Videos

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Torbay Money Matters Centre

• £39,991   Torbay Targetted Support Fund

Open since March, Torbay's Money Matters Centre houses the Bay's first credit union and a free advisory service for people struggling with their finances. Funded by a £39,991 DCF grant, the centre will help the estimated 17,000 people in the area who are financially excluded from accessing high street bank services like overdrafts and loans. "This can result in people using high interest lenders and getting caught in a spiral of debt and repayment charges," says Helen Esjemont, general manager of the Plough and Share Credit Union which already has 3,000 members across Devon. "Joining the Credit Union is real chance for people to seize back control of their finances and bank with an organisation that puts their interests first."

Experts at the centre's advisory service South West Pound helped 59-year old Rosalind access grants and sort through her benefit entitlements after a bereavement. In another example, they negotiated with bailiffs on behalf of 57-year old Mavis who was in rent arrears after being ill. "We have seen a huge increase in the number of people needing advice on debt and how to manage their finances. The new Money Matters centre is fantastic as it provides a one-stop shop for affordable banking and free advice in a great location," says South West Pound's Steve Opie.

Green Force

• £4,500   Grassroots Grants

Green Force helps people with learning difficulties find gardening work at a fair wage. "If our members don't get out to work, they lose confidence and remain dependent," says co-ordinator Christopher Heard. "Some employers need repetitive tasks done which many people don't want to do but people with learning disabilities can enjoy." One beneficiary is 36-year old Mark Ellis: "Having a paid job means a lot to me; I have met new people and gone to different places. One day I would really like a full time paid job and I think I can do it. Greenforce has helped me a lot. I really enjoy going and doing a good job and I like the money!" Green Force received a grant of £4,500 from the Foundation.

Exeter YMCA's Housing Association

• £5,000   Exeter Positive Steps

A job club run by Exeter YMCA's Housing Association that helps people back into work recently opened up to ex-offenders. It has proved so popular that over half its members will be former offenders within the next six months, estimates project coordinator Peter. "Home Office stats show that between 30-50% of ex-offenders are less likely to re-offend if they have a job." The club, awarded £5,000 by DCF last year, is actively targeting city centre businesses and has successfully placed ex-offenders on work experience programs with Sainsbury's and at the University. "We give employers an applicant's full history and real guidance. The private sector's willingness to give these people a chance is very refreshing," says Peter.

Time Bank

• £4,930   Grassroots Grant

Christian convert, Hossein Shahbabaei, his wife Elnz and their two children fled Iran in 2006 because they feared persecution. In what Hossein says was the best day of his life his family recently won permission to stay in their Plymouth home but the four year wait for residency has been challenging. Unable to work due to government rules, Hossein says "the door was opened" by the support of innovative Plymouth charity Time Bank, which encourages asylum seekers to integrate with the community through assisting people - mostly the elderly - for free with everyday tasks. "I've cooked, painted, decorated and made many friends. I've moved furniture and done some basic plumbing, and in each case everyone has been really delighted," says Hossein. The charity, which received a £4,930 DCF grant, also offers English language classes which immigrants can attend with their children. "Until we got the grant most of the administration for TimeBank went through my flat. Now we can rent a room in the church and have a computer," says coordinator Marlene Schuster.

Key Stop Luncheon Club

• £1,000   Grassroots Grant

Loneliness is a major problem for many elderly people - 150,000 of them live alone in Devon.  The Key Stop Luncheon Club in Plymouth is run by volunteers who provide older people in the Keyham area with a three course meal, limitless tea and biscuits and an opportunity to play cards, bingo and get out and meet other people every week. There's also an opportunity for local councillors, Police Community Support Officers and Health Advice Workers to drop in and provide information and listen to concerns. Every August the group runs a "Holiday at Home" initiative which includes food, gentle exercises, quizzes, trips out, talks and activites. A £1,000 grant from the Foundation has helped this to run for a fourth year.    

MOPS  - Shilhay Community 

• £5,000  Grassroots Grant 

Shilhay Community was set up in Exeter in 1967 particularly to assist people who have become homeless. It includes a 45 bed residential resettlement project, 3 shared homes and a street outreach team. Many of the members it supports are coping with other problems like poor mental health, substance abuse, poor family relationships, learning disabilities or are survivors of abuse.

MOP (Meaningful Occupational Projects) is run by Shilhay as a means of providing inspiration, motivation, learning opportunities and ways for members to regain self-esteem and self-confidence and move on with their lives. 

The Foundation's most recent grant helped to fund a photography project, giving some members a chance to explore their creativity and learn new skills. As a result, Steven who took part in the project, is now off benefits and has a job photographing vacant properties for Devon Homes Choice. It even looks like the photography service provided by MOPS could turn into a social enterprise business, providing more opportunities for work for former Shilhay members.

"It's better for me to have something meaningful to do and be appreciated for it...this was something I struggled with before joining MOP and becoming employed again. I was living on my own, not very activite and my social life was poor...now it feels like a whole new world is opening up for me" Steven

"In February 2008, I was homeless, living in a tent and using some of Exeter's soup kitchens. Then I became a member of MOP, what a difference! In atmosphere and attitude, a place where you can begin to reintegrate back into society. They have helped me rebuild my confidence...!" Helena

Web design AB© 2012 Devon Community Foundation

Charity no: 1057923 A company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales. Company no: 3236918

Registered office: Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth. PL1 3AE