It’s not too late to have your free NHS flu vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.  Due to the current increase in the rates of flu and other respiratory infections, extra drop-in clinics are running for those eligible to get their free NHS flu vaccine and/or their seasonal COVID-19 booster vaccination.  Pregnant women, and those aged 75-79 and people who turned 80 after 1 September 2024, are also encouraged to take up the offer of Respiratory syncytial virus vaccination, which helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus, commonly referred to as RSV.  RSV can make young babies and older adults seriously ill, and protection is passed on to babies through the placenta when the vaccination is taken up during pregnancy.  Protect your loved ones this Christmas The NHS in Devon is encouraging those eligible to come forward for their vaccination ahead of Christmas. During the holidays we all spend more time indoors and socialise more, making it easier for viruses to spread and putting those more vulnerable at increased risk.  A comprehensive vaccination programme has been underway in Devon since the beginning of September, seeing high numbers of clinics being offered…

AS the first sub-zero nights hit Exeter, local homelessness charity St Petrock’s have issued a clear warning that homelessness and rough sleeping in the city is likely to reach the highest levels ever this winter. Two main factors have led to this impending crisis: the decision by Devon County Council to end its support for homeless prevention and support services, and excessive delays in Westminster announcing details of the Labour government’s strategy for tackling homelessness and rough sleeping, together with the associated funding that will be made available to local councils for the new financial year. Peter Stephenson, Chief Executive of St Petrock’s, explained, “This winter, people at risk of homelessness in Devon are facing a perfect storm. “The most immediate and obvious challenge is Devon County Council’s decision to completely axe all funding for homelessness prevention services from April, despite the fact that most rough sleepers have adult social care needs. “This means that the services which relied on this funding are either closing completely or are having to tighten their criteria for who they will house due to reduced staffing levels. “We are already seeing the impact of this, with record numbers of…

If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, you may have noticed that the housing market in the South West has cooled over the past year. Homes are still selling, but it’s taking longer, and sellers aren’t seeing the same rush of offers that appeared during the post-lockdown boom. Higher mortgage rates and fewer people relocating from big cities mean buyers are being more cautious, and many are waiting to see what happens next. So what does this mean for sellers across Devon? Essentially it means timing and strategy matter more than before. When the property market feels slow and unpredictable, you really need to think about what you need from the sale – that means looking at your motivation and prioritising what’s important to you. Is it important that you get a quick sale for example, or is getting the best price the thing? People do still want to move to Devon Just not as quickly! The South West is always going to be popular because of its coast, countryside and slower pace of life. That hasn’t changed and isn’t about to any time soon. 
12 Beautiful Villages in Devon You Should Move To…

As the festive season rolls around, you might find yourself falling into the same old routines year after year. There’s comfort in tradition but sometimes it can feel like the magic has worn off a little. Switching up your festive traditions can bring fresh excitement and make this year’s celebrations feel extra special. There are plenty of ways to inject a little novelty into the season without losing the essence of what you love. Introduce a new twist on a tradition Maybe you’re all about the family game night or watching that one classic film on Christmas Eve. Why not add a quirky twist to keep things lively? If you’ve always done a big family dinner, consider swapping the traditional menu for something a little unexpected such as a fondue night, where everyone dips their favourite ingredients into melted cheese or chocolate. You can also modernise some old favourites. If you love your daily dose of festive countdown, why not explore new flavours with a tea advent calendar and create a moment of calm amidst the busy season? Mix up the location or timing If you’re used to celebrating Christmas Day in your home,…

Second-hand. It’s an excellent opportunity for car-buying for a wide range of reasons. As such, rather than always buying new, many of us opt for a used vehicle instead. However, while there are many awesome benefits of this strategy, it also comes with unique risks. Being aware of these is crucial to help you make the right choice for your next car purchase, too. Important Factors to Check When Buying a Second-Hand Car Purchasing a used car isn’t a two minute decision. Indeed, while we all like to hope that our chosen cars will be legit, this isn’t always the case. And, as the old saying goes: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. To this end, if you’re thinking of going down the second-hand route, always do your due diligence; that applies both to glaring external faults and more subtle factors that often get overlooked. And remember, used cars often don’t have warranties, and they may need repair work. The following are just some of the most common hidden costs you could incur with second-hand. Look at the Brakes! One of the biggest early costs many people will have with…