This page contains a list of organisations that may be apply to support you with a range of issues that you may be facing.
This includes information about housing, mental health and wellbeing, addiction, finances and food poverty, domestic abuse, support for carers and older people and some funding that you may be entitled to.
We do try to keep this as up to date as we can, but some services may vary.
HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS AND ENERGY/UTILITIES SUPPORT
If you have been made homeless or are at risk of immediate homelessness then contact North Devon Council on 01271 388870 Mon-Fri 9-5 or out of hours please call the emergency number on 01271 388240.
If you already have an existing housing case then please contact your appointed housing officer.
If you have been made aware that you are being evicted then please call North Devon Council on 01271 388870 where you will be able to opening a case with a housing offer.
Please note that you will need a written copy of your eviction notice.
Encompass Southwest – Encompass Southwest is an independent registered charity that provides a range of advice, information and support services in communities across the south west of England, with a strong focus on rural/rural remote settlements.
Our work focuses on 3 main areas;
Homelessness and Rough Sleeping for adults and young people
Supported Housing
Financial Inclusion (Money & Debt Advice)
Contact Encompass on 01271 371 499
For information on Women Only Supported Accommodation contact:
Rhiannon Churchill – 07834 517259
Email: r.churchill@encompass-sw.org.uk
Household Support Fund – available until March 31st 2026 (subject to availability) for households struggling with the cost of living. This fund can also help should you need essential household items such as white goods or support with utility bills. Please contact North Devon Council on 01271 327711 Mon-Fri 9-5
Discretionary Housing Payment – A discretionary fund to support you if you have a shortfall in rent.
Council Tax Reduction – You may be entitled to a reduction in your council tax if you are experiencing a shortfall in income. Contact NDC on 01271 388361 for more information
Council Tax Reduction – You may be entitled to a council tax reduction if someone in your household is a carer, student or apprentice or has a severe mental impairment or disability Contact North Devon Council on 01271 388877 and ask to speak to a member of the benefits team.
Shelter – Shelter offers housing advice and an emergency helpline if you are homeless, have nowhere to stay tonight, are worried about losing your home in the next two months or are at risk of harm or abuse.
Emergency helpline: 0808 800 4444 (Monday to Friday, 8am — 6pm | Closed bank holidays)
Website (live chat support available): shelter.org.uk
361 Energy – 361 Energy CIC is a not-for-profit social enterprise. Our focus is on providing energy advice to households and businesses in North Devon and Torridge. We provide free energy saving advice to vulnerable households. We also have Retrofit Coordinators who can advise on suitable ways to upgrade your home, making it more energy efficient and lowering its carbon emissions. Please contact us if you would like to know more about our services.
Email: info@361energy.org
Phone: 01271 599361
LEAP – LEAP helps to support as many people as possible who are at risk of going into fuel poverty. Our service is open to all types of householders – homeowners, private renters and social housing tenants. Freephone 0800 060 7567
South West Water Financial Support – 0344 346 1010, 8am-6pm Monday to Friday, and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
CAB (Citizen’s Advice Bureau) – Book an appointment to see CAB at The Ilfracombe Centre (available every other Thursday) call 0808 2787 999 or visit www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk to complete an online referral application
MENTAL HEALTH
If you are at a point of Crisis phone 111 and select Option 2 for 24/7 Crisis Mental Health Support. If you, or someone else is in a life threatening situation then call 999.
Samaritans – a listening service for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair – open 24/7, 365 days a year Call: 116 123 (open 24/7, free of charge)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: samaritans.org
Mental Health Matters – a 24hr, 365 days a year mental health helpline – 0800 4700317
TALKWORKS – a confidential talking therapy service for people experiencing poor mental wellbeing or anxiety -0300 555 3344
PAPYRUS – offer free, confidential suicide prevention advice for, or on behalf of, young people.
Call: 0800 068 4141 (24/7 free of charge)
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Text: 07860 039 967
Website: papyrus-uk.org
Mind – Mind offers support with all kinds of mental health issues.
Call: 0300 123 3393 (9am — 6pm, Mon to Fri, standard landline rate)
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Website: mind.org.uk
CALM – CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.
Call: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm — midnight, every day, free of charge)
Website (live chat support available): thecalmzone.net
SANE – Sane provides emotional support and information for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.
Call: 0300 304 7000; hours 4 pm-10 pm every day (standard charges apply)
Email: support@sane.org.uk
Website: sane.org.uk
SHOUT – SHOUT is a confidential, text-based support service, offering support 24/7. It is free to text from all major mobile networks in the UK.
Text: SHOUT to 85258 (open 24/7)
Website (live chat support available): giveusashout.org
The Moorings – The Moorings @ Barnstaple offers mental health support in a welcoming, safe, comfortable, non-judgmental, and non-clinical environment.
Our experienced staff team is available to provide emotional, social and practical support if you are in crisis or feel you are heading toward a crisis situation.
