Blackdown Support Group

15/10/2026

☕💚 COFFEE MORNING AT CLAYHIDON VILLAGE HALL! 💛🌼

Fancy a cuppa, a slice of cake and a friendly chat? 🧁

Come along to the Coffee Morning at Clayhidon Village Hall! Whether you’re catching up with friends, meeting new people or simply fancy a relaxed morning out, the team there would love to see you.

📅 Wednesday 21st October 2026
⏰ 10:30am – 12 noon
📍 Clayhidon Village Hall

ℹ️ Advisor Nikki from ECOE Advice, a local charity which supports people with their energy bills, will be attending this month to offer practical tips on keeping warm and well and saving money on your energy bills.

🎟️ RAFFLE! Always good fun.

🚗 Transport can be arranged on request via the BSG Office 01823 681 036

Everyone is welcome! 💚

13/10/2026

From then to now...

In 1991, our co-founder and trustee Heather set out with a vision to support local people across the Blackdown Hills.

Thirty-five years later, that vision continues to grow! ⏳

These photos capture a special moment in our history: Heather in the early days of the Blackdown Support Group starting out with just a briefcase, to Heather officially opening our BSG Newland premises in 2026.

From a small community initiative to a charity supporting hundreds of people each year, we're proud of how far we've come and grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey 💚

13/10/2026

Community Transport Week 🚗

This Community Transport Week, we're celebrating the incredible difference community transport makes to the lives of local people across the Blackdown Hills.

For many people, access to reliable transport is about much more than simply getting from A to B. It means attending vital medical appointments, collecting prescriptions, staying connected with friends and family, and remaining independent in the place they call home.

Without community transport, some residents could face increased isolation and find it much harder to maintain their health and wellbeing.

Our Community Transport service relies on a fantastic team of volunteer drivers, whose kindness and dedication help people access the support and services they need every day.

Could you spare a few hours to become a volunteer driver? We are always looking for new volunteers to join our team. Fuel expenses are paid, and every journey you make has a genuine impact on someone's life.

To find out more about using our community transport service or becoming a volunteer driver, please get in touch.

📞 01823 681036
🌐 www.blackdownsupportgroup.org.uk

📷 Map/picture credit: Blackdown Hills National Landscape

12/10/2026

🚗💚 Celebrating our wonderful volunteer drivers this Community Transport Week!

Community transport plays such an important role in helping people across our local communities stay independent, attend appointments, get out and about, and keep connected with the people and places that matter to them.

At Blackdown Support Group, we know how much of a difference a friendly face and a helping hand can make. Our volunteer drivers help people access essential journeys and remain part of their community.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who give their time, kindness and care to help others. You really do make a difference! 💚

Could you spare some time to become a volunteer driver? Your support could make a real difference to someone living in our community.

🚗💚 Community Transport Week starts today!

This week, we're celebrating the volunteer drivers and community transport services helping people across Northern Devon stay connected, independent and part of their communities.

For some people, getting to a hospital appointment, popping to the shops or meeting a friend isn't always easy. Community transport helps make these everyday journeys possible, giving people more freedom and helping them stay connected to the people and places that matter to them.

Behind every journey is a team of people giving their time to help others. 💚

Throughout this week, we'll be sharing more about the services available across Northern Devon, the people who make them happen and how you can help.

🚗 Could you become a volunteer driver like Bill? Even giving a little of your time can make a real difference to someone in your community.

Keep following us this week as we celebrate community transport and the difference it makes.

10/10/2026

💚 WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2026 💚

Today is a reminder to be kind to yourself, take care of your mental health and wellbeing, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.

Make time for the little things that bring you happiness, take a moment to pause when life feels overwhelming, and remember that you don’t have to face things alone. 💚

Let’s continue to look out for one another, check in with those around us, and help build a community where everyone feels supported and heard.

It’s World Mental Health Day.

For anyone finding things hard right now, we’re here to listen. Whatever’s on your mind, you can talk to us.

Call us free on 116 123. 💚

08/10/2026

💚 A HUGE THANK YOU! 💚

A massive thank you to Hemyock Indoor Short Mat Bowls Club for raising an incredible £600 for the Blackdown Support Group through their latest tournament! 🎉👏

We are so grateful for your fantastic support. Donations like this make a real difference and help us continue supporting people across our community. 💚

If you’re interested in joining Hemyock Indoor Short Mat Bowls Club, they’d love to hear from you! 🎳

📧 [email protected]

Thank you once again to everyone who took part and helped make the tournament such a success! 🌟

06/10/2026

Are you living with Dementia or supporting someone who is?
If you've answered yes to the above then this FREE session on how technology can help provide further support could be for you!
NO booking required.
🗓 Thursday 29 October
🕙10:00am - 4:00pm
📍Taunton Library, Paul Street, Taunton, TA1 3XZ

06/10/2026

🎶 Join us for an Afternoon of Inspiring Choral Music! 🎶

We're delighted to invite you to a special fundraising concert in aid of Blackdown Support Group featuring The Wyndham Singers the Culm Valley's leading male voice choir, together with guest soloist Kayleigh Green, Musical Director of Blackdown Acapella.

📅 Wednesday 4th November 2026
🕝 2:30pm - 4:00pm
📍 St Mary's Church, Hemyock (EX15 3RA)
🎟️ £10 in advance | £12 on the door from Hemyock Post Office, Highfield Stores, Dunkeswell, Churchinford Village Shop or Newland, Hemyock.
☕ Tea, coffee and cake available!

Come along and enjoy an uplifting afternoon of music while helping us continue supporting local people across the Blackdown Hills and surrounding communities.

Please share this post with friends and family and help us spread the word. We would love to see as many people there as possible!

02/10/2026

📣 Care Connections is growing, and we’re looking for dedicated Micro-Providers to join our network! 📣

Whether you’re already providing support or looking for a rewarding new opportunity, we’d love to hear from you 💚