Friday 8 August 2025
 Join the Conversation on Devon’s Future!
This week, we've been in Barnstaple and Newton Abbot talking to members of the public about the government's plans to reorganise how local services are delivered across Devon.
The government wants to abolish two-tier authorities - County Councils and District Councils - and replace them with single unitary councils, some led by Mayors.
People we've spoken to this week have been concerned about what a large unitary council would mean for local decision making. They've also talked about the disparity in wealth and opportunity between Devon's urban centres and the county's more rural communities, questioning how any reorganisation could benefit the majority rather than favour a minority.
We'd like to hear what you think and what your priorities are, so that we can put forward a proposal to government in November that reflects the opinions of people right across the whole of Devon.
Next week, we'll be at Crediton Library on Tuesday 12 August between 9:30am and 11:30am; and at the Higher Bullring in Cullompton on Thursday 14 August between 10am and 2pm.
Come along to learn more about what the changes could mean for your community, share your views in our quick survey and meet your local representatives and ask questions.
 Want to know more?
We published a special edition of this newsletter to explain in an easy-to-understand way what's changing in local government and why it's changing. If you missed it in your Inbox, you can read it online.
We are giving Devon residents additional tools to help them stop smoking simply just by reaching into their pockets. If you are ready to stop smoking, you can join thousands of others and sign up now for funded access to all the premium features in the Smoke Free app.
Last week we held our annual Mockingbird celebration event at County Hall in Exeter, bringing together foster families, children, and the Fostering Devon team to reflect on the success of the Mockingbird model in building strong, supportive communities. The event highlighted powerful “Mockingbird Moments” from the past three years, with fun activities for children and heartfelt stories of connection and growth.
A new split-level landing stage has been installed at the Grand Western Canal near Holbrook Bridge, improving access for powered boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
NHS Devon is encouraging residents and visitors to visit their local community pharmacy for fast, expert treatment for seven common ailments such as insect bites and sore throats.
Stop using certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes
The government's UK Health Security Agency and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are urging people to stop using certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes and to dispose of them, as they may be contaminated with Burkholderia stabilis.
The following products have been found to be affected:
- ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
- Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
 The Exeter Science Centre at Exeter Library
Don’t miss Exeter Science Centre’s return to Exeter Library this August. On Monday 18 August from 10am to 4pm, they’ll be filling the library foyer with ocean science activities from tracking currents to exploring marine life under the microscope. No need to book, just go along and get involved.
Dartmoor National Park Authority is asking campers to show more respect after seeing destructive 'fly camping' in some places, including abandoned tents, scorched earth, and beer cans left behind.
Remember to do your T.R.I.P. checks, before setting off on your long journey:
- Top up on fuel, oil and screen wash
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Rest every 2 hours
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Inspect tyre pressure and tread
- Prepare for the weather during your journey
Intercom Trust is looking for LGBT+ parents of children under 5 years old, who have received support from a health visitor in Devon (excluding Plymouth and Torbay). They will be hosting an online focus group in September for parents to share their experiences and ideas for improving this service. If you are interested in participating, please contact them by emailing helpline@intercomtrust.org.uk
Spiking in any form is a criminal offence, and there are serious consequences for anyone that does it. If you’re out and about and think you have been spiked, tell a trusted friend or a member of staff. Once you are safe, report it to the police.
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