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Lifeline for Plymouth carers as new support service launches across city

Plymouth City Council
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Lifeline for Plymouth carers as new support service launches across city

More than 24,000 unpaid carers in Plymouth will now have easier access to advice, support and local services thanks to the launch of a new digital platform designed to help people caring for loved ones.

Bridgit Care, now available free to Plymouth residents, provides personalised guidance, emotional support and practical tools to help carers manage the challenges of supporting someone close to them, whether that’s a partner, parent, child, friend or neighbour.

The platform has been introduced through a partnership between Plymouth City Council and Improving Lives Plymouth, the city’s dedicated carers support charity. Their expertise and insight have helped shape a service designed around the real, everyday needs of local carers.

Available 24 hours a day Bridgit helps Carers quickly find the information and support that’s right for them. After answering a few simple questions, Carers receive a personalised plan linking them to local services, events, financial advice, wellbeing support and guidance on managing caring responsibilities.

For many people, caring responsibilities can begin gradually and unexpectedly, often leaving individuals unsure where to turn for help.

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “In every street there are people quietly keeping our city going, often juggling caring with work and family and rarely asking for anything in return. Many don’t even see themselves as carers – they just get on with it, day after day. Bridgit Care offers immediate support when it’s needed most, whether that’s reassurance in the middle of the night or help finding local services. It won’t replace the human touch, but it will open the door to support more quickly and make life a little easier for those who give so much.”

Ann-Marie Woollacottt, a spokesperson for Improving Lives Plymouth added: “Unpaid carers often feel invisible, and many only reach out for help when they are completely overwhelmed. This app gives carers practical tools, emotional support and reassurance at any time of day or night and it means they can connect with Improving Lives Plymouth when they feel ready. It complements the support offered by our Unpaid Carers Service, helping us stay alongside carers between appointments and making it easier for them to get the right help at the right moment. We’re proud to have worked with the Council to bring this resource to Plymouth and to continue supporting our city’s unpaid carers in a way that truly fits around their lives.”

Bridgit Care is designed to be quick and easy to use. Carers can create a personalised support plan covering topics such as carers’ assessments, balancing work and caring, cost-of-living support, mental health and respite care, and planning for emergencies.

The platform is regularly updated with trusted information and signposts to local services, events and support organisations, helping carers stay connected to help in their community.

Carers in Plymouth can get started at:  https://carers.bridgit.care/app/plymouth/ca

Community heroes honoured as West Devon celebrates unsung local stars

West Devon Borough Council
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Community heroes honoured as West Devon celebrates unsung local stars

West Devon’s Mayor has praised those making outstanding contributions to their communities in the borough through this year’s West Devon Mayoral Awards.


The awards celebrate outstanding people deserving of public recognition for their unpaid work or contributions to their community in the borough. Their contributions can take different shapes and sizes, but their contributions are always profound.

West Devon’s Mayor, Cllr Paul Vachon, said: “In West Devon we are blessed with having so many people and groups with foresight, empathy and dedication to help and support our communities. 

“They deserve public recognition, but quite often do not seek it. These awards are our way of saying thank you. Your contributions to our communities are an inspiration to us all.”

This year’s winners are:

  • The West Devon Mayoral Award for Under 18s

Barnaby Ryder has been recognised for raising the profile of West Devon at both local and national level through a solo channel swim. Barnaby swam 21 miles across the channel, raising more than £5,000 for the ManUp? Charity, which supports men’s mental health issues. 

  • The West Devon Mayoral Award for Over 18s

Tracey Gyllenship was recognised for her outstanding commitment to supporting people living with fibromyalgia. The chronic disorder is characterised by widespread pain all over the body and other debilitating symptoms like fatigue, muscle stiffness, problems with mental processes and insomnia.

Receiving a commendation in this category is Roy Young; he is involved with many projects and groups in Horrabridge, and has helped to shape the village community over many years.

  • The West Devon Mayoral Award for an organisation

The Drewe Arms Community Pub Committee have won this award for saving The Drewe Arms, a cherished village pub and a listed building. The committee has a group of dedicated volunteers who take on numerous tasks to make the pub the best it can be, including front of house work, help in the kitchen, gardening, maintenance and DIY and more. Their work has helped to preserve not just the pub, but the community spirit of Drewsteignton.

