What do you know about Devon Communities Together?

Published on 14th November 2022

find out something new you did not know about our charity!

You may, or may not, know that Devon Communities Together has been supporting communities across Devon for over 60 years. But, did you know that we are the only Rural Community Council for Devon, and that there are 38 Rural Community Councils across the whole country reaching over 35,000 community groups each year? Or that we have up to 20 projects (sometimes more) underway at any one time?

Did you know Devon Communities Together had been supporting communities across Devon for over 60 years?

There are many amazing facts about our charity, including the support we provide or the communities we help, that we would like to share with you. Below we have listed just some of them to highlight some of the fantastic work that takes place:

  1. Did you know Devon Communities Together has been supporting communities in Devon for over 60 years? 
  2. Did you know there are over 400 Village Halls in Devon?
  3. Did you know we’re helping people build confidence when using public transport so they can feel less isolated? Find out more about our Connecting You project here 
  4. Did you know we’re working with organisations that support Ukrainian refugees in Devon? Click here for more information.
  5. Did you know we support communities to provide housing for local people through Devon Community Housing Hub?
  6. Did you know there are over 240 members of the Devon Social Enterprise Network? You can join today HERE!
  7. Did you know we work with communities to help them create their own Community Neighbourhood Plans?
  8. Did you know we work with partners to support young people explore opportunities for training and employment? The Experience Works project can tell you more...
  9. Did you know that we can help and support you manage your energy bills with free, confidential advice, with the Big Energy Saving Network
  10. Did you know, we’re supporting community fridges in Devon, which have so far redistributed the equivalent of over 1,500 meals? 
  11. Did you know Constructing Futures Devon Ltd provides real site experience for local construction learners? Find out more HERE.
  12. Did you know we are working alongside local organisations to improve digital healthcare accessibility across Devon? Read the article HERE.
  13. Did you know the Devon Community Resilience Forum helps communities to create Community Emergency Plans?
  14. Did you know we trained 17 digital befrienders this year to help people with digital skills?
  15. Did you know we‘ve shared the benefits of inclusive employment with over 600 organisations this year?
  16. Did you know we provide free coaching and training for small businesses, social enterprises and entrepreneurs?
  17. Did you know we run 100s of training events each year to help upskill communities and individuals across Devon, with Devon Community Learning Academy?
  18. Did you know that we’ve provided 43 free workshops to help support people’s wellbeing so far this year? Check out the information on our Wellbeing Works page.
  19. Did you know we’ve helped over 340 households manage their energy bills so far this year? Find out how we can help you HERE
  20. Did you know we helped award £5,000 to 27 community wildlife initiatives this summer? Read more about the Wild About Devon project.
  21. Did you know over 136,000 litres have been ordered through our Devon Oil Collective so far this year? If you use oil, we could help you get it at a discounted rate - find out more HERE.
  22. Did you know we have supported over 20 communities develop their Community Emergency Plans this year? Check out our guide with useful tools and techniques for creating your community plan.
  23. Did you know that so far this year we’ve advised Village Halls in Devon over 270 times? Support and information is available HERE.
  24. Did you know we have a dedicated team that support community buildings across Devon? Contact them today
  25. Did you know that we’ve so far awarded over £12,400 to help community groups prepare for emergencies in 2022? Discover how we can help your community HERE.

 

Throughout December we also have some of our fantastic facts as part of our Charity Christmas Tree in Princesshay Shopping Centre in Exeter! All the decorations are made from donated, recycled and repurposed materials, so thank you to everyone that made this possible!

Charity Christmas Tree 2022