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Local women’s charity and family centre celebrates Ofsted achievement

Trevi, the leading women’s charity in Devon, is delighted to announce that its Daff odil Family Centre has been awarded a ‘Good’ Ofsted Rating on its very fi rst inspection. The Daff odil Family Centre, which opened its doors in early 2020, is a national parenting assessment centre based in Plymouth. It off ers a strength-based parenting assessment that aims to support the parent to identify what changes they need to make to keep their child safe. The team strives to deliver a professional, empathetic service, and one in which all their residents can have their individual needs heard and respected. This is achieved by the hard work of Daff odil’s expert team, which comprises of two social workers, a team of family support workers, and a clinical psychologist; headed up by the highly experienced service manager Margaret Bersey. The staff are incredibly proud to be recognised for their work at the centre in such a short space of time. Margaret said: ‘We are so very pleased that all the work, understanding and huge human eff ort that happens here at Daff odil every single day and night, to safeguard children’s futures, has been recognised by Ofsted. Achieving a good standard throughout all aspects of the inspection shows my team’s dedication. ‘Our top priority is always making sure the needs of the children are met for a happy, fulfi lling childhood, and we will continue to put them at the centre of all we do.’ Ofsted recognised the approach that Daff odil have to their family assessments and commented: ‘The environment at the centre is warm and welcoming. Parents spoke highly of the facilities and the support they received. The staff team is highly skilled, with many staff members having a breadth of experience in social care and associated roles.’ While undergoing assessment at Daff odil, mothers are encouraged to use the therapeutic services on off er at Trevi’s Sunfl ower Women’s Centre, less than a fi veminute walk away. Many mothers who have come through Daff odil have continued to engage with these services. Kayleigh spent time at Daff odil with her son. Since then, she has continued to access support services at Sunfl ower, achieving her Peer Mentoring qualifi cation. Kayleigh said: ‘I was so anxious when I went to Daff odil, but I soon realised I didn’t need to worry. The staff were so welcoming, all they wanted to do was support you to be the best parent you can be.’ You can read the report for yourself in full on the Ofsted website, or for more information contact communications@trevi. org.uk org.uk

Derriford NICU baby returns 18 years later

Dr James Rowe with Tom

A man who spent two months on Derriford’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), has returned to say thank you almost 18 years later. Tom Rowe, who was born prematurely in April 2004, was treated by NICU staff before being allowed home a few months later. Going full circle, his brother, Dr James Rowe, has just completed a placement within the NICU and invited Tom in to say thank you for the support and care their family had received. James said: ‘I especially want to thank all of the staff on NICU and Transitional Care Ward for welcoming me to such an amazing team, it really has been an honour to work with everyone. NICU has had such a positive impact for my family with Tom being a patient there and it’s really special to come full circle and work here too.’ Tom, who now works as an apprentice at Babcock, spent two months in the NICU at Derriford after being born at 30 weeks gestation which is 10 weeks preterm. His mum, Ann-Marie spoke about how she is grateful for the care her family received during that time. ‘It was a scary time, but all of the staff were there for each one of us. Every step of the way we felt safe and cared for; part of the NICU family. We cannot thank them enough.’ Tom’s return to the unit was made extra special as he was joined by staff from the department who cared for him and supported his family all those years ago. Neonatal Nurse Consultant, Roisin McKeon-Carter said: ‘It is a privilege to care for preterm babies and their families. Neonatal services is a special place to work and many of the staff who cared for Tom 18 years ago are still working here today, including his consultant neonatologist, Dr John Madar, Matron Katie Hoffman and Outreach Sensor Sister Jo Bennet. It is lovely to see the fruits of our labour in Tom, a healthy 18 year old who is starting out on his career in Babcock.’ Roisin contiued: ‘NICU is one of the best places to be a nurse and doctor in Derriford and we are delighted that Tom’s big brother was inspired at the age of seven to become a doctor and care for preterm babies and their families. I call it succession planning.’

Shaugh Prior Village Hall is open for business!

