We had four speakers in total visiting so it was a hectic but very informative time, with lots of fun too!

Our first speaker, Mr. Chris Doran from Honiton Health Matters and Trip, gave a short talk on Energy and Energy Savings, and gave an example of how energy costs could rise over the next twelve months.

Someone paying £100 a month at present will see from the 1 April 2022 it go up to £160 a month and by the end of the year up to £200 per month.

He explained that the Council will give a £150 refund on the Council Tax Bill for Houses in bands A to D who pay by direct debit. Those people who are not paying by direct debit will have to apply.

Chris said there is lots of advice and help available to help vulnerable people.

Julie Glover from Exeter Community Energy (ECOE), which is a subsidiary of LEAP spoke next.

The company offers free impartial advice on energy in the East Devon Area for anyone who has a low income, receive tax credits, housing benefits, income or disability related benefits or who has a long-term illness or disability.

She mentioned A Warm Home Discount which you have to apply for. This is currently for people with income less than £16190 but the Government are revising this at present.

If you are a vulnerable person or someone who has a medical condition, you can be registered with the Energy Suppliers as a priority in the event of a breakdown in services.

Southwest Water also offer a Priority Service Register and have Water Sure, which Caps the Tariff. People must be on benefits to claim this.

Everyone not on a Smart Meter was advised to take a reading at the end of the March before the increased tariff comes in, as a check for charges on their forthcoming bill.

Contact ECOE's Energy Advice Team 0800 772 3617 or email [email protected]

Lendology works with the Council and through them provides loans for home improvement and maintaining your home and Disability Service grants.

They have a team of advisors who will guide you through the process of applying for a home improvement loan, assess your eligibility, how much you can borrow, and the loan best suited to your circumstances.

Typical interest rates are 4.2% APR. A leaflet showing all the items covered was distributed to all present.

Contact 01823 461099 or visit www.lendology.org.uk

Sharon From Trip was our final speaker.

Sharon gave a brief outline of their new project "Volunteer 4 All" which is an extension of the work TRIP has undertaken during the pandemic in recruiting, supporting and promoting the value of the wonderful work that volunteers do every day in our communities.

The main aim of the project is to encourage and promote engagement within the community by focusing on the strengths of our community populations whose skills have yet to be unearthed or utilised.

The project seeks to engage with prospective volunteers and organisations alike to provide an important link between them.

The project can help:

- Match volunteer's skills and interests to opportunities

- Offer ongoing support with training and wellbeing to ensure the voluntary role continues to benefit both the volunteer and organisation.

Trip have a new Office on the High St , opposite the Community Church where you can talk to Sharon or her colleague.

Leaflets were passed round to everyone present.

Honiton Carers meet weekly at various premises.

If you regularly care for a loved one and would like more information about our Carers Support Group please get in touch with Winnie Cameron on 07974 636926 or email [email protected]