Honiton community group provides financial support to local initiatives

Honiton Health Matters provides an invaluable source of support for people in the community, and a comprehensive signposting service connecting the dots when it comes to help available to Honiton residents.

During the coronavirus crisis, Honiton Health Matters has come into its own as a support group doing everything in its power to help people through this difficult time.

Chair, Stephen Craddock said: "Whilst things at both Honiton Town Council and East Devon District Council appear to be in some disarray, at what is a vital time for the community, Honiton Health Matters have been quietly carrying on with supporting community groups during this time of uncertainty and crisis.

"Having already given out £6,000 to various groups and support services early on in the coronavirus period; who were providing essential services such as the Foodbank, The Random Kitchen, Trip and Devon Freewheelers.

He went on to say: "Since then we have been applying for any coronavirus funding, that we can share to help those people or groups that need support at this time.

"We have fortunately had a grant from Devon County Council for this purpose. These times are trying for all of us and if we can help support the community any way, then we will do our upmost to do so.

"We have been able to give £500 to Honiton Primary School to pay for fresh fruit and healthy snacks for the children that have had to stay at school during this time as their parents are either key workers or are in a difficult situation.

"We have given £1000 to mental health support group Parent Plus, who Since March have had 32 registrations from families seeking help and support.

Founder, Sarah-Lou Glover said: "We are so grateful for the donation from Honiton Health Matters. These funds will help us in navigating those supporting individuals with mental ill-health.

"We connect members with a range of services and sign-post to organisations that are recommended by professionals or by those with lived experience.

"We share knowledge across organisations and aim to empower individuals to be curious about the services they use and how best they can meet their families' needs.

"Whilst we cannot have our hub meetings, we are offering regular support calls to our members and WhatsApp groups for members experiencing similar issues.

"We work with our members to create a bespoke support plan for the family. We also offer information to support those individuals interested in learning more about mental health and early intervention.

"These funds will also help us to create resources for parents that are not currently available."

Honiton Health Matters has also worked with Mrs Lea Bamford who runs the Special Educational Needs and Disability group (SEND) and have been able, with the tremendous help from local sports shop Honiton Sports, purchase £1,100 worth of much-needed sensory and co-regulation type equipment.

This is to enable the 34+ families that she supports with her sports group access to resources at home, while they cannot attend the group.

Lea said: "Each week that the children cannot attend my group is another week without strengthening exercise, regulatory movement and also support.

"The purchase of this equipment will make a tremendous difference and the response from families has been of overwhelming gratitude."