Ilfracombe postings

Citizens Advice

It is that time of the year when lights and music brighten the darkened days and people are more demonstrably full of good cheer and generous impulses. It is important to remember and acknowledge those who demonstrate these gifts of giving and caring the year round; one organization that does so much for our community is Citizens Advice: Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon (CA TNMW). At a recent Ilfracombe Town Council meeting, representatives from this group gave an inspiring presentation to the ITC, conveying the many ways they serve our community.

Citizen’s Advice is a national charity based organization that espouses two major goals. The first is to provide information and guidance to help people solve problems and obstacles faced in areas such as health, finances, utilities, accessing public services, and care for their children. Their second goal is campaigning for public policies that foster and improve social equity and societal well-being and fairness. (See link to their website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/)

The local Citizens Advice organization serving Torridge and Devon is affiliated with – and thus utilizes the resources and knowledge base of – the national organization, offering “… free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on all subjects to members of the local community”. The mission of Citizen’s Advice is to “… help you to understand your rights and responsibilities, help you find a way forward and campaign for change on the issues that matter most.” (Source). You can get advice about services through an online portal, by submitting email queries, by utilizing an advice hotline or Web hotline, or even stopping by in person to their offices. The staff is made up of paid staff as well as earnest volunteers committed to helping our community members navigate political and societal complexities. For example, the Macmillan Welfare Benefits Project funds a specialist Welfare Benefits Team aiding those with ‘life limiting illnesses’ in seeking benefits and agency referrals. Other grant funded projects include trained workers ready to help explain rights and responsibilities, and identify resources and strategies, for those experiencing food insecurity, fuel poverty, financial debt, and child support issues.

The annual report evaluating the impact Citizens Advice work has had on the Ilfracombe community was shared with the ITC and revealed a marked difference made in the lives of those who turned to Citizens Advice for aid and guidance. Over 85% of those surveyed indicated CA TNMW services helped them find a way forward, and made possible resolution of their problems. The majority of issues users sought help with related to welfare benefits, utilities and debt issues. The report can be found here: https://citizensadvicetnmwd.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/CA-TNMWD-Ilfracombe-TC-Annual-Report-2024-25.pdf

It is heartening to know so many devote their time, expertise and energies to improve the lives of their fellow community members, including here in Ilfracombe. Find out more about how you can utilize their expertise, and/or how you can contribute to the noble work they do, by going to their website at: https://citizensadvicetnmwd.org.uk/. 

Devon Libraries

Another organization crucial to the well-being of our community is our public library system.  There is currently a survey effort underway to gain your feedback about proposed changes to our library, providing you an opportunity to give your thoughts about proposed changes to library services. This is an opportunity for you to make clear how valuable library services are and give input on planned changes for the future. The deadline for filling out the survey is February 22, 2026. Examples of changes proposed include standardizing opening hours, and reogranizing management of libraries based on geographic location and usage.  Here is a link to the propsed changes: https://devonlibraries.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/v3/whats-changing?step=step1

Here is the link to the survey information and link: https://devonlibraries.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/v3/main-consultation-questions?step=step1. 

Wishing you much joy this holiday season and in the coming New Year!

Photo by David Bartus