Tavistock Library was also recognised in this category for being a vibrant community hub and an outstanding asset to the town and surrounding rural area, whose contributions go far beyond the traditional role of a library.

  • The Mayor’s Green Award

Pam Pemberton has won the Green Award for setting up West Devon’s only hedgehog sanctuary, Greatfield Hedgehog Rescue. Her compassion, commitment and enthusiasm for our prickly garden visitors rubs off on all who meet her and she has a strong volunteer base who care for sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs.

  • The Mayor’s Award for Long Service

Edwina and Robin Hill have lived in Belstone for well over 40 years. Throughout they have contributed significantly to the village community, as well as to Devon charities more widely. They are actively involved with the village hall, and have also been trustees of the Mary Budding Trust, a charity supporting children with additional needs in West Devon.

Parking pain hits Barnstaple as major car park entrance closes for weeks

North Devon Council
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Parking pain hits Barnstaple as major car park entrance closes for weeks

The final phase of works for improvements at Barnstaple Central car park are set to get under way in April.

The Queen Street/Malletts Lane entrance to the car park will be closed from 20 April as contractors Mac Plant complete an 11-week programme of works which include resurfacing and the provision of more oversized bays, disabled bays and motorcycle spaces.

Motorists will be able to access the car park from Bear Street and the new entrance at Alexandra Road while the works are taking place. Pedestrians will still be able to access the car park from Queen Street and Malletts Lane. 

The works are the latest milestone for North Devon Council’s Barnstaple Market Quarter project. The area of car park in this final phase has served as the work compound for the rebuilding and restoration of 36 and 37 Boutport Street.

The development, Boutport Studios, includes creative space for the community and businesses, affordable homes, and an arcade walkway linking the Barnstaple Central car park to the town centre.

Councillor Malcolm Prowse, Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at North Devon Council, said: “This final phase of works to Barnstaple Central mark another important step for our Market Quarter project, which is nearing completion. We have endeavoured to keep disruption to a minimum while carrying out works to the car park and while the Queen Street entrance to the car park will be closed during this final phase, users will still be able to enter from Alexandra Road and Bear Street and have the majority of the car park available to them.

“I would like to thank the residents, businesses and car park users for their patience as we complete these improvements.”

The Barnstaple Central car park initially opened in November 2024, combining Barnstaple’s Queen Street and Bear Street car parks with an improved layout, new lighting and landscaping, and a new vehicular entrance in Alexandra Road. 

Further details about the Market Quarter projects are available on the North Devon Council website. 

Devon seaside at risk as bold new plan aims to hold back the sea

Teignbridge District Council
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Devon seaside at risk as bold new plan aims to hold back the sea

A plan that sets out how the coastline between Holcombe and Shaldon will be managed to mitigate future flooding and coastal erosion risks was formally adopted by Teignbridge District Council’s Executive Committee on Tuesday (April 7).

The Teignmouth Beach Management Plan sets out a long-term strategy to strengthen coastal defences. It includes recommendations to raise the sea wall and repair toe piles at the bottom of the sea wall, build a new groyne field, and to relocate the disposal area for dredged material from Sprey Point to an area adjacent to Teignmouth Pier to help maintain sand levels.

The adoption of the Beach Management Plan now means that work to develop a business case to secure funding and licences for the proposals to be put into place can be progressed.

Teignbridge District Council has developed the Beach Management plan in partnership with the Environment Agency alongside Jacobs Consulting and Coastal Applied Marine Research.

The report is based on months of research, modelling and analysis of wave data, sand levels and current sea defence assets.

Any construction of new coastal defences is likely to be led by the Environment Agency with Teignbridge District Council playing a key role as a project partner.

Teignbridge District Council Executive Member for Environment, Climate and Sustainability, Councillor Jackie Hook, welcomed the adoption of the Beach Management Plan.  She said: “We can see that the coastlines of Teignmouth and Shaldon are changing and increasingly the defences and seafront areas are suffering damage from more frequent storms. The impacts will be amplified by climate change and sea level rise. I welcome the approval of the Beach Management Plan as a crucial stage in applying to obtain government flood defence grant aid, to enhance the current defence structures and protect the vulnerable built areas of Teignmouth and Shaldon from flooding and erosion risks.”

