New day trips for carers and ex-carers, who are bereaved whilst part of the group, in Honiton and surrounding villages will be launched this month, to help prevent loneliness.

Honiton Carers Support Group will run a series of 'Walk and Chat' outings. Minibus and train travel is provided to the walk locations. It has been made possible through Devon County Council's Connecting You Fund, which aims to help tackle loneliness through transport.

The programme offers the opportunity for attendees to visit locations including Exeter, Sherborne, Newton Abbot, and Axminster. The focus of the trips is to provide support for carers and ex-carers, with walking tours and refreshment breaks for all of the day trips.

Winnie Cameron, Honiton Carers Support Group chairman said: "We know how important it is for carers and ex-carers to be supported, as they spend so much time looking after others. The Connecting You Fund has enabled us to provide free transport for them to enjoy days out to explore Devon, being supported by peers and our ambassadors. We are excited to launch these outings in February and hope to see lots of people attend."

Devon County Council's Connecting You initiative aims to help tackle loneliness through transport for the over-55's and young adults aged between 16-24. The Connecting You Fund provides small grants to projects and organisations in Devon to help connect people to activities that reduce the impact of loneliness.

Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Andrea Davis, said: "The Walk and Chat outings run by the Honiton Carers Support Group clearly demonstrate the benefit of the Connecting You Fund. Providing transport to activities such as these removes barriers, allowing groups that may be at risk of isolation, to access support."

Anyone carer interested in taking part in the Walk and Chat outings should contact Winnie Cameron on 07974636926 or email [email protected].

To apply for a Connecting You Grant Fund organisations should visit: https://www.traveldevon.info/accessibility/connecting-you. Applications close at the end of February 2023.