As concerns continue over the spread of the Delta variant, first identified in India, latest government figures show that there are fewer than five confirmed cases in each of Teignbridge, Torbay and Plymouth while Exeter has five and other neighbouring authorities none.
In addition to vaccination and testing, maintaining the 'hands face space fresh air' practices will also help keep you safe.
Public Health England has published a 'Safe Return to Schools' blog' to support parents.
In addition to delivering vaccines, GP practices have continued to meet the health needs of their patients. According to Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), over the last 12 months in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay there have been:
- More than four million face to face appointments in general practice
- More than two million telephone consultations
- More than 500,000 online consultations
Devon CCG has published an open letter to people in Devon, urging them to use the right service for their needs and to bear with the very busy NHS services in the region.
Before contacting your GP, you can look up your symptoms online using the NHS App, the NHS choices website or 111 online. Alternatively, you can seek help from your local pharmacists who are trained experts and have a range of over-the-counter medicines for minor ailments.
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Hardship fund expanded to help those with council tax arrears
Despite the prospect of final lockdown rules being lifted later this month, for many people the impact of Covid is still being felt and our Covid-19 Hardship Fund is there to help people who have been financially affected by the pandemic, who have run out of cash to meet essential requirements.
As circumstances change the needs of those who require financial support also changes.
That is why we have expanded the Hardship Fund to be able to help anyone with Council Tax arrears, whose income has been directly affected as a result of Covid 19. If you are struggling to make ends meet, why not see if the Hardship Fund can help you?
A fact sheet shows where people can get help and support.
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Mobile Booster Voucher Scheme
If you live in a rural community and have poor indoor mobile coverage then you may be able to benefit from a voucher scheme run by Connecting Devon and Somerset.
Households and businesses can apply for an £800 voucher which can be used to buy a mobile signal booster which helps improve indoor 4G mobile coverage.
Applicants need to research suppliers to find out which one is best for them and who can install in their area, as well as redeeming the voucher directly with the supplier.
The Connecting Devon and Somerset website provides more information and an application form.
The scheme is funded through the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership’s (HotSWLEP) Growth Deal.
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#BackTheFuture Climate Challenge
 Noon on Tuesday is the deadline for three projects to take part in a unique 24-hour Crowdfunding challenge and win prizes of up to £10,000.
The initiative led by Devon County Council, Crowdfunder and Devon Climate Emergency is part of the part of the #BackTheFuture Live: Devon Climate Challenge event and coincides with tomorrow’s World Environment Day (5 June)
To apply, simply complete the form on the Crowdfunder website explaining in 100 words your carbon-cutting project and saying how you believe it can play a part in tackling climate change.
Three chosen projects will then take part in a 24-hour Crowdfunding challenge to raise as much money as possible for their project and impress a panel of judges to win a share of an additional £10,000 of funding. Each project will also receive 1-2-1 coaching from the Crowdfunder team leading up to the final, which will take place on Thursday 8 July.
Find out about the #BackTheFuture Devon Climate Challenge and whether your project is eligible on the Crowdfunder website.
End of June grant deadline
Applications for business restart grants will close at the end of this month but it is not too late for businesses to apply for them.
Restart grants provide one-off payments to business rate-paying businesses that rely on delivering in-person services for the general public, in the non-essential retail and hospitality, leisure, personal care and accommodation sectors.
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Applications open for digital funding
The Thomas Wall Trust has opened the latest round of their Digital Skills Programme to equip adults with basic digital skills for work and life.
Charities and other not-for-profit organisations with an annual turnover of less than £500,000 can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects working with disadvantaged adults to improve their basic digital skills and increase their employment prospects.
Priority will be given to match-funded projects and organisations working in collaborative networks.
The deadline for expressions of interest is the 25 June.
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Estuary Trail planning application submitted
We are supporting Devon County's proposals to develop a 5km section of multi-use trail between Passage House Inn in Newton Abbot and the A381 at La Roche Maurice Walk, east of Bishopsteignton.
The trail will also include a shared-use path connecting from the A381 to the junction near Morrisons supermarket, at the western edge of Teignmouth. Further design work is being undertaken on this link which does not require planning permission.
A consultation about the proposals at the end of last year attracted more than 3,000 responses, with 92% of those who responded supporting the proposed route for the latest section.
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New link road underway
Work has started on the first phase of a new link road on the outskirts of Newton Abbot to help support economic growth in South Devon.
The £4.5 million scheme, which will enable developments planned for the Houghton Barton area, forms the first part of the road which will eventually link the A382 at Forches Cross to the A383 at Hele Park.
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Local plan consultation set
The Executive this week approved proposals for an eight-week consultation on the second phase of the Local Plan, to begin at noon on 14 June and run until noon on 9 August.
Local people will be able to give their views on around 100 sites identified as places where future housing and/or employment could be provided as part of our Local Plan. The consultation will help Teignbridge to put forward the most suitable of sites, and ensure a managed more approach to the housebuilding requirements set by the government.
Final documents will be published on our website at the start of consultation on 14 June and paper copies will be available in public buildings including libraries and through town and parish councils.
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Could you be a volunteer driver?
East Teignbridge Community Transport has launched a new recruitment video involving local group Maddy and the Chaps in a bid to recruit more Dawlish Community transport drivers.
The three-minute video is a first for the organisation and can be viewed on YouTube or on their Facebook page.
If you think you can be a volunteer driver please get in touch with them.
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Share your transport thoughts
Exeter Chamber is looking to the future of transport - one of the biggest polluting sectors that needs to be tackled if we’re to hit our net zero targets.
The Future of Transport survey is designed to gather information on important topics including travel to work, public transport needs, active travel and how people can make more sustainable travel choices. The survey data will be used to evaluate the changing landscape for travel, to help make decisions and give them the authority to lobby for improvements.
Take 5 minutes to complete the survey and you could be in with the chance of winning FREE membership with Co Cars and a Stagecoach bus pass. The survey closes on 21 June.
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