Major housing plan for Teignbridge cleared as inspectors give green light

Teignbridge District Council
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Major housing plan for Teignbridge cleared as inspectors give green light

The Teignbridge Local Plan 2020-2040, which will shape the development of Teignbridge until 2040, is one step closer to formal adoption after being found sound by government Planning Inspectors.

In its final report on the Teignbridge Local Plan 2020-2040 published this week, government Planning Inspectors said the plan is ‘sound and legally compliant subject to small number of modifications’.

Nationally, only around a third of Local Planning Authorities currently have an up-to-date Local Plan in place, making this outcome a significant achievement for Teignbridge and a foundation for delivering sustainable, well-designed places for current and future generations.

The Inspectors’ findings mark the successful conclusion of several years’ work in developing a Local Plan that can meet the needs of Teignbridge’s communities, economy and environment well into the future.

The modifications, set out alongside the Inspectors’ final report, are largely clarifications and do not change the Plan’s overall strategy, policies or development site locations.

The Local Plan guides where new homes, jobs, infrastructure and services should go – setting planning rules to shape how our local area develops. It lays out a clear framework for future development across the district (outside of Dartmoor National Park) and includes strong policies to:

  • Secure between 20% to 30% Affordable Housing on new developments, with a greater emphasis on social rent
  • Support the council’s net zero carbon ambitions, including higher standards for new buildings, support for low-carbon energy generation and storage, and opportunities for wind energy
  • Protect the character of coastal communities and ensures that any new homes built are not occupied as holiday homes through a primary residence policy
  • Promote high-quality design through a district Design Code
  • Encourage sustainable and active travel, enhance green infrastructure and strengthen protections for wildlife

Teignbridge’s Local Plan has been under preparation since 2018 and has involved eight rounds of public consultation, working with local members, town and parish councils, community groups, developers, statutory bodies, and neighbouring authorities.

This series of Local Plan consultations has given voice to residents, businesses, and communities, who have shared their aspirations and concerns on issues such as affordable housing, climate change, design quality, infrastructure, and the future of our towns, villages and countryside.

The Inspectorate commended Teignbridge District Council for the way it worked proactively and constructively with partners under the Duty to Co-operate – and highlighted also that the modifications required make no significant changes to strategy or site choices – a clear indication that the Plan is robust.

Inspectors also recognised the robust evidence base underpinning the Plan, which allocates sufficient land to meet housing and employment needs while ensuring development is well planned and supported by infrastructure.

Cllr Gary Taylor, Executive Member for Planning and Building Control said: “This is a moment of real celebration for Teignbridge. The Inspectors’ Report confirms that our evidence base, engagement approach and overall strategy are all strong – and that the Plan is deliverable. Adoption of this Plan will give greater clarity to residents, confidence to investors, and certainty to our Council as we deliver climate resilient, well-designed and inclusive places. It reflects years of hard work from officers, councillors, partners and communities, who all helped shape a Plan that truly responds to local priorities.”

With the Inspectors’ Report now received, the next step is for Full Council on 19 May 2026 to formally adopt the Local Plan. Once adopted, it will become the main basis for deciding planning applications across Teignbridge (outside of the Dartmoor National Park), setting the course for sustainable, climate ready and community-focused growth until 2040.

Council faces tough questions as Mid Devon survey reveals public mood

Mid Devon District Council
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Council faces tough questions as Mid Devon survey reveals public mood

The results of a six-week-long survey open to all Mid Devon residents were discussed by the Council’s Cabinet this month.

The resident and budget survey ran from 27 October until 8 December 2025 with 525 residents completing the questionnaire.

Results from the survey have been used to feed into the Council’s budget setting process and will play an important role in shaping upcoming projects and service improvements, ensuring that community priorities are reflected in decision-making.

Questions included topics such as climate change and dealing with economic pressures, as well as listening to how communities feel about current service provision and where the Council can improve.

Councillor Luke Taylor, Leader of the Council, said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views with us. Your feedback is essential in helping us prioritise our services and understand what matters most to our communities.

“This year our results have shown a similar trend to previous years, with improvements in our waste and street cleaning services, which we know are key areas for our residents. While there is always more work to do, I am glad that despite the economic challenges we face, Mid Devon continues to deliver for our communities.”

