INDEPENDENT charity Devon Communities Together is increasing and extending its support for people aged 55 and over who may be at risk of loneliness and isolation, and is encouraging anyone who would like to meet new people and stay socially active, to get involved!

Thanks to additional funding from the National Lottery’s Community Fund and HM Government (together forming the Building Connections Fund), Devon Communities Together’s Devon Highlights project is now continuing on into 2021, providing a whole range of ways for people to engage with the charity and each other – and stay connected despite being socially distanced during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Anyone aged 55 and over in Devon can join one of three weekly online groups, including a new Friday group with Active Devon at which participants can enjoy a range of activities designed to help people stay active in the comfort of their own homes, including dance, tai-chi, laughter yoga and more!

This new group is in addition to the existing weekly Tuesday groups at which people log on to meet new people, share stories, and take part in games, quizzes and other activities.

“Our groups are very friendly and easy going,” said Aggie Szpinda, manager of the Devon Highlights project at Devon Communities Together.

“There’s usually a mixture of chat and activities like quizzes, chair yoga, virtual museum visits and tours or a drawing practice. One week, for example, we had a shiatsu and mindfulness session with Sandhya who is a shiatsu practitioner.

"She taught us breathing exercises and simple self-care methods to relax and to relieve pain and anxiety and everyone really enjoyed it!

"After the session, people were saying they felt very relaxed and calm, we all noticed that even our faces changed and we looked happier!”

Examples of past sessions can be found on Devon Communities Together’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCryADUfcJj7lLA0Btvm33Nw/videos .

“We originally started Devon Highlights before Covid-19,” added Aggie. “But since the pandemic and the lockdown regulations, the issue of loneliness and social isolation has become even more important.

"We want to let people know that we’re here and we’d love to hear from you if you are perhaps feeling that the way life has changed because of Coronavirus is getting you down, or you just want some extra company.

"Maybe you’re not seeing your family or friends as much? You might be in a remote rural location with fewer opportunities to meet other people, or you may be shielding because you’re in a vulnerable group. Whatever your experience, you’re more than welcome to join one of our groups or speak to us on the phone. We’re here for you so please do get in touch!”

For those people who are not confident with using Zoom online software, the project team, Aggie, Harry and Shona can give support to get you up and running.

And for those people who do not have digital access – or who would prefer more personal befriending support - Harry and Aggie make regular one-to-one phone calls to ensure that everyone has a chance to have a regular chat and know there’s someone there to listen. 

The online Devon Highlights groups are as follows:

Tuesday – 2pm-3pm (Totnes, Paignton, Teignmouth)

Tuesday – 3.30pm-4.30pm (All of Devon)

Friday – 11am-12pm (with Active Devon, all of Devon)

Devon Communities Together is also seeking volunteers who would like to get involved with the project, for example by making regular befriending phone calls.

If you think you might be interested, please call 01392 248919, email: [email protected] or fill in the short survey so Devon Communities Together can understand what your interests are: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3GCWMWZ .

• Devon Communities Together, the operating name for the Community Council of Devon is an independent charitable company, founded in 1961. It is part of a national network of Rural Community Councils.

Devon Communities Together is an independent charity engaged in a wide range of projects and services that supports a vision of dynamic Devon communities shaping their own futures.

Its team is focused on inspiring, upskilling, training, supporting and advising groups and individuals to make changes and achieve positive outcomes for their communities.

The charity works with a very broad range of people, from rural and coastal communities to more urban centres, and supports them across a wide variety of areas including community buildings, community resilience, affordable housing, entrepreneurship, neighbourhood and community plans, sport and play, health and well-being and much more - but also helping communities to help themselves.