Devon Communities Together

18/10/2026

Don't put off the switch 📞

With 3 months to go before the nationwide analogue switchover to digital landlines in January 2027, ignoring provider messages mean the services you rely on may be disrupted.

It’s important to take action when BT or your landline provider contacts you. For most, it’s as simple as plugging your phone into your router instead of the wall socket.

Further information and support are available on BT’s Connected Together site, or by calling 0330 1234 150.
https://f.mtr.cool/6yzqjlragx

*Background: What’s Changing?*

The UK’s copper telephone network, the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) that most home phones work on today is no longer meets the connectivity standards expected in today’s digital age and can't keep up with the demands of modern life. That outdated network will be switched off for all phone providers in January 2027, with landline providers already switching customers over to Digital technology. BT’s name for their new home phone service is Digital Voice This is a once in a generation upgrade to ensure that everyone stays connected now and into the future.

’tPutOffTheSwitch

16/10/2026

📢 Village Halls in Mid Devon, the next Cluster Meeting has been confirmed for the 10th of November at Stockleigh Pomeroy Village Hall 🏡

Being involved in running a Village Hall can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also bring challenges. From managing buildings and finances to fundraising, governance and keeping communities engaged, there is a lot to think about! That is why connecting with other Village Halls in Devon is so important! 💚

You don't have to face challenges alone, and you don't need to have all the answers. Sometimes the most valuable thing is simply talking to someone who's been there before!

✅ So, join the Mid Devon Village Hall Cluster Meeting at Stockleigh Pomeroy Village Hall, Tuesday 10th November from 7pm - 9pm ✅

Book your free place: https://f.mtr.cool/19wxexicne

A network meeting for Village Halls and community buildings in Mid Devon and surrounding areas.

15/10/2026

As Chair of the Devon Rural Deprivation Group, our CEO, Nora, is presenting at the Health and Wellbeing Board today, sharing a deep-dive into rural disadvantage and asking the Board to consider how we can work collaboratively across the county to ensure better access to important health and wellbeing services.

We're looking forward to hearing the outcomes!

15/10/2026

🏡

While urban areas can struggle with oversubscribed services, rural communities face a different challenge. As local populations dwindle, schools, shops and other essential facilities can struggle to survive.

🏘️ Could more suitable, affordable rural housing help turn the tide? By giving local people the chance to stay in the communities they call home, rural housing projects can help keep villages vibrant and local facilities thriving.

Today, Anne from Cornerstone Housing shares why rural housing projects matter and the difference they can make to communities.

👓 Want to see more of Devon through the Rural Lens? Explore the campaign via the link below 👇

15/10/2026

🚨 One week to go! 🚨

Devon Community Resilience Forum
📅 Thursday 22nd October
⌚ 10am - 4pm
📍 Totnes Civic Hall, Market Square, Totnes, TQ9 5SF

Our free Forum events are focused on strengthening community resilience and open to anyone with an interest in emergency planning, response and recovery - including town and parish councils, voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations and local community groups.

Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to meet and learn from a wide range of organisations involved in resilience work, from planning and preparedness through to response and recovery.

This event will also feature an interactive workshop, delivered by British Red Cross, focussing on emergency preparedness and support on how to:
✅ Map community assets and risks
✅ Identify local skills and resources
✅ Explore ways to strengthen resilience
✅ Meet emergency services and local organisations

👉 Book your free place today: https://f.mtr.cool/jje73fy8b1

Environment Agency - South and South West Devon Resilience Innovation Project Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Devon & Cornwall Police British Red Cross

Join us for the Autumn Devon Community Resilience Forum – a free event focused on strengthening community resilience.

14/10/2026

This is a very important message to remember, particularly living in rural locations across Devon.

is the perfect time to be better prepared and understand the risks of flooding in your area 🌧️

If you would like support with your Community Emergency Plan or to discuss emergency preparedness in your community, please contact us and the Devon Community Resilience Forum can help 😊

14/10/2026

The South Hams Village Hall Cluster came together yesterday at Aveton Gifford Village Hall 💪

A fabulous turnout with 17 attendees and a whole range of discussion spanning various topics including Villages in Action, opportunities for halls to work with Learn Devon, and the hot topic at the moment, energy ⚡

Thank you to Aveton Gifford Village Hall for excellent hosting! We look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting 😊

13/10/2026

Action with Communities in Rural England - ACRE are campaigning for the government to step in to support rural households who are facing rocketing prices for heating oil 🔥

We understand that many of you in Devon are experiencing increasing pressures and we are working with ACRE on this campaign.

Do you have any experiences that you can share? Do get in touch 📞 📧

13/10/2026

We have not one but TWO new sessions as part of our East Devon Bitesize service coming up in November! 🔥

🤳 Introduction to InShot: Ready to take your content to the next level? Join our half-day, hands-on training session and learn how to edit videos like a pro, right from your mobile device!
👉 Wednesday 18th November, 12.30pm - 2.30pm in Ottery St Mary - more info and book! https://f.mtr.cool/hifjea9h5n

📈 Marketing Bitesize session: Struggling to work out how to promote your business? Receive tips on how to understand your audience, define your message and create promotional materials, all in this one introductory session to marketing!
👉 Thursday 19th November, 10am - 12pm online - more info and book! https://f.mtr.cool/ek9i0h4qwx

08/10/2026

Representing DCT and the Devon Community Resilience Forum at the first in-person VCS Emergencies Partnership: Live event today!

An inspiring agenda packed full of guest speakers and networking opportunities, exploring important topics including:
🤔 Generation Next: How Young People See Risk, Resilience and Response
🤓 Inside Local Resilience: Learning from Practice
😊 Time to Trust? Harnessing Volunteers in Emergencies

Great to be part of this event that is bringing together partners from across resilience, climate, volunteering and community leadership sectors to strengthen connections, share learning and showcase the powerful impact of community-led resilience.