The hall is home to very popular Plymouth Playgroup, Travel Club, keep fit classes, Silverthreads, Food Lovers clubs and many more. Shaugh Prior’s exciting Platinum Jubilee weekend event planning is coming along nicely, contact the committee if you want to know more or can assist in anyway. Recently, the hall hosted an amazing Spanish Evening, organised by Sergio who rented the hall and delivered this brilliant night. Look out for the hall’s coffee morning signs, pop your head in the door and enjoy delicious cake, a chat and always a very warm welcome. Please take a look at the brand new website www. shaughpriorhall.co.uk and check out availability for your function, club or event, email shaughpriorhall@gmail. com or call Cathie on 07478519491.

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Trail fi ndings...

Responses to extension of multi-use trail are being evaluated

Responses are being evaluated following a public consultation on proposals to complete a missing link of a multi-use trail near to the A386 north of Plymouth. Devon County Council is developing plans for a new multi-use trail between the Clearbrook Leat Car Park and Roborough. The existing Drake’s Trail off ers a high quality and well used multi-use route from Tavistock, through Yelverton to the Clearbrook Leat car park, before heading onwards towards the east of Plymouth. However, there is currently no safe, accessible route to the north of the city. The county council is in the early stages of exploring two route options to extend Drake’s Trail between Clearbrook and Roborough, and people were asked to provide their views on the options. The deadline for the public’s views has now passed but responses are being evaluated by the council. Route A is 3.3km in length and heads towards the A386, following Clearbrook Road southwest from Clearbrook Leat car park, before crossing the A386 at Clearbrook junction. It then heads south along the western verge of the A386 to reach Roborough. Route B is away from the road and runs over Dartmoor, but is slightly longer at 3.5km. It follows Clearbrook Road southwest from Clearbrook Leat car park to the existing footpath adjacent to Plymouth Leat. It then heads south along Plymouth Leat and around the South West Water Treatment before crossing fi elds parallel to the A386 to reach Roborough. Third party land would be required for the scheme and relevant planning consent would be needed for construction, with additional permission needed on Dartmoor National Park and Common Land. Funding for the scheme is also yet to be identifi ed. The A386, which currently provides the main travel route between Yelverton and Roborough, isn’t suitable for cyclists or pedestrians as it does not have suitable pavements and is not wide enough to allow cyclists and motor vehicles to share road space. Average daily traffi c fl ows are between 16,000 and 18,000 vehicles and these are likely to increase with housing developments allocated in the Joint Local Plan for the area. Devon County Council Leader John Hart, County Councillor for Bickleigh and Wembury, said: ‘There are some regular cyclists who do currently cycle on the busy A386, but it’s far from ideal for them. This route would provide a much safer route into Plymouth so we’d like to hear from everyone who would consider using it - from the serious cyclist to families who enjoy walking or cycling on days out. This trail would provide enormous benefi ts for commuters as well as those who would use the trail in their leisure time, and from what we’ve seen already with our network of trails across the county, the positive impact of that is good for local businesses and local communities.’

National Highways delivers!

National Highways has completed a scheme to modify a bridge and provide safer and more accessible crossings over the A38 near Plymouth. The company recently marked the completion of a signifi cant £2.89-million scheme to upgrade the Mowhay footbridge, eff ectively joining up with a local cycle route around the city and making it easier for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs to cross the A38. The original bridge was not wide enough to safely accommodate both cyclists and walkers, and work started in June last year to modify both the bridge and ramps to enable it to link up with a recently completed footway/cycleway. As well as the wider deck, the upgrade includes a more manageable gradient, new ramps, steps, fencing and guard rails, new lighting and a new surface water drainage system. By improving the connection between Honicknowle, Weston Mill and St Budeaux further recreational opportunities will be unlocked in Plymouth and commuters will be provided with a new facility enabling them to actively choose an alternative sustainable method of transport. Councillor Jonathan Drean, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: ‘We’re delighted to see the newly improved Mowhay Road bridge open following this substantial investment by National Highways. ‘It provides a key walking and cycling link between communities either side of the A38 and will complement improvements we’re looking to deliver through our Transforming Cities Fund, between the dockyard and city centre, and our Major Roads Network programme. ‘Plymouth’s growing walking and cycling network will help more and more people to choose active travel and supports our Climate Emergency Action Plan commitments.’