We offer support in person, over the phone, or via video call. You can come just for a chat, or to access one-to-one support from trained professionals.
We also offer help in creating staying well and crisis plans, and support visitors to access other organisations that may be useful to them.
People using The Mooring @ Barnstaple will also be supported by our 24/7 helpline, which offers access to emotional support and information even when The Mooring is closed.
There’s no need to be referred and no need for an appointment.
Phone: 07850 927 064
Email: devonbarnstaple.mhm@nhs.net
Opening hours: 6pm-11pm, Thursday-Monday
Address: The Voice Meeting Rooms, Belle Meadow Court, Albert Lane, Barnstaple, EX32 8RJ
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Man Down – We offer a very informal, safe and relaxed environment for men of all ages 18+ who are struggling with any kind of mental health issues.
Our sessions are designed to be as inclusive as possible with no judgement, only support and understanding from people who can be there to listen and support you.
Ilfracombe meetings – Every other Wednesday in the Communal Room at The Candar from 7-9pm
Email: support@mandown-cornwall.co.uk
Beat – provides support for people facing eating disorders. Mon-Fri 3 pm‑8 pm
Call: 0808 801 0677 (free of charge)
FINANCES AND FOOD
Navigate – Navigate give people the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their money. They offer free courses in how to manage your money well. www.navigatecharity.org.uk contact ntmm@navigatecharity.org.uk or call 01823 299050
Ilfracombe Food Bank – Based at The Salvation Army Hall, Torrs Park, Ilfracombe.
Please note that in order to visit the food bank, you will need to work with one of the referral agencies to obtain a voucher. You can’t just drop in, so please make sure you speak to a referral partner first to get your voucher/code.
Who can issue Foodbank Vouchers:
- Schools
- Health Visitors
- Citizens Advice by calling 0808 27 87 999 and advising you need a foodbank voucher. Or visit there site https://www.citizensadvicetnmwd.org.uk
- North Devon Council by calling 01271 327711
- Ilfracombe Centre on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
- The Wellbeing Team at Combe Coastal GPs
- Belle’s Place
When you visit a referral agency they will take some basic details from you to complete the voucher. This will help them to identify the cause of your crisis and offer practical guidance. It also means they are able to prepare suitable emergency food for the right number of people.
Once you have been issued with a voucher, you can exchange this for a minimum of three days of emergency food at your nearest foodbank centre.
Ilfracombe Opening Times: Tuesday & Friday 10.30am to 1.30pm
Encompass – Based at The Candar, Ilfracombe (opposite the library):
The Candar is a free and confidential drop-in advice and support on a variety of issues including: Money/debt, benefits, housing/homelessness, support with form filling, writing CV’s, applying for work, energy advice and much more.
You can just drop in on a Thursday from 10am-2pm (Please note that they may not always be able to give immediate help, but will arrange an appointment with you of needed)
Belle’s Place – Wilder Road, Ilfracombe (next to Wetherspoons).
Open 10-2pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
They offer a free hot meal and hot drinks every day.
They also offer:
Emergency food supply
Foodbank vouchers
A shower for those who don’t have access to one
Toiletries
School Uniform
Some clothing
Tents, bed rolls sleeping bags etc.
GP outreach once a month
Hardship fund applications (only for Belle’s Place users)
Drug and alcohol services
Vaccination clinics
Community pantry – There is a community pantry near the entrance to The Lantern (in the courtyard) where you can help yourself to the dried/tin goods and hygiene products.
HOPE Kitchen – Based at the Salvation Army. Every Thursday from 12-2pm.
This is a community meal where you can also socialise and get involved with the cooking, washing up etc. it’s more like a family meal than a drop in. It is donation basis only, so only give what you can afford (if anything)
OLIO App – If you have a smart phone you can download the OLIO app. People sign up to collect waste/leftover food from the local supermarkets and you can see what’s available and the collect it from their house for free.
Stop Loan Sharks
Stop Loan Sharks investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and provides support for borrowers in England.
If you have borrowed from a loan shark or are worried about someone else, they’re here to help and keep you safe.
Their specially trained staff will provide you with emotional and practical support that is tailored to your needs.
Call them 24/7 on 0300 555 2222 or visit their website www.stoploansharks.co.uk to talk to someone online.
You can report anonymously to protect your identity.
CAB (Citizen’s Advice Bureau) – Book an appointment to see CAB at The Ilfracombe Centre (available every other Thursday) call 0808 2787 999 or visit www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk to complete an online referral application
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) – Home | CAP UK Supporting people to become debt free with money and debt advice through budgeting education, benefits support and life skills
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/HUMAN TRAFFICKING
NDADA – North Devon Against Domestic Abuse – 01271 370079
Devon Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0345 155 1074
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 24/7, 365 days a year – 0808 2000 247 0808 2000 247
Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance – Dedicated to eradicating domestic abuse through collaborative efforts and community engagement. Our mission is to provide a safe haven for those affected, offering resources and support to rebuild lives.
