THE launch of a bold new project focused on bringing people together across Mid Devon to strengthen community spirit and support local action was held in Crediton on Monday, July 28.

At a gathering of local activists, volunteers, councillors, organisations and charity representatives held at the Three Little Pigs in Crediton, Involve Mid Devon Chief Officer Katheryn Hope outlined details of its “Communities that can” project.

At the project launch, from left, Sarah Holmes, Transport Co-Ordinator, Mid Devon Community Transport; Claire from CHAT; Wendy Anez from Crediton Foodbank; Amy Slater from RD and E Health Inequalities and Claire Adams-Frost from The Nest. AQ 7803
At the project launch, from left, Sarah Holmes, Transport Co-Ordinator, Mid Devon Community Transport; Claire from CHAT; Wendy Anez from Crediton Foodbank; Amy Slater from RD and E Health Inequalities and Claire Adams-Frost from The Nest. AQ 7803 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

From left, The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Steve Huxtable; Town Clerk Rachel Avery; John Bulford and Kate Lock from Crediton Heart Project; Hazel Evely, Morrisons Crediton Community Champion and Esther Mann, Sustainable Crediton. AQ 7807
From left, The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Steve Huxtable; Town Clerk Rachel Avery; John Bulford and Kate Lock from Crediton Heart Project; Hazel Evely, Morrisons Crediton Community Champion and Esther Mann, Sustainable Crediton. AQ 7807 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

She said that Involve is here to support and strengthen communities across Mid Devon.

“As the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) for Mid Devon, we work with individuals, charities and community groups to help then grow, connect and make a difference - providing advice, networking and funding support.”

She said that Involve’s mission is to empower people and communities through practical support, advice and connection building resilience and wellbeing.

Her vision is for a thriving, inclusive Mid Devon where every community group has the support it needs, everyone feels they belong and can make a positive impact.

From left, Shauna Miles and John Potter from Age Concern Crediton; Emma Healey, Crediton Community Builder; Elizabeth Brookes-Hocking, Crediton Town Councillor; Bernadette Chelvanayag from Ecoe Advice and Dominic Myers, Manager, The Bookery. AQ 7810
From left, Shauna Miles and John Potter from Age Concern Crediton; Emma Healey, Crediton Community Builder; Elizabeth Brookes-Hocking, Crediton Town Councillor; Bernadette Chelvanayag from Ecoe Advice and Dominic Myers, Manager, The Bookery. AQ 7810 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

She said the three year “Communities that can” project had received more than £200,000 of National Lottery Community Fund support but added that Involve, which was set up in 1988, originally as a volunteer centre in Tiverton, also received support from Devon County Council, Mid Devon District Council and local town councils.

It was in 2018 that it became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with Polly Colthorpe chairing the board of trustees for the past 20 years.

Some of the Involve Mid Devon team, from left, Emma Healey, Crediton Community Builder; Holly Cooper, marketing, publicity and events; Katheryn Hope, chief officer: Project Manager Tamlyn Fraiquin; Carla Crofts, Cullompton Community Builder and Laura Buchanan, Project Assistant. AQ 7818
Some of the Involve Mid Devon team, from left, Emma Healey, Crediton Community Builder; Holly Cooper, marketing, publicity and events; Katheryn Hope, chief officer: Project Manager Tamlyn Fraiquin; Carla Crofts, Cullompton Community Builder and Laura Buchanan, Project Assistant. AQ 7818 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

It employs 18 staff including dedicated Community Builders who bring people together, listen to what matters locally and help turn ideas into action.

A new volunteer hub is planned and tailored support for local organisations.

At the launch of ‘Communities that can’, from left, Catherine Hill, Devon Carers; Richard Sampson, Farming Community Network; Fiona Blagdon, Unite Carers in Mid Devon; Dominic Palfreman, Senior Projects Manager, The Turning Tides Project and Peter Bryan, Crediton and District Lions. AQ 7824
At the launch of ‘Communities that can’, from left, Catherine Hill, Devon Carers; Richard Sampson, Farming Community Network; Fiona Bladon, Unite Carers in Mid Devon; Dominic Palfreman, Senior Projects Manager, The Turning Tides Project and Peter Bryan, Crediton and District Lions. AQ 7824 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

In year two it is hoped that support can be expanded into rural areas.

Project manager is Tamlyn Fraiquin with Emma Healey the Crediton Community Builder.

Find out more at: involve-middevon.org.uk or telephone 01884 210933.