The Met Office has issued a severe cold weather warning to last until Monday 12 December, in most parts of England.

With such cold snaps comes increased health risks to vulnerable people especially.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and to look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

If you are struggling to pay for food, bills or other essentials, visit EDDC's Financial Support and Advice Hub ang get in touch. One of our financial resilience officers will be able to look at all the different ways you can get help, depending on your circumstance. 

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Finding the right gifts, preparing the perfect meal, getting the house ready, spending concentrated time with family and costs can cause extra stress over the festive season.

Here's a handy list of suggestions to keep the pressure off, put together by the support charity Relate.

Discuss expectations: Agree spending limits, think about doing 'Secret Santa' for family and/or friends or give presents that don't cost money - make something or wash the car.

It’s OKAY to say NO: Be honest about what you want and why, suggesting alternatives like a 'bring and share' meal instead of doing all the cooking.

Practical prep: Prepare beforehand - make (or buy) food early and wrap presents. Ask family and friends to take on a task.

Delegate: Asking guests to help makes everyone feel involved! If everyone does a little, we can all achieve a lot! 

Defusing tension: Suggest a group walk, letting everyone get some fresh air and space when tension builds. Asking guests to make drinks or help out with the children can also help avoid conflict.

It’s your Christmas too: Christmas Day can go a blur when trying to make it perfect for everyone else. Make sure you have some time to enjoy it.

The support charity Relate has created a Christmas Sanctuary - an online haven you can visit if things get overwhelming or if you just need to take a breath. It includes self-help articles and advice, escapism and relaxation tools to help get you through the festive period. Suggestions include How to decide whose family to spend Christmas with | Relate and Tips for separated parents at Christmas | Relate.

Samaritans has lots of advice for anyone finding things hard this festive season. It's important we check in on ourselves and look after our own wellbeing. There are all sorts of reasons you might find this time of year difficult and that’s OK. They remind us to take time for ourselves, manage social media, plan ahead, reach out, and try a relaxation exercise. If you don’t feel like there’s anyone you can talk to, Samaritans volunteers are here; call free, day or night, on 116 123. 

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is looking for new on-call firefighters to join several of its fire stations across East Devon.

New on-call firefighters are urgently needed at Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary, Seaton, Colyton and Axminster fire stations.

On-call firefighters do the same emergency work as full-time firefighters, but they can also have other jobs too or are around at home.

While on duty, they carry a pager, which activates when they need to attend an incident.

On-call firefighters are paid and will have contracts which means you can agree with the station how many hours of cover you can provide (above the minimum requirement) and when you would be available.

Full training is provided before you go ‘on the run.’

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There will be local festive stalls, music, and yummy food at Ocean this Sunday (11 December). 

A festive Christmas market will be held on the top floor of the venue, on The Esplanade, from 10.30am until 6pm.

The annual event will boast stalls selling cakes, brownies, and all things Christmas!

If you would like to book a stall, or have any questions, feel free to contact Ocean here.

The event will also be showcasing a festive performance from Starting Pointe Dance School.

A special New Year's Eve Party is being held at Exmouth's Ocean this year. 

All are welcome at the big event which will be held in the Ocean suite from 7.30pm on Saturday, December 31. 

Guests will be welcomed with a chilled glass of prosecco upon arrival ready for an evening of entertainment with freshly returned live band 'All Jazzed up' and a live family gameshow (with an array of prizes of course) hosted by the Ocean team. 

Dress code: Fancy dress or dress to impress.

Buy Tickets Here 

Have you downloaded our free East Devon App yet?

Join over 30,000 people using our smartphone app and get simple personalised collection reminders, the latest collection updates and tell us about a missed collection. 

Last minute places left: Family Christmas Crafts at Seaton Wetlands  

We still have spaces on our Christmas crafts event at Seaton Wetland tomorrow (Saturday, 10 December).

Youngsters will be able to enjoy creating and decorating seasonal crafts with the educational ranger, using natural materials and small tools. 

The one-hour session will take place between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

The cost is £3 per child, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Book Here

Local naturalist and wildlife author, Michael Tyler, will be signing copies of his latest book at the Reedbase, Seaton Wetlands, from 11am until 1pm on Friday, 16 December.

As well as meeting Michael, visitors will be able to join free guided walks - one at 11am and one at 12 noon from the Reedbase. Ranger James will take people for a short amble, visiting bird hides to view winter visitors. Hundreds of birds flock to Seaton Wetlands in the winter to feed and rest before heading back to their breeding grounds in the spring.

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