🚨 If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you are unable to speak, dial 999, then press 55 when prompted. This will alert the police that you need help.
If you have a general enquiry about the Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance or need help finding the right support, we’re here for you.
Call us: 08082 816161
Email: hello@ddaa.org.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
Website: ddaa.org.uk
Women’s Aid offer support to thousands of women and children experiencing domestic abuse every year.
Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk
Website: womensaid.org.uk/information-support (live chat support available)
ADDICTION
EDP Drug & Alcohol Services (Barnstaple) – Mon – Fri 9-5 0800 233 5444
Alcoholics Anonymous offers support for people facing an alcohol dependency.
Call: 0800 9177 650 (open 24/7, free of charge)
Email: help@aamail.org
Website (live chat support available): alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Gamblers Anonymous offers support for people facing a gambling dependency.
Call: 0330 094 0322 (standard landline rate)
Website: gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Narcotics Anonymous offers support for people facing a drug dependency.
Call: 0300 999 1212 (10am — midnight, every day, standard landline rate)
Website: ukna.org
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Combe Coastal Wellbeing Team
Our friendly health & wellbeing team are available to speak to patients about a range of social issues, including financial problems, social isolation and outside services, and general or specialist wellbeing support.
You can self refer by contacting the reception at Combe Coastal Practice on: 01271 863119
OR
Your GP may refer you to our service for further support.
Ilfracombe Town Council Community Car Service – Lifts to medical appointments with our trained volunteer drivers.
Journeys are charged at 50p per mile and the driver can wait for you whilst you attend your appointment, or for longer stays you can book two journeys.
If you are in receipt of certain benefits you may be able to claim these costs back if you complete a HC1 Form.
Call 01271 855300 or email itccarservice@northdevon.gov.uk
Age Concern North Devon
Age Concern Volunteer drivers drive people in their own cars for medical, practical and social journeys. Wheelchairs and walking aids can be transported and one-to-one support to attend medical and other appointments can be provided.
Escorts may be required for vulnerable passengers.
2 hours of waiting time is included, more waiting time can be arranged if needed. Please click here for service charges.
FUNDS
North Devon Council:
Exceptional Hardship Fund – Where there is exceptional need, extra help towards your Council Tax may be awarded
Household Support Fund (please check with NDC as this isn’t always available)
Discretionary Housing Payment – Discretionary housing payments help people who need extra help with their rent when their housing benefit or Universal Credit Housing Costs do not meet the full value of their rent. If you are suffering severe financial hardship as a result, or your tenancy is at risk you may be able to get a discretionary payment to help towards these payments.
For any of the above please contact
01271 327711 or customerservices@northdevon.gov.uk or apply online at www.northdevon.gov.uk#
NHS Low Income Scheme – If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. The scheme covers prescription costs, dental costs, eyecare costs, healthcare travel costs, wigs and fabric supports. You can apply online on the NHS website or complete an HC1 form and send it to the address on the form. For more information call 0300 330 1343
The Gibbons Trusts:
David Gibbons Foundation – The David Gibbons Foundation awards grants to residents of Devon who are physically or mentally unwell, in urgent financial need, and / or older adults in need of support.
The Gibbons Family Trust makes grants to children and young people up to the age of 25. The beneficiaries must be living in Devon, and/or the Isle of Thanet (Kent).
Both Trusts award grants to all types of non-profit-making organisations, and to individuals/families referred from the not-for-profit sector (e.g. councils, schools, community groups or sports clubs). Apply online at www.gibbonstrusts.org.uk or email enquiries@gibbonstruts.org
CARERS/OLDER PERSON SUPPORT
Devon Carers – Supporting carers across Devon with information, advice and support including funding for carers to take a break. www.devoncarers.org.uk, info@devoncarers.org.uk or the helpline is open Monday – Friday 8am-6pm and Saturday 9am – 1pm on 03456 434435
AGE UK – Offering help and advice to carers through the resources on their website www.ageuk.org.uk, helping you support an older person and providing information on benefits, government schemes and legal issues plus much more. Helpline available 8am-7pm 365 days a year
Age Concern North Devon – Age Concern North Devon | Supporting Independent Living
Age Concern have a number of services that may be able to support you in supporting an older friend or relative, including: a volunteer car service, drop in socials, befriending, help desk (including benefits support) and community activities amongst others.
The Alzheimer’s Society – www.alzheimers.org.uk Call: 0333 150 3456
The Alzheimer’s Society offer a huge range of dementia support services for both people who are diagnosed, and those around them supporting. They offer advice both on the phone and in person and can offer support on all aspects of the impact that Alzheimer’s has on a person and their loved ones, including legal and financial advice, information on how to live with a dementia diagnosis and support for the carer.
The Silver Line Befriending Service – Call free on :0800 470 8090
The Silver Line Helpline run by Age UK is a free, confidential telephone service for older people. They provide friendship, conversation and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.