Charity able to help more people thanks to funding from council

A CHARITY has seen a dramatic rise in use after a local council helped fund improved facilities and expand its reach in an effort to boost community resilience in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

- by LEWIS CLARKE

Open Door Exmouth, which provides a range of services targeting poverty, homelessness and social isolation, received nearly £14,000 from East Devon District Council throughout 2024.

The funding, drawn from the Government's Contain Outbreak Management Fund, allowed the charity to extend opening hours, refurbish its Community Café and support other initiatives, including a parent hub and craft room.

A council spokesperson said the funding was part of its commitment to shifting focus from emergency Covid-19 responses towards building stronger, healthier communities. The grant was awarded via its environmental health team for public health initiatives in the district.