With the festive period fast approaching, I wanted to share some useful links and information for the next few weeks.
If you need help over the festive period
Please know, a lot of public services remain open over the festive period, though some operating times may be reduced.
This includes Devon County Council’s Customer Service Centre, whose opening times can be found here: https://www.devon.gov.uk/help/contact-us/
The Council’s social care services are also remaining open over the Christmas break: https://www.devon.gov.uk/help/contact-us/social-care-christmas-and-new-year-opening-hours/
Some South Hams District Council and Torbay Council services are also remaining open over the festive period, and you can find out more information about them here: https://southhamscab.org.uk/festive-opening-hours/ and here: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/christmas/
If you need emergency help over the festive period
If you need to contact your GP practice, please check their online services. If you need immediate medical help, NHS 111 is available by phone or online: https://111.nhs.uk/
Community pharmacies are also available for advice on many minor illnesses and injuries that can be treated at home: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy
Urgent mental health support is available through 0808 196 8708. Or you can access Samaritans 24 hour support by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org
You can also visit my FAQ page to find out more organisations and their contact details for homelessness, domestic abuse services, mental health and wellbeing, and advice for older people: https://www.carolinevoaden.com/faqs
Warm spaces this winter
Following the Government’s cut to winter fuel payments, services across South Devon have stepped up to protect vulnerable pensioners this winter.
Torbay Council’s Household Support Fund is offering a payment of up to £300 for pensioners whose winter fuel payments has been cut. If you’re a pensioner receiving council tax support but not pension credit and have seen your winter fuel payment cut, you should’ve received a letter telling you more about the scheme.
South Devon is also home to many warm spaces. A full directory of these spaces is available at South Hams District Council’s website: https://www.southhams.gov.uk/communities/warm-spaces-directory
When will my bin be collected?
It’s important to check your household waste collection days and recycling facility opening times over the holidays.
If you live in South Hams, information can be found here: https://www.southhams.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/guide-waste-and-recycling/christmas-collection-dates
And Torbay here: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/recycling/christmas-recycling/
And visit here to see your local household waste recycling centre opening times: https://www.devon.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/centre/
Rowcroft Christmas tree collection
Rowcroft Hospice is running a great scheme this Christmas where they’ll collect and recycle your Christmas tree in return for a donation.
Your donation will help make a real difference to local patients and their families across South Devon.
Collection runs from Thursday 2nd January and Saturday 11th January, and covers the Torbay Boundary Area (postcodes TQ1-TQ5) and the wider South Devon community in Totnes (TQ9), Newton Abbot (TQ12 only) and Teignmouth (TQ14).
You’ve got until New Year’s Day to register here: https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/events/christmas-tree-collection/
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