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20th November 2025
Your weekly newsletter from Devon Family Hubs, Early Help, and Partnerships at Devon County Council (DCC).
This newsletter is your go-to source for the latest training opportunities, events and resources designed to support professionals working with families across Devon. We also share helpful signposting and family activities to help you connect the people you support with the right services at the right time.
If you have something to share—whether it’s an event, a resource - or if there’s anything we can do to support you and your community, we’d love to hear from you!
📧 Email us at: business.earlyhelppartnership-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
The latest news, updates and important info from Devon Family Hubs and Early Help.
IMPORTANT: Spy Dogs/Pups and Spy Cat books written by Andrew Cope compromised
We have been made aware of the following information regarding a set of children’s books. The books involved are the series Spy Dogs/Pups and Spy Cat books written by Andrew Cope. These books contain a link to a website which contains highly pornographic content. The book asks children to explore the website to find more about the characters in the book. It appears the website identified (on the back or inside page) has now been compromised and takes users to a pornographic website with no age verification.
Y-smart YP Drugs and Alcohol Practitioner Vacancy
An exciting opportunity to join a dynamic service working with young drug users across Devon. We are looking for full-time young people’s drug and alcohol practitioner who will be required to engage, assess, care plan and intervene with young people and young adults, who are experiencing difficulties with drugs and alcohol misuse.
Young People's Drug & Alcohol Practitioner | Apply Now
SaFest 2025 – book your place now!
Young Devon’s Barnstaple YES
Please take a look at the latest time table for Young Devon’s Barnstaple YES hub
Young Devon | Changing the odds in favour of young people
Children & Family Health Devon - Body image workshops
Children & Family Health Devon - Body Image Workshops
The aim of these videos is to provide some information around what body image is, why it is important and how we can all do things to promote a positive environment around body image.
These videos are designed so anyone who watches them, whether children, young people or adults, can gain some knowledge and practical things to do to create a supportive body image environment. It will also provide some tools for those that are worried about their body image and are starting to notice it affecting their lives.
Drug Intel Form
The form informs Public Health Devon of drug intelligence that is causing concern and warrants further investigation due to the harms reported. Professionals can use this form to submit any drug intel to the public health team
Workshops, webinars and CPD sessions to help you grow your skills and support families
Practitioner Forums
Devon Family Hubs Practitioner Forum.
The next Practitioner Forum will be on Monday 8th December – 10am to 12noon – Supporting Financial Resilience in Families. Previous forums are also available.
https://www.devonscp.org.uk/early-help/early-help-information-for-workers/early-help-resources-and-downloads/
16 DAYS OF ACTION IN DEVON: 25 NOV – 10 DEC
16 Days of Action is an annual, global campaign that calls for an end to gender-based violence. The campaign takes place between the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) and World Human Rights Day (10 December).
To mark 16 Days of Action in Devon this year, organisations and services are hosting a series of events and activities that bring communities together, raise awareness, and helps to end violence against women and girls.
Full details of events, including booking links and further information about the 16 Days of Action campaign in Devon is available on the Safer Devon website.
This year, we will also be running a social media campaign focussing on a different theme each day where we will share resources and further information.
We encourage everyone to take part, sign up to events and training, and follow us on social media.
Train4Tomorrow - Skills Bootcamp Courses
Train4Tomorrow's free* skills bootcamps are designed to help adults across Devon gain in-demand skills and fast-track into new careers.
Whether you're looking to retrain, return to work, or progress in your current role, these flexible courses are built around real employer needs.
Over 30 courses are available, funded by Devon County Council, including:
- Project Management (PRINCE2 and Agile)
- AI for Workplace Productivity
- Pathways into Bricklaying, Plumbing and Electrical
- Electric Vehicle Charger Installation
- Early Years and Education
- And many more!
*Employers looking to upskill their staff receive up to 90% towards course costs.
DWP Disability Services Awareness
The Disability Services Advocacy Team deliver upskilling sessions for external charities and organisations on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance Child (DLAc), Industrial Injuries and Disablement Payment (IIDB), and Access to Work (AtW).
