DAWLISH Town Council’s Mental Wellbeing & Suicide Prevention Working Group has presented its latest Owl Project’ awards.

The awards are presented to groups and individuals who are working to reduce loneliness in the Dawlish area. Dawlish Town Council Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention Group are promoting the Owl Project. The Owl looks and listens.

The aim of the project is to look at reducing the stigma associated with loneliness and build a looking/ listening community (OWL) enabling children and adults to feel comfortable and recognise that sometimes, people of all ages feel lonely.

This week three groups were presented with an Owl plaque and certificate, plus Owl badges for all volunteers or staff. The awards were presented at two ceremonies: one at the Manor House, and a second one during a school assembly at Westcliff Primary Academy.

At Westcliff, the council was represented by town mayor Cllr Lisa Mayne, district councillor Lin Goodman-Bradbury, and Cllr Carole Tamlyn, Chair of Dawlish Town Council Mental Wellbeing & Suicide Prevention Group.

Cllr Tamlyn said: ‘We would like to hear nominations for individual awards, such as neighbours looking out for each other. If you know anyone who deserves an Owl award, let us know at the town council.’

AWARD RECIPIENTS:

► Westcliff Primary Academy, Lego Club

Martha, George, Will and Ruby decided they wanted to set up a Lego club during their school lunch break once a week. They carefully planned what they would do.

They took this plan to the head teacher who agreed that they could give it a try. They approached local shops and put out requests on social media and managed to obtain some Lego. They cleaned it all and made posters to advertise. The club was initially for years three and four and aimed at children who might need someone to play with.

They meet up once a week to plan the session then host the club every Thursday. They plan fun activities and challenges. It has been so successful that the club has been extended for an extra day to year one and two children. Head teacher Mr Webb says the Lego club has been a brilliant pupil led project. We would be delighted for them to have recognition for their efforts. It is growing, a key stage one club is already in the pipeline.

► Roots Community Enhancement CIC

We take every opportunity during all our eight projects to listen to people, connect them with their community and tackle loneliness. This happens with our new parents attending groups, just coming to weigh their baby or joining a baby massage class. We tell people about what is on around the area, give them self-help leaflets and arrange visits or meetings outside of groups if people are struggling.

At our anxiety group we encourage peer support so people can connect with each other and support each other throughout the week. At our bereavement group, we encourage people to start looking for social connection when they are ready or to take the first steps by asking for a befriender.

It really helps people to meet others who are isolated or struggling, to hear they are not alone in feeling like this and to find out what is in their community to take steps towards becoming connected. We are regularly thanked by people who have made friends and improved their wellbeing through our groups and support services.

► The Sunflower Bunch, Dawlish Cancer Support Group

To be there for those going through cancer treatment or the after affects and for those caring for someone with cancer. Loneliness comes in all forms, for people alone but also people surrounded by friends and family who, as much as they try, don’t know what’s going on in the heads of those with cancer and their carers.

We have made a lot of difference to lots of people. They know if they come to our meetings, or just contact us by phone, we will understand how they feel as we have been through the same or similar. We totally understand their feelings and will always be there for them. We need financial help with a beach hut we have at Coryton Cove.

Those who are going or who have been through cancer, and their families, use it for free. They love being able to go down to the beach, knowing they can go inside the beach hut (out of the sun).