
- PCN wellbeing team (GP or self referral)
- Holsworthy library
- Holsworthy community hub
- Learn Devon courses at Skills centre
- Walking for health group
- Men’s shed
- Holsworthy Community rural transport (ring and ride)
- Forget me not friends
- Holsworthy day companions
See One South Molton community directory for full list and contact details.
- Rugby and Football Club
- Phoenix Boxing Academy
- Renew Wellbeing at Baptist Church
- Fitness4aLiving
- Tai Chi
- Yoga
- Men’s Shed
- One Small Step online referrals for stop smoking/diet
- Gutless – Men’s Weight Loss programme
- Hidden Illnesses Group at Naturemade Café
- Early Nourishment – Infant feeding support at YMCA
- Antenatal support at Methodist Church
- Health Visitor at Amory Centre
- Audio Screening for Babies at Amory Centre
- Reading and writing groups at South Molton Library
- Sunshine Circle at Methodist Church
- Renew Wellbeing – Baptist Church
Reaching For Independence – North Devon
One Northern Devon Social Prescribing Network
North Devon (Rough Sleeper) Outreach Team
Help is available for patients of the Royal Devon (North Devon District Hospital) who may be worried about the cost of getting to appointments
- Some patients are entitled to NHS Patient Supported Transport. Click here to see the criteria and how patients can book.
- Community car schemes help people with no other reasonable access to transport. People can find their local schemes at devonservices.org.uk
- In some circumstances, we use video consultations instead of face-to-face appointments. This means patients have the appointment with us by video link rather than coming into the hospital, which avoids the cost of fuel and parking, or using public transport. Patient feedback on video appointments has been overwhelmingly positive, and it is an excellent way to provide information, advice and support in a place that is most convenient to the patient, whether this is at home, in a quiet space at work, or elsewhere. How to access this depends on which hospital or community service provides your care.
- Free or reduced price parking is available on many of our sites, including NDDH and RD&E Wonford, for a number of eligible users, including:
- Blue Badge holders
- Registered carers
- Parents of sick children staying in hospital overnight
- Some patients receiving regular treatment e.g. oncology, haematology, renal, diabetes
Please see the information for individual Trust sites for what support is on offer.
NHS England also offers support with a wide range of costs, including travel costs and prescription costs. Visit this link for more.
TorrAGE Ageing Well supports the health and well-being of people 50+ and those with disabilities across the Torridge area. We work hard to deliver a range of services to support people to remain independent and be included in their communities to nurture better health and wellbeing.
Barnstaple Alliance Mental Health Support
North Devon Coastal Mental Health Support
Carers UK Digital Resource, which includes guides, tools and training, with information available on topics such as technology, health and wellbeing, financial planning and work. Unpaid carers in Devon can register via the Carers UK website and enter the unique access code when required: DGTL8827 and can also use this code to access the Jointly App for free. The App is designed to make communication and coordination easier for those who share care. For example, carers can post messages, allocate tasks, save notes, and manage medication.
Talkworks Devon offers free ‘stress less’ wellbeing workshops online which you can sign up to. Stress is the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. It affects people differently, and the things that cause stress will vary from person to person. TALKWORKS also offer a free and confidential NHS talking therapy service, to help adults over the age of 18, living in Devon, improve their mental and physical wellbeing. Call 0300 555 3344 or visit the website.
There are lots of tips for how to deal with stress on the Every Mind Matters website. You can also get a personalised mental health action plan to help you be kind to your mind.
Live West Community Connectors
DCC / Public Health Outreach Teams
One Small Step is a free health service. They help people to achieve a healthy weight, quit smoking, manage alcohol and increase their physical activity. Locally – funded by DCC. Support services including 12 week support programmes for giving up smoking & losing weight, 1:1 support and advice on drinking and links to activity groups and services.
Bike Reuse and Repair schemes https://www.recycledevon.org/at-home/bike-reuse-and-repair-schemes
Health and Care services
-
- Social prescribing through GP surgeries;
- NHS Mental Health teams
- One Northern Devon’s Flow
- Reflections.