We also offer sessions on DWP Disability Services support for SEND Schools, Colleges and Support Organisations, Disability Services Appointees and Other Payee’s and in November we are hosting a new session on Access to Work Payments. This new AtW session covers reasonable adjustments, the Health Adjustment passport (HAP), what Access to Work is, what it can fund, eligibility and how to complete claim forms.
Please note registration via Eventbrite is required to attend a session.
Personal Independence Payment
This session covers what PIP is, eligibility criteria and the customer journey when making a claim, including the assessment process. There will be opportunity for Q&A at the end of the session.
Access to Work Payments:
This session covers reasonable adjustments, the Health Adjustment passport (HAP), what Access to Work is, what it can fund, eligibility and how to complete claim forms. There will be opportunity for Q&A at the end of the session.
DWP Disability Services support for SEND Schools, Colleges and Support Organisations
We will be covering Disability Living Allowance for Children and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) focusing on the transition between the two when a child reaches the age of 16. The session also includes how AtW can help and support following secondary education when moving into employment.
Appointees and Other Payee’s
This online session covers what an appointee is, the requirements of the role, and the process to follow to become an appointee as well introducing Personal and Corporate Personal Acting Bodies.
The session covers appointee and payees in relation to disability services. There will be Q&A at the end of the session.
NFS - Training for professionals - SafeLives
Learn to better spot the signs, assess risk, and evidence NFS correctly. Delivered in partnership with fellow experts from the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS).Introductory sessions (non-interactive)
Sector-specific advanced sessions (interactive)*
Please note you must have attended a webinar or completed our eLearning prior to attending an advanced course.
A round-up of local events, groups and activities for families
Alongside Approach training
Are you a parent in Devon who wants to support other parents?
We still have spaces on our Alongside Approach training and it’s currently completely free of charge! 🎉
If you live or work in Devon, you can join this fully funded programme. It’s 12 days of training (all online), giving you the skills, confidence and support to walk alongside families who might be struggling.
The training includes:
✨ Peer Support Worker Training (8 days) - building safe, compassionate skills to support others
✨ Alongside Approach (4 days) - exploring Parental Minds’ ethos in practice: creating safe spaces, improving communication, managing emotions, avoiding burnout and expressing emotions in helpful ways.
What you’ll get:
✔ Training and resources to help you support others
✔ A supportive peer supervision sessions
✔ Access to Parental Minds’ guides and Thrive directories
Any questions please ask, or sign up here:
https://bit.ly/AlongsideRegistration
www.parentalminds.org.uk
Parental Minds Support Text Line: 07907 614516
Connecting Moments, SEND Digital Peer Support Group
I’m pleased to share details of a new initiative launching through our Family Hub network: Connecting Moments, a SEND Digital Peer Support Group starting on 12th December 2025.
This group is designed to provide a safe, welcoming space for parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to:
- Connect with others and build supportive relationships
- Share experiences and ideas
- Access local services and resources
- Feel less isolated and more empowered
Unlike a professional forum, these sessions focus on peer support, enabling families to learn from each other and feel part of a community.
First Session Details
📅 Date: 12th December 2025 💻 Format: Online 👥 Spaces: Limited to 15 parents/carers to ensure a comfortable, supportive environment
Topics for the first session:
- School attendance and building positive relationships
- Taking my child out in the community and avoiding isolation
Future topics will be shaped by parent feedback and pre-session questions, ensuring the group reflects families’ needs.
We believe this initiative will strengthen connections between families and local services, and we’d love your support in promoting and shaping its success.
Winter 2025 Holiday Activities & Food Programme
We are delighted to let you know that our Winter 2025 Holiday Activities & Food Programme is now live and there are plenty of spaces available for children in Devon. This year we also have some opportunities for family pantomime tickets available to book via the booking system and, as always, a wide range of fantastic provision for all eligible families. We're now taking bookings for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme for this Winter - News
Here is the link to the Booking System https://eequ.org/devonhaf please have a look you can also view, the schemes using a map as well.
Some schemes this year also include hampers, and all provide either a hot or cold nutritious meal, alongside a variety of physical activities.
