Family Life

67% of Devon Parents Left in the Dark About SEND Support – The Fidget Project Hits the Road to Help

A shocking new survey has revealed that nearly seven in ten parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Devon don’t know what support exists in their area.

As families struggle in silence, The ...

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What a dog called Cap taught me about society

As I was reading the news today, I came across a story about a dog from Yorkshire. Cap the Sheepdog was recently sold at auction for nearly £15,000 and has become the UK’s most expensive. It wasn’t long after having a giggle at the complete absurdness of it all, that I was left with the horrible realisation that a dog called Cap is probably worth more than I am.

Being a freelance...

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dog called cap

Blog

Devon

thomas davis

Call for new foster carers in Plymouth

With approximately 395 children and young people in local authority care in Plymouth, many of whom are in urgent need of a foster family, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is appealing for new foster carers as it prepares to mark Foster Care Fortnight (Monday 16 May – Sunday 29 May) – the UK’s biggest annual foster carer recruitment campaign.

The event aims to highlight the fantastic work...

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Foster Care Fortnight

Trampoline Park to open in Plymouth

There’s something to put a spring in your step this summer as the largest trampoline park in Devon and Cornwall is due to open in Plymouth in June. A relatively new concept in the UK, the trampoline park concept originated from the USA and Australia before hitting Europe around 5 years ago. The popularity of the sporting activity has increased hugely over the last year with 30 UK parks opening in...

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Employment and family law advice in Plymouth

A new project aimed at giving Plymouth University law students the chance to learn new customer service skills is being launched at the Council’s First Stop Shop in New George street next week.

The pilot project between Plymouth Law School and the City Council will enable the law students to offer advice on employment law for individuals and a health check for businesses and charities...

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legal first stop shop

citizens

Remember your pet at community orchards

People now have the opportunity to celebrate the life of a family pet by purchasing a 5-year memorial plaque at one of the new community orchards. For £210 people can have a memorial plaque on a granite plinth set within one of the newly planted orchards and meadows.

The new orchards at Central Park, Plympton Pathfields and Honicknowle Green will offer open green spaces for people to...

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Saying Goodbye service in Plymouth

Families from Plymouth, South West Devon and Cornwall who have suffered the pain of baby loss at any stage of pregnancy, birth or in infancyare invited to join a special service on Saturday 30th April 2016 at 7pm at Plymouth Minster.

The International ‘Saying Goodbye’services helpfamilies pay tribute to their lost babies and provide an opportunity for people to say goodbye.

The...

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Adopt SW prioritises search for adoptive families

Adopt South West prepares to re-launch its TV campaign this week with emphasis falling on encouraging those who would consider adopting ‘priority’ children to come forward.

The appeal comes as Somerset County Council joins the partnership alongside Barnardo’s, Devon County Council, and Families for Children, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council, to promote adoption.

With...

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100 foster carers needed in Devon

At least 100 foster carers are urgently needed in Devon to help ensure children receive the best start in life.

Fostering Devon, Devon County Council’s fostering service, has launched a new carer recruitment drive to increase the number of foster carers.

The more carers they have, the better the chances of finding a good match between child and carer, with the right home in the...

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Foster carers urgently needed

The Fostering Network have released figures for the number of foster carers needed in 2016: A total of 9070 fostering families are needed throughout the UK, which includes 600 families urgently needed in the South West.

Currently, over 64,000 children live with almost 55,000 foster families across the UK. Foster care provides children with a safe, secure and nurturing family...

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SW children glued to their screens

Nearly a quarter of South West parents (23 per cent) struggle to get their children to “unplug” and take part in activities away from television, phone and computer screens, according to a survey published by Action for Children.

When asked which behaviour they found most difficult to control in their children, more South West parents said they struggled to limit technology-based...

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branscombe family fun