Key findings from this latest survey include:

  • Percentage of residents that are very or fairly satisfied with the way the Council runs things remains consistent with previous years at 51%.
  • Percentage of residents that are very or fairly satisfied with their local area as a place to live 74%.
  • Percentage of residents who are fairly or very satisfied with the Council’s street cleaning service (42%), provision of parks and green spaces (56%) and waste collection service (76%) have all improved on previous year’s results.

The Council’s Cabinet met earlier this month (3 March 2026) to discuss the findings of the survey and a summary of the findings are now available.

Residents with further feedback are encouraged to get in touch via the Customer Feedback form on https://my.middevon.gov.uk/.

Tiverton names familiar face as mayor with unopposed return to role

Lewis Clarke
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Tiverton names familiar face as mayor with unopposed return to role

A return to familiar leadership is on the cards after councillors backed a former civic figure to once again take up the chains of office.

Tiverton Town Council has elected Councillor Sue Griggs as its next mayor, with her term set to begin in May. She will replace Councillor Neal Davey, who has chosen not to continue in the role.

Councillor Steve Bush put forward Cllr Griggs for the position, praising her previous time in office. He said: “I would like to nominate Councillor Sue Griggs for the position of mayor for the next year. I think Cllr Griggs has done an excellent job previously as mayor and I think she could do an excellent job again.”

The nomination was supported by Councillor Chris Berry, who highlighted her visibility and engagement within the community. He said: “I very much support this. Councillor Griggs has done a fantastic job and is well known for it in the past.

“She gets well and truly involved in it and I think she brings a lovely face to the town when she’s doing that, going around and getting involved in all the activities. I think her experience will be very wise this time.”

There were no other nominations for the position.

Councillors also voted on the role of deputy mayor for the 2026/2027 civic year.

Councillor Beckett Fish nominated Councillor Ben Holdman, citing his reputation locally. He said: “He’s a popular character around town, talks to a lot of people, he’s served his position well, so I’d like to put forward Councillor Ben Holdman as deputy mayor.”

Councillor Matt Farrell backed the nomination, adding: “I agree with everything Cllr Fish said. I’ve seen first hand how much Cllr Holdman dedicates to this role and the time he makes available for this and it would help us with a sense of continuity as unfortunately our current mayor has decided not to continue.”

An alternative nomination was made by Councillor Sophia Beard, who proposed Cllr Bush for the role. She said: “I’d like to nominate Cllr Steve Bush as I think that his vigilance and dedication to this council has been shown through the years he’s sat around this table and it’s time that was taken to the next level in terms of contribution to this council.”

Councillor Tim Bridger also spoke in support of Cllr Bush, pointing to his long-standing service. He said: “Councillor Bush has been involved in this council for 13 years now but his association with the people of Tiverton goes back far far greater than that.

“His dedication to the town is unparalleled and he will do an exceptional job in supporting Cllr Griggs in her role, bringing an awful lot of experience and knowledge of the area and somebody who can be a unifying person for this council.”

Following the vote, Cllr Holdman was elected as deputy mayor for the 2026/2027 year.

Nature-based learning helps pupils build resilience and social skills

Devon Today
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Nature-based learning helps pupils build resilience and social skills

A quiet corner of woodland is becoming a classroom without walls, where pupils are learning far more than just outdoor skills.

Children at Drake Primary Academy are taking part in a series of Forest School wellbeing sessions designed to help them better understand their emotions and build confidence.

The Roots programme, delivered by practitioners from Livewell Southwest alongside school staff, uses nature-based activities to support emotional development and social skills. Pupils take part in hands-on sessions including treasure hunts, making bird feeders and creative outdoor projects.

Pupils take part in hands-on wellbeing activities during a Forest School session
(Credit : Submitted)
Staff support pupils as they develop social and emotional skills outdoors
(Credit : Submitted)

The initiative also introduces strategies drawn from therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, helping children recognise their feelings and understand those of others. Through these sessions, pupils are encouraged to develop communication skills, teamwork and resilience.

Jacqueline Stephens, executive headteacher at Drake Primary Academy, said: “It’s been wonderful to see the children engaging so positively with the Forest School sessions.

“They’re learning practical skills to understand and manage their feelings, while having fun and connecting with nature at the same time.”