If you have any questions, please get in touch - haf@devon.gov.uk
Digital Skills Devon - drop in sessions
Diptford Parent, Baby and Toddler Group
For families from around Totnes/Ivybridge/local villages. With a fabulous Forest School on site, see what Diptford can offer.
We often run Stay & Play sessions, to give visitors a flavour of our outdoor learning facilities.
Families in Grief - November 2025 Children's Group dates
SEN Coffee Morning - for parents and carers with children who have SEND
Wesley’s Café in Budleigh Salterton Tuesdays from 9.30 – 11.30
This is a new group set up by the Family Hub and Millwater school. It was recognised that there is a need for a SEN peer support group for parents who have children with additional needs.
This provides:
- Shared experiences: Parents can connect with others who truly understand the challenges and joys of raising a child with SEND.
- Reduced isolation: Many parents feel alone or misunderstood. Peer groups offer a safe space to talk openly without judgment.
- Empowerment: Hearing others’ stories of resilience can inspire hope and confidence
- Navigating systems: Parents often struggle with education, healthcare, and social services. Peer groups can offer tips and guidance based on lived experience.
- Access to resources: Members often share useful contacts, funding opportunities, therapies, and local services.
- Awareness raising: Peer groups often help educate the wider community and professionals about SEND issues.
- Friendships and networks: These groups often lead to lasting relationships that extend beyond the meetings.
- Confidence building: Parents gain confidence in their own knowledge and ability to support their child.
- Celebrating successes: It’s a space to share milestones and achievements that others might overlook.
At the SEN coffee morning, we are committed to making it easier for families to access the help and advice they need. To achieve this, we’ve introduced multi-agency drop-in sessions, inviting local organisations to come in and share their services directly with our community.
So far, we’ve been joined by:
- DIASS (Devon Information Advice and Support Service)
- The Esteem Team
- Citizens Advice
These visits have already made a real difference, leading to several referrals and signposting families to the right services quickly and effectively. By bringing agencies together under one roof, we’re creating a space where families can get the right support without the stress of navigating multiple systems.
We look forward to welcoming more partners in the coming weeks and continuing to build a strong network of support for our community.
Please contact Gemma on
gcorry@millwater.devon.sch.uk
Mental Health and Recovery Drop Ins
Devon Mental Health Alliance | Working together for better mental health
View our full timetable at: mentalhealthdevon.co.uk/learning-network/drop-ins
Story Bears - mixed age story sessions
We connect exciting story telling with related games, songs and play to create wonderful moments in your child’s week! Sessions are mixed age for children 4 years and below.
Braunton Parent Carer's Support Sessions
Annie's Stay and Play offers a variety of engaging sessions, each designed to provide unique experiences for our participants. From bouncy castles to role play, there's something for everyone! Click below to discover more about each session and find the perfect fit for you and your little ones.
Useful resources, services and support options and signposting
Safeguarding one minute guides
Useful one minute guides on a range of topics from neglect, domestic abuse, drugs, knife crime and more
Rights for Children Training
Please review the Devon Safeguarding Children Partnerships for any upcoming Rights for Children Training Dates
Multicultural Devon News
The quarterly newsletter of the Migration and Resettlement Team at Devon County Council (DCC). Our newsletter shares information about cultural events and celebrations, learning English, anti-racism initiatives, No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) and much more. It is also an opportunity to celebrate Devon’s multiculturalism and to emphasise that DCC is here to support all residents of Devon.
Bitesize Multi-Agency Learning Action Sets available
They are suitable for anyone working or volunteering with children, young people and families, and align with the Children’s Social Care Pillars (Purposeful Contacts, Analysing Risk, Planning, Voice of the Child, Partnership Working and Recording)
My Way
SUPPORT FOR YOUR EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
We know reaching out isn’t always easy, but you’re not alone. Whether you’re a young person looking for help, or a parent, carer or GP looking for more information, we are here to listen and support you.
Our Wellbeing service and has been running for over 20 years. Our team are experienced, will listen, offer information and talk about some options with you.
Tiny Happy People
- CBeebies Parenting provides top tips, activity ideas, games, advice and content backed by trusted experts.
- For all stages of parenting: parents-to-be to starting school
Got something to shout about? Let us know and we’ll include it in a future issue!
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