- FIG & Cruse (bereavement);
- Alcoholics Anonymous;
- Rethink Mental Illness;
- CrossWires LGBTQ Plus;
- Wings Charity youth Mental Health; ;
- Link Centre;
Get support with money and mental health from the Mind website
Call the Samaritans on 116 123 to talk to a trained volunteer anonymously for free. Welsh speakers can call 0808 164 0123 between 7pm and 11pm
Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 to message with a trained volunteer anonymously for free
Call Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for support with domestic abuse
Get urgent support with mental health on the NHS website
Post dementia Diagnostic Information Leaflet
NHS England and the UK Health Security Agencies Stay Well this Winter leaflet provides health information and guidance on how to stay well over the winter months. Content includes advice on: getting the flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations; keeping warm; fire safety at home; accessing NHS mental health support; adequately stocking your medicine cabinet; handwashing; looking out for each other; and ways to access NHS services.
Social Prescribing – Contact your GP for a referral to help you connect with community groups, volunteering and activities. (Video) How Social Prescribing and Link Workers can help patients experiencing cost of living pressures
NHS Core 20 Community Connectors
SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity
Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute (RABI)
KOOTH – Effective and personalised digital mental health care At Kooth, we create welcoming communities and services for everyone. Young People need a safe and welcoming space to explore their mental health needs. For the past 15 years we have been the UK’s leading provider to the NHS in effective online mental health support.
QWELL offers a variety of anonymous options to support those 18+yrs online with your mental well-being journey. The QWELL cost-of-living collection explores how the cost-of-living crisis might affect different people, and discover the different ways you can support yourself and others, both practically and emotionally.
Brain Gym – A model to help understand and regulate emotions
Lonely not alone – a safe online place for young people to share stories, and for people who may not be lonely themselves to send a message of support. Re-launching in early October. Aimed at 18- 25 year olds.
SSAFA Whatever challenges they’re facing, members of the Armed Forces community can rely on SSAFA – including Health and wellbeing and financial support.
The Farming Community Network – Whether the issue is personal or business-related, FCN is here for you. We run a confidential, national helpline and e-helpline which is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm and our volunteers provide free, confidential support to anyone who seeks help. Call or Email the helpline.
Mental health and money : Mental Health & Money Advice (mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org)
This page identifies what is currently available on a National, Regional and Local Level to support people with the rising cost of essentials, which combined with existing disadvantages and vulnerability puts many at a greater risk of both immediate hardship and poor health and wellbeing.
Groups and Clubs
Ilfracombe Mens Shed – Fancy learning some new skills or sharing yours with likeminded individuals? ilfracombemensshed@gmail.com
Ilfracombe Mental Health Swims – Open to all dippers and swimmers for a chat, a hot drinks and usually cake! This is a monthly event hosted by your local Mental Health Swim Ambassadors. It’s a FREE event but you do have to register to attend. Next event 31st October at Hele Bay and can be booked here. Find them on Facebook
VC The immediate needs charity for veterans who find themselves battling distress and hardship
Barnstaple Alliance PCN Wellbeing Team
The Freedom Centre (including Gym)
VC The immediate needs charity for veterans who find themselves battling distress and hardship
ACE Holds the Space – Roshani Ramass, assist@aceholdsthespace.com 07832 511119 – Bridging the cultural and digital gaps in welfare provision in Northern Devon, based in Northam. Provided a podcasting service at the event which attracted a range of ages to have a go and express their opinions.
The Plough Arts Centre, home to a thriving youth theatre with funding to offer free places to those in need. serves as both a meeting place and a cultural hive of activity. Its a collection point for the food bank, the cafe has reopened in the evenings and has introduced children’s meals for £1. And thanks to Town Council funding, locals can now buy film tickets for just £4.
SPACE (Bideford Youth centre)
- PCN wellbeing team (GP or self referral)
- Holsworthy library
- Holsworthy community hub
- Learn Devon courses at Skills centre
- Walking for health group
- Men’s shed
- Holsworthy Community rural transport (ring and ride)
- Forget me not friends
- Holsworthy day companions
See One South Molton community directory for full list and contact details.
