AN independent community-based charity, working to prevent, reduce and resolve homelessness, rough sleeping and the impact of poverty and financial exclusion will be joining West Devon Connect's outreach service in August.

Encompass Southwest is the newest partner in the multi agency Connect family which brings a friendly, face to face information outreach service to all. 

The charity's work is split into three main categories: homelessness and rough sleeping, youth homelessness and financial inclusion. They also run two soup kitchens, a Rural Outreach programme, an Over 55s advice service and a court advice and support service (CASS). For information on all these services you can contact the charity on 01271 371499 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]

The service will be at: August 3 – Exbourne, The Burrow Café 10am–noon, including advisors from Devon and Somerset Fire Service and Time for Life (a community mentoring service for the over 50s).

August 7: Hatherleigh Market 9.30am–noon, including advisors from Devon and Somerset  Fire Service, Action on Hearing Loss and Citizens Advice Bureau.

August 10: Chagford Library 10.30am–12.30pm, including advisors from Action on Hearing Loss.

August 17: Broadwoodkelly, The Friday Market 10am – 12noon including advisors from Devon and Somerset Fire Service, Community Voluntary Service and Senior Council for Devon

August 21: Hatherleigh Market 9.30am–noon, including advisors from Oakhouse Foods, Citizens Advice Bureau and Encompass.

August 24: Chagford Library 10.30am–12.30pm, advisors from Encompass.