Compassionate Cafe
Well worth a visit.
Health & Wellbeing
Chillington Surgery – Patient Participation Group News
This Month’s Top Tip: Stay Hydrated – Feel Better Every Day!
Drinking enough water is key to staying sharp, energised, and healthy. Research shows that proper hydration supports brain function, digestion and heart health. Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches and poor concentration. If you feel thirsty, your body’s already playing catch-up. The NHS recommends 6–8 glasses of fluid daily—and it’s not just water that counts! Herbal teas and low-sugar drinks help too.Sip regularly—your body will thank you!
Learn more about hydration & health: [NHS Guide](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/
Update on Cardiac Services at Torbay Hospital
Following concerns about the possible relocation of emergency procedures specifically out-of-hours pPCI (primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) from Torbay Hospital to Exeter. The proposal to move these emergency services has now been withdrawn.
See latest from NHS Devon here: Cardiology - One Devon
Support for New Mums – MotherBorn Collective
Empowering mothers and families in and around Kingsbridge, South Devon with compassionate support, services and community. Becoming a parent is a joyful yet demanding time, and postnatal support is vital for a mother’s wellbeing and her baby’s healthy development. A key aspect of postnatal support is Social support—whether emotional, practical, or informational—can make all the difference.. MotherBorn Collective is a local, community-based group offering affordable, subsidised services designed to support new mums. These including : Peer-to-peer breastfeeding support; iinfant feeding advice; equipment hire; informative workshops; mum & baby classes (yoga, massage, and more)
Use messaging apps with care
As well as being private spaces for chatting and sharing, messaging apps are widely used as social media platforms in their own right. But unlike Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn, communications are completely ‘closed’ between senders and recipients, so they can be used to chat or share confidentially with individuals or groups. There are, however, risks to using any messaging app.
To ensure you are using messaging apps - such as Whatsapp - safely, read Get Safe Online's latest expert advice found on their website in the link below, or in the attached leaflet.
Using WhatsApp & other messaging apps safely and securely - Get Safe Online
The Get Safe Online team
Worried about a scam call or message?
Did you know there's a simple, trusted way to check if a call or message from your bank is genuine?
Call 159 – it’s a UK-wide phone number that connects you directly to your bank’s fraud team. Think of it like 111 for the NHS or 101 for the police – but for financial scams.
If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email about a payment or your bank account – whether it claims to be from your bank, HMRC, your phone company, or even the police – stop and call 159.
Devon and Cornwall Police have a few tips to stay safe:
Use a different phone to call 159 if you can, especially if you're returning a suspicious call.
Only have one phone? Wait a few minutes, then call a friend first to check the line is clear before dialling 159.
You can also use 159 for peace of mind before making a new financial transaction.
159 is safe, secure, and supported by major UK banks and phone providers.
Important: 159 will never call you. If someone rings claiming to be 159 – hang up.
To report fraud or cybercrime, visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk
Stay safe and protect yourself from scams.
Enjoy the great outdoors but be tick aware
As more outdoor activities take place throughout summer it is important to be aware of the risk of tick bites. Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures that live in areas of rough grass and woodland. They are more active from spring to autumn and can spread infections like Lyme disease. Infection rates are three times higher in Devon than the England average! Please watch our video to understand the importance of checking for ticks after activities such as walking and trail running, the steps you can take to reduce the risk and the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. And for further information visit the UKHSA website.
Spring covid vaccination
The NHS are offering a covid vaccination for older persons, those with a weakened immune system, and care-home residents. These are available up until 17 June 2025. If you have not been contacted book online at NHS.
Keep safe during cold weather
With winter well and truly with us, please look out for family and friends who might be vulnerable to low temperatures.
The latest advice on keeping warm and well in cold weather can be found on the UK Health Security Agency webpage.
If you know of anyone who is sleeping rough, or if you are concerned about a rough sleeper, please contact a member of the Housing Team on 01803 861234. For outside of office hours, you can call us on 01803 861539. You can also connect with StreetLink, a service for reporting concerns about rough sleepers.
For weather updates, please visit the Met Office website for the most up to date information.
Defibrillator
In 2016, Buckland Tout Saints Parish Council raised money through a number of fundraising events for a defibrillator that is now installed at Buckland Court.
The Lifeline Defibrillator is state-of-the-art equipment that is able to talk the user through the steps to potentially save a life.
Directions to the defibrillator: From the centre of the village turn north towards Buckland Court. Take the second left, walk past Longclose House and the Defibrillator is stored in the cupboard under the archway into Buckland court.
The Phone Box
Goveton is home to a rather special phone box that sits in the centre of the village. At risk of being removed due to lack of use, the box was purchased for the huge sum of £1 in 2008 as part of BT’s 'adopt a box' scheme. There were two previous attempts to adopt the box that failed so a lot of research and planning went into having the application approved and thankfully, it was.
The parish phone box is now a popular book exchange with residents and visitors to the village both donating and taking out books as they wish. It is closed during the winter months due to the damp conditions. Look out for the village Christmas tree in there during December.
Give it a try!
Kingsbridge Library
Open five days a week the library offers a warm welcome to all. Includes a bright and cheerful children’s library and an area for teens. In addition to books and audiobooks there are a wide range of events for both children and adults. Hot drinks available for a donation.
01548 852315, kingsbridge.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk
Ilbert Road, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1EB
The Devon Home Library Service delivers books to people unable to get to the library because of health, mobility or caring responsibilities. Dedicated volunteers can choose and deliver books to your home, including large print and audiobooks, free of charge.
Further info Kingsbridge Library or 0345 1551001, home.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk
