Council-led event planned to help Devon households with rising costs

Residents struggling with rising household costs are being invited to a free community event at Heathfield Community Centre next month, aimed at helping families make ends meet this winter.

The Cost of Living Advice Morning, organised by Bovey Tracey Town Council, will take place on Saturday, November 22, from 11am to 12.30pm.

The event will bring together local charities, housing organisations and public services offering practical tips and support for managing energy bills, housing costs and wellbeing.

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Councillors Lisa Robillard Webb and Hannah Mills-Brown have helped organise the event on behalf of the town council.

Cllr Lisa Robillard Webb confirmed to The Moorlander the list of organisations taking part:

• Teignbridge District Council
• ECOE
• South West Water
• Wellbeing in Action
• THAT Foodbank
• Citizens Advice Teignbridge
• Brighter Horizons
• Bovey Tracey Town Council
• Teign Housing
• Devon Mental Health Alliance

A member of the Devon and Cornwall Police team, the local PCSO, is also expected to attend to offer advice and take questions from residents.

Free refreshments will be available throughout the morning, and there’s no need to book, people can simply drop in at any time.

ABOVE: The Cost of Living Event's Flyer (Credit: Bovey Tracey Town Council)

Cllr Robillard Webb explained to The Moorlander how the event was conceived: “The event has come about through our Town Council's links to Anja Kroening-Maynard at Teignbridge CVS who is part of our Heathfield Action Team. We have discussed the challenges that some of the local residents face - we are also mindful that Heathfield can often miss out in terms of events, so we were keen to bring a range of support organisations to their doorstep. Similar successful events have been held in Bovey Tracey and across Teignbridge.”

Cllr Mills-Brown said: “So many people are struggling right now, and at the very least we can promise that you don’t have to face the future alone. There are people and organisations who have your back and want to provide answers.”

Cllr Robillard Webb also added the aim is to make it as easy as possible for people to ask for help and find practical advice:

“We’ll have advice for anyone who wants or needs it. Whether you’re looking to lower the cost of heating your home, improve your sense of wellbeing, or even if you have questions about friends or family welfare, our experts will be here to help.”

The event will take place at Heathfield Community Centre in Cannon Road, which has a free car park on site.