A UNIQUE, free local support service in Teignbridge has a host of sessions planned for the next few months to celebrate its first year in operation.
Newton Abbot Community Support Service operates once a month at the Courtenay Centre and offers a range of help with everything from the cost of living crisis and employment to health and social care, mental health and housing.
No appointments are needed as the service operates walk-in sessions.
One of the organisers, Nadine Freestone, a social prescriber and wellbeing team leader with the Templer Care Network, says they welcome everyone.
She explained: ‘This is a free local support service.
‘We are joined by various specialist professionals, community and charity groups – all available to have an informal chat, offer advice, signposting or referrals.
'There is representation from housing, benefits, police, Citizens Advice, Devon Carers, mental health practitioners, foodbanks, activity and health and social care, and more.
‘It’s a very valuable session where so many people can all be reached in one place with no booking.
There is nothing else like this in Newton Abbot.
‘We have been running since Easter 2024 and are now well established as a drop in service.’
There is also help available with access to the NHS App.
The sessions are also supported by Age UK Devon, Kingscare, MS Society, 4Dementia Carers and Parkinsons UK.
It runs on the second Wednesday of each month.
The next session is on Wednesday May 14.
The June 11 date will be themed in support of unpaid carers to co-incide with national Carers Week.
The following dates will be July 9 and August 13.
The sessions run from 10.30am to 12.30pm and is not exclusive to patients at the surgeries which run the sessions but is available to anyone who could benefit.