Friday 20 December 2024
 Our tree-mendous festive round-up of everything yule need to know!
It's nearly time to wrap up 2024, but before we do, we've got lots of information to share with you about public services that remain open over the festive period.
Our tree-mendous festive round-up of everything yule need to know landed in your inbox earlier this week. If you missed it, you can catch up by reading it online here.
There are still spaces available on our Holiday Activities and Food programme this Christmas and New Year. Children in Devon aged five to 16-years-old who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals are invited to choose from over 60 different providers across the county who are offering a great range of free physical activities and healthy hot meals during the school holidays.
All clubs will be operating for a minimum of four hours and will include a hot meal, and as well as dates before Christmas, there are places available in the New Year on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 January 2025.
Bookings are now open, and details of activities can be found on our interactive map. If your child is eligible to access the programme, simply search for a provider in your area, have a look at their listing to see what they’re offering, then when you’re ready, book a place with them directly.
We have training available in January to individuals, aged over 19-years-old, who are interested in a career, or improving their skills, in early years and childcare.
The training suits people who are interested in working in wraparound childcare, such as after school clubs and breakfast clubs; and people who may already be working with children.
It is free to individuals and available at a discount to employers. It's delivered through a mix of virtual lessons, e-learning and face-to-face meetings, to fit flexibly around work life.
The 'Playwork' training covers a range of skills required for the role, including safeguarding, child protection and paediatric first aid certifications.
You can read more in the full story on our news page.
To find out more about Skills Bootcamps in Devon, please visit Playwork Skills Bootcamp – new training coming soon! – Information for childcare providers.
Children and young people in Devon with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have been learning about 3D design and digital fabrication, in a series of workshops arranged with schools.
The workshops, delivered by FabLab Devon on our behalf, have given students experience of creating their own designs, exploring technology and developing their skills and knowledge in a supportive and engaging environment.
Enabling young people to learn and develop their aspirations is a key pillar of our SEND strategy. These workshops were an exciting introduction to computer-aided design (CAD) and digital fabrication and encouraged students of all abilities to participate, build confidence, and inspire their career interests in fields such as CAD technology and mechanical engineering.
Some schools who hosted the workshops are discussing how to incorporate more digital and design opportunities into the curriculum, considering adding digital skills to their career guidance programmes, and planning to introduce industry visits or invite speakers to give students more understanding of career pathways they could pursue.
You can read more in the full story on the news page of our website.
 Protect yourself against flu and COVID-19 before Christmas
The Government's UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling on people to come forward for their flu vaccination as latest figures show that many eligible people are still to take up the offer.
The deadline to book COVID-19 and flu vaccination appointments using the NHS online booking system, NHS App and 119 phone service, has passed (it was yesterday).
But, it is still possible to book vaccinations after Thursday 19 December through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites. Be aware though that there will be fewer COVID-19 appointments, and you may need to travel further.
For further information on winter vaccinations and winter health, please visit the NHS website.
 24 days of top Christmas budget tips from Recycle Devon
The festive season often means splurging on gifts and extra food and drink, but with the current cost of living, many of us are also cautious of overspending. So, Recycle Devon is counting down to the festive period with 24 tips and ideas to help people reduce their spend and their waste this year.
A selection of the best low or no cost Christmas gift ideas can be found each day on Recycle Devon’s social media channels (Facebook, X, Instagram and NextDoor). Whether you’re buying for an animal lover, book worm, family or friend, there are plenty of ideas ranging from simple to creative to help you to save money and waste when choosing Christmas gifts.
Followers can also pledge to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle waste this Christmas and enter a prize draw to win one of ten £25 charity shop vouchers kindly sponsored by RH Advertising. The prize draw will take place at midday on Tuesday 24 December. For your chance to win, make a pledge on the Recycle Devon website.
Plymouth and South Devon Freeport has successfully drawn down the full £25 million from the Government for key infrastructure projects which will unlock growth and investment opportunities in the Freeport area.
Initiated by the previous Government, and with full backing provided by the new administration, the UK Freeports programme is designed to boost economic activity, jobs and innovation in areas that, historically, have been under funded.
As part of a package of measures to drive growth, £25 million seed capital funding was allocated to each English Freeport to address infrastructure gaps in Freeport locations and create the right physical conditions to encourage private sector investment.
Plymouth and South Devon Freeport has successfully been awarded its full £25 million from Government, with seed capital funded projects either already underway or due to start soon.
Read the full story on the news page of our website.
Alcohol is linked with more than 60 health conditions, including liver disease, high blood pressure, depression and seven types of cancer. Cutting back on alcohol long-term reduces your risk of developing these conditions.
Dry January® is about taking a break, living better and feeling better. Just 31 days without alcohol can have some amazing benefits, such as sleeping better, saving money and improving your mental health.
Research has shown that Dry January® has a longer term impact and helps people to drink more healthily year-round, with many participants experiencing significantly improved wellbeing and continuing to drink less alcohol six months later.
You can join the one million people who have downloaded the free Try Dry® app since 2019. It helps you track and set goals, and monitor your wellbeing. Take control of your Dry January® and double your chance of having a totally alcohol-free month.
Read the full story on the news page of our website.
 And finally...
From all of us here 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 2025 on Friday 10 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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