Rangers on camera Rangers’ uniform, will be clearly identifi able and will capture moving images and audio. Rangers will trial the devices for 24 months and there will be a review of their eff ectiveness after 18 months. Dartmoor Rangers are now equipped The cameras will be incident-specifi c and won’t be used with a body worn video camera (BWV) for general patrols or duties. and will use these as part of their role. Ranger Team Manager Simon Lee said: ‘Body worn The introduction of BWV is to protect video cameras off ers us an extra layer of protection their health, safety and welfare and will against any anti-social or aggressive behaviour by be used in situations where they may capturing specifi c incidents as they unfold. We hope experience physical or verbal abuse. they will act as a deterrent, but footage could be used The introduction of the technology as evidence to support legal action if it’s considered adds to DNPA’s existing health and appropriate to do so.’ safety policies that support staff and ensure they feel The introduction of BWV was unanimously agreed by safe and secure at work. The camera, worn attached to Dartmoor National Park Authority in January.

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Parish Paths Partnership, Sparkwell council needs your help!

Sparkwell Parish Council is joining the Parish Paths Partnerships Scheme which is an initiative to ensure that the rights of way network within the parish is properly maintained and well publicised. It is funded by Devon County Council to encourage community involvement and enjoyment of public rights of way. The main aim is to improve the condition of the local rights of way and keep them open and used properly. Devon County Council will provide an annual grant of £30 per mile, Sparkwell Parish has 7.6 miles of footpaths and 4.63 miles of bridleway. This means the parish council will receive £366.90 annually to maintain the footpaths and bridleways. What needs to be done? Three councillors for the parish have agreed to manage this task, Gill McEwing, Tina Hutton-Fellowes and Helen Webb. They have mapped all the Rights of Way (ROW) in the parish, each ROW has its own number and then presented this information on a map. They will then need to assess each ROW in order to discover any problems. This will reveal any work that needs to be done such as vegetation clearance, repairing stiles and waymarking. They will then need to address this in consultation with farmers and landowners. Where you can help? When all the ROW’s have been assessed it is hoping that people who regularly walk/ ride a specific ROW will act as link and let the team know if they encounter any problems or have any ideas how the ROW can be improved.

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Contact Gill by email to gain access to the map with all relevant ROWs, or contact Gill if you can help gill.mcewing@outlook.com

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A rewarding but demanding job

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust describes the highs and lows of being a volunteer

For many people, working with animals is a dream job, but in reality, it’s extremely demanding work. Often smelly and dirty - with a dose of heartbreak thrown in for good measure. For anyone thinking that petting puppies and kittens is a wonderful occupation, spare a thought for those bending down to pick up and clean out up to 200 litter trays a day, sluicing out the runs during early morning walkies and the mountain of food and water dishes created by seventeen diff erent species. Even walking the dogs can be a challenge, with quite a few arriving without having been properly lead trained. Big dogs can pull you over while little ones can trip and tangle. Registered dog walkers, like experienced volunteer Robert Brimacombe, are an enormous help. They not only provide exercise and time out from the kennels, but also important feedback on temperament and social skills. Not just on the lead, but also during ‘zoomies’ time with other dogs around the sanctuary’s huge, enclosed fi eld. One to one contact with troubled pets is gratefully welcomed by hard pressed staff members too. Cattery cleaning is a particularly arduous task, and a ripe one fi rst thing in the morning. ‘Banging out’ litter trays ready for cleaning and refi lling seems endless, especially in Sunnyside, The Mews and Cosy Cats retirement units. These are home to elderly, chronically ill and incontinent seniors that can enjoy free sanctuary range and companionship if so desired. Their aim is not generally good and some even forget what trays are meant for. Enhancing both retirement and adoption units are vibrant knitted or crochet blankets. Unlike the off ered duvets Woodside is forced to decline, these are very easy to wash and dry. They are made by a team of devoted ladies like Trish Andrew, who also creates beautiful toys and decorations for sale at events. A bonus is that each adopted cat can go out with a personal blanket to help them settle in a new home and staff love the way they brighten up the pens. The heartbreak mostly arrives when elderly or seriously ill pets reach a point beyond veterinary help. Whenever possible, these are put to sleep at the sanctuary in the arms of someone they are familiar with. It never gets easier.

good and some even forget what trays are meant for. vibrant knitted or crochet blankets. Unlike the off ered duvets Woodside is forced to decline, these are very easy to wash and dry. They are made by a team of devoted ladies like Trish Andrew, who also creates beautiful toys and decorations for sale at events. A bonus is that each

