Wednesday 20 December 2023
 If you need help over the festive period
Lots of public services remain open over the festive period, although operating times may be reduced.
You can find our Customer Service Centre's Christmas opening hours on our website. There's also information about our social care services over Christmas.
Opening times for Devon's district, city, borough and unitary councils and National Park authorities are available on their respective websites.
If you need to contact your GP practice please check their online services. If you think you need immediate medical help, NHS 111 is available by phone or online to tell you what to do next. Community pharmacies are also available for advice on many minor illnesses and injuries that can be treated at home.
Urgent mental health support is available through 0808 196 8708. Or you can access Samaritans 24/7 support by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org
If you're visiting your local library this festive period, please bear in mind their Christmas opening hours and check with your local library as some hours may vary.
 Are you struggling with the cost of living?
The cost of living continues to be high, and the festive period will be difficult for many people in Devon, but there is help available if you need it. If you don’t have enough money to live on, it's important to make sure you know what support is available, so earlier this year we put together a special edition of our Connect Me newsletter to help. If you missed it in your inbox, you can read it online.
There's also lots of useful advice on our website for residents and businesses in Devon who are struggling to afford to pay for their energy, water, food or other essential items. It includes information about support for low-income families through the Household Support Fund, such as free school meal holiday vouchers, the Holiday Activities and Food programme and 'Fuel, Food and More' grants. There's also help for those using pre-payment meters, and who are struggling to meet their energy needs, from Citizens Advice Devon.
 We're dreaming of a green Christmas!
There's an average 30 per cent increase in waste over the festive season! But there are lots of ways to have a greener Christmas, and save money too. Check out the Recycle Devon website for advice on wrapping paper alternatives, zero waste gifts and freezing leftover festive food!
There's also lots of ideas for homemade gifts that are inexpensive, easy to make and are zero-waste so help the environment too, as well as craft decorations to help you save money, reduce waste and spend time having fun making!
This Ultimate Guide to Christmas Food Planning will give you plenty of tips to enjoy a feast without going overboard. And if you find you often cook too much and end up throwing food away, use a portion planner so you only buy and cook what you need.
Recycling collections vary depending on which district you live in, so check what your kerbside collection includes. You can also find out where in your local area to recycle your Christmas tree.
 When is my bin being collected?
Don't get snowed under this Christmas. Check your household waste collection days and recycling facility opening times over the holidays.
Remember items like cardboard, cans and bottles can all be recycled, as well as many other items.
Recycle Devon has information on what you can recycle in your area, and when your waste and recycling collection days are over the holidays, on their website.
Please visit our website to find your local household waste recycling centre opening times.
 Driving home for Christmas? Stay up to date with the latest travel information from Devon Alert
No doubt Devon's roads will be incredibly busy over the next couple of weeks as many families travel to spend time with family and friends over the holidays or enjoy everything the county has to offer while they have a break from work.
Nobody likes to be stuck in the car, so however long your journey, it's always advisable to plan ahead, avoid busy periods if you can, check for any delays and leave extra time so you're not rushing. Follow Devon Alert on X (formerly known as Twitter) or Facebook for regular updates on Devon's roads from our Network Control Centre.
Winter weather is unpredictable; from snow, high winds and lashing rain to glaringly low sun and darkening skies. We work hard to keep Devon's roads moving during these various severe weather conditions, and you can help too by following Met Office advice.
If you spot a problem on one of our roads, such as a fallen tree or faulty traffic lights, you can report it on our website.
 Christmas is even more special when it's Made in Devon
Devon is full of great independent, businesses making fantastic products and Made in Devon, our trading standards approved buy-local business support scheme, is here to help spread the word.
Any business that is based in Devon, which has been operating for more than six months and takes pride in buying from and supporting other Devon businesses, can apply to join.
So if you're looking for a gift this Christmas and want to buy from trustworthy Devon companies, look on the Find a Local Business page or the Love to Shop Local page and be reassured you're supporting a local, legal and honest Devon business that has the Trading Standards stamp of approval.
 Can you be a 'Lift Legend' this Christmas?
With many social occasions in December, you may be more tempted to get behind the wheel after a drink. DON'T!
Alcohol can significantly impair many of the functions necessary for safe driving; particularly reaction times and spatial awareness. This may still be the case the morning after, depending on how much alcohol you consumed the night before and when you stopped drinking.
It’s not just you that’s at risk. You could kill or seriously injure someone by drink driving, destroying their lives and those of their families. It's easy to avoid this by planning ahead, leaving the car at home, and using a taxi, public transport or having a designated driver to get you home.
Devon and Cornwall Police will be out in force rigorously targeting those who are a danger on our roads, day or night. They've also teamed up with over 90 licenced premises to offer free soft drinks to those who give lifts home to friends and family after a night out this Christmas. Until 1 January 2024, drivers will be able to purchase a soft drink and receive a voucher to have their second free of charge at participating venues!
Visit the Devon and Cornwall Police website to find out more.
 Make Christmas fire-safe
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service report December to be the busiest month of the year for house fires. It's important that you have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home, ideally in the hallway and at the top of the stairs.
Twinkly Christmas lights feel very festive, but make sure they're in good working order, meet British Safety Standards and were bought from a reputable retailer. And always turn them off before bed or going out!
Take extreme care with candles. They should only be used when you are in the same room and always place them in a heat-proof holder, and keep them well away from shelves, curtains, furnishings and books. The safest way to use candles is to buy battery-powered ones.
Cooking is the cause of nearly half of all domestic fires. Never leave your Christmas dinner cooking unattended and make sure you switch off the oven and hob if you’re leaving the house (this goes for all high powered appliances including dishwashers, tumble dryers and washing machines).
Visit the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service website for more advice about keeping fire safe this winter.
 Get out and explore Devon this Christmas
Hopefully everyone will have the opportunity to spend some time enjoying the great outdoors this Christmas. From beaches, shores and estuaries to the rolling hills, wood, lowland heaths and imposing moors - there's plenty to explore in Devon!
Did you know that if you walked every day for a year around Devon, you would never have to walk the same path twice? There are over 3,500 miles of footpaths and trails waiting to be discovered.
If you'd rather be on two wheels, there's also a superb network of cycle routes for all abilities available.
Visit the Explore Devon website for more ideas!
 A wonderfully festive post box topper in Ottery St Mary by the talented 'Crochet and Chat' ladies
And finally...
This is the last Connect Me newsletter of 2023, so from all of us here in the Communications Team at Devon County Council, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
We will be back in your inbox with the first weekly round-up newsletter of 2023 on Friday 5 January!
In the meantime, if you enjoy our newsletters please forward this one to your family and friends and encourage them to sign up.
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