News items
Celebrating Volunteers
A project by Sidmouth School of Art and Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub.
See a short video of how the art was created at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3W3Xdus50k
Join our befriending service
Could you spare an hour a week to visit a lonely or isolated person in Sidmouth? We are currently getting more referrals to the Sid Valley Help Befriending Service than we can accept because we do not have enough volunteers. We will do the best we can to make your volunteer experience with us enjoyable and rewarding.
Our Befriending volunteers provide support and friendship to people in need, who are vulnerable, lonely or isolated. We agree a programme of regular visits or telephone calls to meet specific needs. Training, support and social activities are provided. Call the Helpline for more information.
Young at Heart Ladies Social Group
Are you 50 to 70 and looking for like-minded ladies to share a coffee and chat and maybe broaden your social life? We host an informal social group on the first Saturday of each month at the Woodlands Hotel, Station Rd, Sidmouth between 10.30 and 12.30. There is no hidden agenda, just a chat, a coffee and a laugh! The first coffee is free. Ring to find out more or just come along. If you prefer we can meet you first outside the hotel.
Citizens Advice - Tuesday mornings
Citizens Advice East Devon (01395 265 070) hold face to face sessions every Tuesday morning at two locations:
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Sidmouth Hospice at Home Information Hub at 48 High Street, Sidmouth EX10 8EJ from 9:30 until 11:30
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at Sidmouth Youth Centre, Manstone Avenue, EX10 9TS from 10:00 to 12:00.
Support and advice for the cost of living crisis
Sid Valley Help in association with Sidmouth Town Council have produced a leaflet giving information on support available. Download a copy HERE.
Free digital training in Sidmouth
Age UK Devon has launched a new Digital Champion Programme to help older people in Devon to learn how to use the internet, digital devices and online services. The scheme will provide FREE personal digital training sessions to help anyone who is 50 or older.
Age UK's Digital Champions can guide older people to access digital services. 1-2-1 sessions are generally delivered in peoples' homes but can be given in any suitable venue chosen by the recipient. We cover anything digital: including MACs, PCs, ChromeBooks, Android devices, Smart home devices, texting, emailing, and how to access the internet for shopping, banking, GP services, pharmaceutical supplies, entertainment, education etc. For more information click HERE
Every Monday an Age UK Digital Champion will be in the Sidmouth Hospice at Home Information Centre at 48 High Street, Sidmouth from 10am until 2pm. John is able to offer support with any aspect of IT problems. Please do call in if you need help. If you are not able to get out then John will make an appointment to visit at home. This service from Age UK is free and is for people over 50.
Preventing Falls
Two booklets are available from Steady On Your Feet Devon - click in the links to download a copy of the Fall Prevention Guide and the Fall Prevention Checklist
Sid Valley Help booklets
The booklets can be downloaded as a PDF by clicking on the underlined title or from our 'Downloads' page. Please contact us if you would like a printed copy by post.
Information for Carers - Carers are people who care for a relative, friend or neighbour who cannot manage at home without help because of illness, disability, or the effects of old age. If you look after a relative or friend who cannot mange alone then this booklet may be useful to you.
What to do when someone dies - When someone dies it can be overwhelming but there are certain things that need to be done by the nearest relative or carer. This guide has been written to help.
For people in East Devon living with autism or Asperger syndrome
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Walking group meets at the Sidmouth Triangle EX10 8PF at 11.00 first Friday of every month. Just turn up.
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Café Aspie is an informal group that meets at Coffee #1, 36 Fore St, Sidmouth EX10 8AQ1 on the third Tuesday of every month 10:30 to 12:00
For more information, contact Kevin Hickson by email khickson17@yahoo.com or call 07813 318 357.
Social Men
We know many men don't want to just sit around feeling bored and lonely! Sid Valley Help is running the Social Men project to help men who want to reconnect to activities in the local community. It's time to get out and do something - time to join a social or sports club, or start voluntary work. Download our Social Men leaflet which has a list of selected clubs and groups - all of whom welcome new members.
The Independent Age guide to benefits for older people
With the cost of living rising, it's worth checking whether you qualify for extra support. A lot of people miss out on money they are due. To make sure you're not one of them, take a look at all the advice and resources on the Independent Age website.
TALKWORKS
TALKWORKS is a free, confidential, NHS talking therapy service helping you to feel better by giving you the tools and techniques to improve your mental and physical wellbeing. You can self-refer direct to TALKWORKS (if 18 or over) by calling 0300 555 3344 or through www.TALKWORKS.dpt.nhs.uk. Watch our film to see how TALKWORKS can help you. https://youtu.be/Ek5j1zdzqFw or download a TALKWORKS leaflet HERE
