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The latest news in your community

True happiness can be found in the tiniest of things…

In a world that can seem filled with division and bad news, Councillor Rosie Dawson, Chair of Teignbridge District Council, will be holding a community exhibition by the people of Teignbridge to celebrate those tiny things that bring us happiness.

Rosie is looking for residents to share what makes them happy to connect with others across Teignbridge and celebrate our shared passions and values.

Entries can be in the form of a poem, drawing, painting, sculpture, or model and should reflect the theme “something that makes me happy”.

We would love for schools and community organisations to get involved and experience their work featuring in the exhibition at Old Forde House, Newton Abbot.

The exhibition will take place on Thursday 20 March to celebrate International Day of Happiness.

If you would like to take part, please submit a brief description of your entry by Friday 7 February 2025. Entries will need to be delivered in person to Forde House, Teignbridge District Council offices on Monday 17 March or Tuesday 18 March (between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm).

For more information about the exhibition, submit an entry, or to request a visit from the chair of the council to engage with your students and members ChairsEvents@teignbridge.gov.uk

Council news

One Teignbridge strategic plan approved

Our long-term strategy One Teignbridge was approved by Councillors at Full Council last week (14 January 2025).

The strategy identifies five clear priorities based on feedback from our communities: Community, Economy, Environment, Homes, and Infrastructure and sets out how we will focus our efforts on these areas

It also details how we will work with communities across the district to make sure our work focusses on what’s important to residents and businesses, and how our projects and services will deliver on these priorities. 

The strategy was compiled after extensive consultation with hundreds of residents, community groups, voluntary organisations and businesses across Teignbridge, and by analysing detailed data about the district.

We will now develop an action plan showing detailed information on how we will achieve these priorities and measure their progress.

Have your say on how we spend our budget

Over 450 people have already completed our online budget survey to help us understand which services are important to you.

With rising costs, reduced government funding, and tight finances, we’re asking for input on which services should be prioritised in the budget and how to address any budget shortfalls - whether through making savings, reducing non-essential services, generating additional income, or raising council tax.

Our short online survey takes just a few minutes to complete and the results will play a crucial role in the annual budget setting process.

Consultation closes at midday on Monday 3 February 2025.

We're hiring - come and join us!

Full details of all vacancies and closing dates for applying are on our jobs portal or follow us on LinkedIn.

Other news

Last chance for £1 bus journeys

Tomorrow, Saturday 25 January, is your last chance to travel across Devon and Torbay by bus for just £1 per journey.

Open to all, the initiative is designed to encourage more people to use the bus for leisure to explore their local area, visit family and friends and enjoy the stunning coast and countryside across Devon.

The Super Saturday fare is available when boarding at any stop in Torbay and Devon.

Learning from genocide for a better future

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) on 27 January 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.

This year's theme is 'For a Better Future' and the day provides an opportunity for people to come together, learn about the past, and take actions to make a better future for all.

Events are taking place across Exeter and Torbay to mark the day.

Learn new skills this year

If you are hoping to develop your skills, gain a qualification or learn something new, have a look at the courses available from Learn Devon.

Learn Devon offer a wide range of free courses and qualifications. As well as GCSEs and functional skills they now offer courses for those interested in career changes or boosting their employment prospects, including:

• Digital Skills and IT
• Skills & Development
• English and maths courses
• ESOL for overseas nationals
• Qualifications (GCSEs or Functional Skills)
• And more...

Find out more about courses and enrol on the Learn Devon website, or call the team on 0345 155 1014 (Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 17:00).

Sharing special moments with your child

Did you know that 90% of a child's brain growth happens before the age of five? The more we chat, play and read with our kids, the more we help build their brains. Anytime, anywhere, whether at home or out and about, it all adds up.

There’s no need to buy lots of toys or have big days out. Wherever you are, simply chatting back and forth, answering your child’s questions and sharing special moments together all help their brain to grow and develop secure and strong connections. Just what they need to get off to the right start at school.

The Start for Life website is packed with simple ideas from other parents on how to build these little moments into each day. It includes lots of examples of tips and activities for you to do together with your child at different ages, as well as links to find further support in your local area.

This short video explains how children’s brains develop during the early years, and the crucial role parents play through all the little moments they spend together with their child. 

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