Future crime experts step into law-making world at Westminster visit

Devon Today
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Future crime experts step into law-making world at Westminster visit

From classroom theory to the heart of democracy, a group of sixth form students swapped textbooks for Parliament as they explored how laws are shaped at the highest level.

Sixth form criminology students from Marine Academy Plymouth travelled to London to visit the UK Parliament, gaining first-hand insight into how legislation is debated and passed.

During the visit, students explored the historic Palace of Westminster and learned about the roles of MPs and peers in shaping laws. The experience supported their criminology studies, helping them understand how the justice system connects to the democratic process.

Marine Academy Plymouth, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, offers a broad sixth form curriculum including subjects such as drama, art, sociology, further maths, finance and the sciences.

The curriculum builds on learning from years seven to 11, aiming to develop knowledge and cultural understanding while preparing students for university, apprenticeships and future careers. Alongside academic study, students take part in enrichment programmes, mentoring, daily tutorials, the Duke of Edinburgh award and extended project work.

Jennifer Brimming, principal of Marine Academy Plymouth, said: “It was great to see our students so engaged throughout the visit.

“They asked thoughtful questions, represented the school brilliantly, and really brought their criminology studies to life.

“We are very grateful to everyone who helped make this trip possible – it was an unforgettable experience that will continue to spark discussion and inspire learning back in the classroom.”

Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, said: “It is wonderful to see students enjoying trips to explore how their learning applies in the real world.

“Experiences like this help young people broaden their horizons, understand the pathways open to them, and build the skills and confidence they will need for future study and careers.”

Young Devon group wins top awards for crime prevention work

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Young Devon group wins top awards for crime prevention work

Chief Constable of Devon & Cornwall Police, James Vaughan, QPM, has congratulated the High Sheriff of Devon for working to promote local crime prevention – after a Paignton group scooped three awards.  

Mrs Caroline Harlow, High Sheriff of Devon, sponsored the Oceanside Records project team for the National Crimebeat initiative and they were selected as one of six finalists. Oceanside Records comes under the umbrella of Sound Communities. 

The purpose of National Crimebeat is to give recognition to the most ground-breaking and successful crime prevention projects carried out by young people.

Caroline Harlow explained: “The project of young people mentoring other young people, to keep them out of trouble, really resonated with the panel. We were in London to receive the accolades on Tuesday 17 March and I was thrilled that Sound Communities were recognised for their efforts. I am absolutely delighted as I have known Sound Communities for years and they also carry out important work at HMP Channings Wood in Newton Abbot.

“There were six finalists, all with their area High Sheriff present. It is the first time that Devon has ever been sponsored by their High Sheriff and to become finalists is a real achievement.”

National Crimebeat is the youth crime prevention charity of the High Sheriffs’ Association and the Paignton group were handed the following awards:

  • Highly Commended with £10,000 prize money
  • The Best Presentation award of £150
  • The High Sheriff Association Award for the most innovative/thought provoking project.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “I would like to add my thanks and congratulations to those involved in the Oceanside project for Sound Communities and the High Sheriff of Devon, Mrs Caroline Harlow. They carry out vital, innovative work in our communities and help to deter many young people from the wrong path in life.” 

The prestigious event was attended by youngsters who presented their projects. Topics ranged from knife crime to violence against women and girls, as well as male role models.  

Director of Sound Communities, Mike Cook, added: “We are delighted and extremely proud of our young leaders for building the Oceanside project for Sound Communities and making such a big impact on local vulnerable young people in Torbay. For them to be recognised at the National Crimebeat Awards is excellent and to come back from London with three awards is simply fantastic. We know this work will continue to raise the aspirations for young people across Torbay.

“We would also like to credit our funders for this work as well – Youth Music and Global Fund for Children.”

Sound Communities specialise in reaching marginalised young people to engage, create and consult using radio, music and creative media production. Their work develops creativity, improves mental health, inspires confidence, raises aspirations, increases skills and fosters agency. 

The Crimebeat awards encompass the whole of England and Wales and projects can be submitted from any organisation or individual.

For more information please visit:Front Page – Sound Communities

National Crimebeat – The Youth Crime Prevention Charity of the High Sheriffs’ Association of England & Wales

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