“Registered dog walkers, like experienced volunteer Robert Brimacombe are an enormous help. ”

Flowers for Ukraine

A woman from Woolwell used her knitting prowess to make a staggering £1,307 to help the people in Ukraine. Soraya Lewis-Coleman said: ‘Seeing the Russian tank drive over a car in Ukraine was so shocking and unbelievable, it made me really want to help the lovely people of Ukraine who were fl eeing for their lives.’ A woman from Woolwell asked if anyone could knit sunfl owers to fundraise and Soraya volunteered her expertise. ‘I made a few in traditional colours, then thought, why not do them in the Ukrainian fl ag colours?’ Orders for the fl owers soon came fl ooding in and within six weeks Soraya had raised over £1,000. Her fi rst donation of £350 went to a refugee centre in Poland for 200 Ukrainians. Soraya added: ‘A very big thank you to everyone who has helped me raise such an amazing amount for people they don’t know but do care about.’

Chief Constable announces his retirement

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer has announced his intention to leave Devon and Cornwall Police later this summer and has thanked colleagues past and present for their professionalism, sense of public service and courage. He had originally intended to retire shortly after the G7 Summit but has remained as Chief Constable, with the support and leadership of PCC Alison Hernandez, to see through the initial stages and response to the tragedy in Keyham and the fi rst anniversary on August 12. Having fi rst come to the force in 2010 as deputy chief constable from the Metropolitan Police Service where he began his service in 1986, he was appointed temporary chief constable in 2012 and chief constable, from 2013. Chief Constable Sawyer said: ‘It has been an honour

to be a member of the Devon and Cornwall Police family and a privilege to be Chief Constable. The police family works within the context of a constantly developing and fast-moving society and it is vital that as a service we are able to learn, evolve and improve to keep pace with the communities we serve. In Devon and Cornwall I have seen my offi cers, staff and volunteers rising to that challenge every single day.

‘The purpose of policing, in its most simple form, is to be a member of the public sworn or appointed as an offi cer, member of staff or volunteer, to serve and safeguard other members; even laying down their lives for others. In return they ask for support rather than judgement, acknowledging that as human beings sometimes they strive and fall short. The public allow the police many powers on their behalf and the use of them must be proportionate and fair; their misuse and abuse damages the trust of the public in policing and the force must always be on its guard to protect and raise standards. ‘As Chief Constable I still have a great deal to do between now and my departure, not least supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner in the delivery of her plan whilst she searches for a new Chief Constable to take the force forward.’

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Celebrations for Plymouth Philharmonic Choir

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir got the party started when they raised a glass of fi zz to thank two very special people: Jenny Shepley, their recently retired accompanist of 23 years, and Christopher Fletcher celebrating his 25th anniversary as the choir’s Director of Music. Jenny is an extraordinarily talented accompanist, who took up the role, just for a term, to ‘give it a try’. Thanking Jenny for her years of dedication to the choir and for her hard work and excellence, Christopher Fletcher described their time together as a perfect partnership saying that ‘if I could have designed my own bespoke, choir accompanist the result would have been Jenny’. Christopher Fletcher was appointed in 1996 at a time when fi rst class postage was 26p, the average house price was £53 394, the Spice Girls had their fi rst Number 1 hit ‘Wannabe’, Independence Day was a box offi ce hit, and in the FA Cup fi nal Manchester United beat Liverpool 1:0. Looking back on what seems like a diff erent era, where popularity comes and goes and there has been such a rapid rate of change in the intervening years, one thing that the group is extremely grateful for is Christopher’s unwavering commitment to making the choir the best it can possibly be. His energy and enthusiasm know no bounds and are infectious, making rehearsals a dynamic experience. He has a special ability to instil the emotion and sentiment in the music being learned which have led to so many memorable, moving experiences for audiences at well over 70 major concerts with the choir. Choir president, Brian Gerry, said: ‘The recent performance of Verdi’s Requiem was, in my opinion, one of the highlights of your one of the highlights of your 25 years, if not 25 years, if not the number one! the number one! I look forward I look forward to many more to many more concerts with Christopher, at the helm.’ See our What’s On Listings for details on the choir’s performance choir’s performance in July.

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