- Rugby and Football Club
- Phoenix Boxing Academy
- Renew Wellbeing at Baptist Church
- Fitness4aLiving
- Tai Chi
- Yoga
- Men’s Shed
- One Small Step online referrals for stop smoking/diet
- Gutless – Men’s Weight Loss programme
- Hidden Illnesses Group at Naturemade Café
- Early Nourishment – Infant feeding support at YMCA
- Antenatal support at Methodist Church
- Health Visitor at Amory Centre
- Audio Screening for Babies at Amory Centre
- Reading and writing groups at South Molton Library
- Sunshine Circle at Methodist Church
- Renew Wellbeing – Baptist Church
TorrAGE Ageing Well supports the health and well-being of people 50+ and those with disabilities across the Torridge area. We work hard to deliver a range of services to support people to remain independent and be included in their communities to nurture better health and wellbeing.
Barnstaple Mental Health Alliance
North Devon Mental Health Alliance
NHS Devon Winter Wellbeing Pressures App Downloads and Advice
Carers UK Digital Resource, which includes guides, tools and training, with information available on topics such as technology, health and wellbeing, financial planning and work. Unpaid carers in Devon can register via the Carers UK website and enter the unique access code when required: DGTL8827 and can also use this code to access the Jointly App for free. The App is designed to make communication and coordination easier for those who share care. For example, carers can post messages, allocate tasks, save notes, and manage medication.
Talkworks Devon offers free ‘stress less’ wellbeing workshops online which you can sign up to. Stress is the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. It affects people differently, and the things that cause stress will vary from person to person. TALKWORKS also offer a free and confidential NHS talking therapy service, to help adults over the age of 18, living in Devon, improve their mental and physical wellbeing. Call 0300 555 3344 or visit the website.
There are lots of tips for how to deal with stress on the Every Mind Matters website. You can also get a personalised mental health action plan to help you be kind to your mind.
Live West Community Connectors
DCC / Public Health Outreach Teams
One Small Step is a free health service. They help people to achieve a healthy weight, quit smoking, manage alcohol and increase their physical activity. Locally – funded by DCC. Support services including 12 week support programmes for giving up smoking & losing weight, 1:1 support and advice on drinking and links to activity groups and services.
Bike Reuse and Repair schemes https://www.recycledevon.org/at-home/bike-reuse-and-repair-schemes
Health and Care services
-
- Social prescribing through GP surgeries;
- NHS Mental Health teams
- One Northern Devon’s Flow
- Reflections.
- FIG & Cruse (bereavement);
- Alcoholics Anonymous;
- Rethink Mental Illness;
- CrossWires LGBTQ Plus;
- Wings Charity youth Mental Health; ;
- Link Centre;
Get support with money and mental health from the Mind website
Call the Samaritans on 116 123 to talk to a trained volunteer anonymously for free. Welsh speakers can call 0808 164 0123 between 7pm and 11pm
Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 to message with a trained volunteer anonymously for free
Call Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for support with domestic abuse
Get urgent support with mental health on the NHS websiteNHS England and the UK Health Security Agencies Stay Well this Winter leaflet provides health information and guidance on how to stay well over the winter months. Content includes advice on: getting the flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations; keeping warm; fire safety at home; accessing NHS mental health support; adequately stocking your medicine cabinet; handwashing; looking out for each other; and ways to access NHS services.
Social Prescribing – Contact your GP for a referral to help you connect with community groups, volunteering and activities. (Video) How Social Prescribing and Link Workers can help patients experiencing cost of living pressures
NHS Core 20 Community Connectors
SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity
Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute (RABI)
KOOTH – Effective and personalised digital mental health care At Kooth, we create welcoming communities and services for everyone. Young People need a safe and welcoming space to explore their mental health needs. For the past 15 years we have been the UK’s leading provider to the NHS in effective online mental health support.
QWELL offers a variety of anonymous options to support those 18+yrs online with your mental well-being journey. The QWELL cost-of-living collection explores how the cost-of-living crisis might affect different people, and discover the different ways you can support yourself and others, both practically and emotionally.
Brain Gym – A model to help understand and regulate emotions
Lonely not alone – a safe online place for young people to share stories, and for people who may not be lonely themselves to send a message of support. Re-launching in early October. Aimed at 18- 25 year olds.
SSAFA Whatever challenges they’re facing, members of the Armed Forces community can rely on SSAFA – including Health and wellbeing and financial support.
The Farming Community Network – Whether the issue is personal or business-related, FCN is here for you. We run a confidential, national helpline and e-helpline which is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm and our volunteers provide free, confidential support to anyone who seeks help. Call or Email the helpline.
Mental health and money : Mental Health & Money Advice (mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org)