Volunteering
Getting involved with your community
There are so many things you can do that might make a big difference to someone else’s life. It could be something very simple that takes up a small amount of your time.
Did you know…
- Over half of all people aged 75 and over live alone
- One in 10 say they feel cut off and trapped in their own homes
- Loneliness is as bad for an older person’s health as lifelong smoking and alcoholism and can increase the likelihood of degenerative illness such as dementia
Why not consider some of the following which can make a real difference to your community and to the individuals around you that may need a little support from time to time:
Being a good neighbour
Whether it’s sharing a smile, giving your seat up on a bus, or helping an elderly neighbour with the bins, you can help make a difference to others in your community right now.
Giving your time
Volunteering a little of your time or donating can make all the difference to the charities, community groups and clubs already working to help people in your area and it can benefit you too.
Changing a life
Offering to share your home or to help support someone in need can change lives. From fostering a child to joining a befriending service there are lots of ways you can help directly and even start a new career.
Getting community active
All communities need people with drive and passion to step up and make good things happen. Find out how you can start a group, run a community space, create a social enterprise and much more.
Where to start
Use our Show You Care website to find opportunities for you to make a difference to people’s lives or improve your local community.
You can search Pinpoint for community groups across Devon, or use the links on the right to find more volunteering opportunities with Devon-based or national volunteer organisations.
Volunteer organisations
Devon Voluntary Action (DeVA)
Telephone: 01803 849234 or visit Devon Voluntary Action (devonva.org)
Useful links
- Show you care
- CoLab Exeter
- Devon Voluntary Action
- National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)
- Volunteering Matters
East Devon
For local volunteering services please contact the local town council websites
- Axminster Town Council
- Sidmouth Town Council
- Budleigh Salterton Town Council
- Cranbrook Town Council
- Exmouth Town Council
- Honiton Town Council
- Ottery St Mary Town Council
- Seaton Town Council
Mid Devon
Voluntary Sector services are coordinated by Involve Voluntary Action Mid Devon (CVS), for help and support.
North Devon
Voluntary Sector services are coordinated by North Devon Voluntary Service. for help and support.
South Hams
Voluntary Sector services are coordinated by South Hams CVS for help and support.
Torridge
Voluntary Sector services are coordinated by Torridge CVS for help and support.
West Devon
Voluntary Sector services are coordinated by West Devon CVS for help and support.
Plymouth and Torbay
For all voluntary sector enquiries please visit the relevant local authority websites – Plymouth and Torbay
Do you face challenges in your life? Or do you need advice for a family member?
Why not try our Self-Help Tool?
By answering some quick questions about your current situation, we can direct you towards information, advice and services that could help you to live independently and improve your life.
What happens next?
If you are still facing challenges after using the self-help tool then you can complete a self-assessment online.
If you would like to discuss with us about remaining independent in your own home, talk to us via Care Direct on 0345 155 1007 or email csc.caredirect@devon.gov.uk to discuss your needs.
