THREE new organisations have been presented with OWL Awards.

Dawlish Town Council’s Mental Wellbeing & Suicide Prevention Working Group presented ‘Owl Project’ awards at town council meeting on Monday night [September 5].

The three groups were presented with an Owl plaque and certificate, plus owl badges for all volunteers or staff who have worked towards reducing loneliness in our community.

► Swish Housekeeping Services Ltd

Sarah Plaatsman said: ‘Here at Swish we train all staff to go above and beyond for our customers and to look for signs of loneliness, depression, and isolation. Some of our customers are on their own and we are the only people they see all week.

‘We call on customers to make sure they are ok or need anything or are suffering from loneliness. We give support and advice on organisations locally and nationally, who could also help them.’

► Dawlish and District U3A

Michael Heydon said: ‘The U3A is a national movement which brings people together to develop their interests and learning, make new friends and learn new skills. Many members live on their own and have finished raising their family; they may be retired at a time when their social circle may be diminishing.’

► The Swan Inn

Ali Rackham and Vinney Carter said: ‘We are creating a community hub where customers and staff show great care and support for each other and staff are aware of people who live alone and are lonely. Having only just taken over the public house, we are providing entertainment for all ages and this means if people are on their own, they have somewhere to go and make new friends.

‘We put up posters and leaflets to point our customers in the right direction should they need help and support. We have a number of groups/organisations who meet in our premises, and we hope to set up a book club and build on it becoming a community hub.’

Awards were presented by the mayor of Dawlish, Cllr Lisa Mayne.