Community projects thanked for Making a Difference

This picture shows a group of nine people posing together outdoors. Five are seated on a wooden bench and a plastic chair in the front row, while four stand behind them. The setting appears to be a garden area, with a tree and a wall in the background that reads “ROGER’S GARDEN” alongside a bird illustration. The ground is covered with small pebbles.

Authoring Our Own Stories empowers young people to shape community safety initiatives

Jo Loosemore
Devon

Four community organisations in Devon have been recognised for their outstanding work supporting local people.

All four are finalists in the BBC Morning Live Make a Difference awards for organisations that have transformed lives in their communities.

The Benita Project, Authoring Our Own Stories, the Youth Arts and Health Trust, and the Mid Devon Messenger have each been celebrated for their positive impact across Tiverton, Exeter, Plymouth, and South Molton.

Based in South Molton, the Benita Project runs a free travelling pop-up café, serving thousands of meals to communities across the county.

The picture shows a person in a kitchen setting, wearing a green shirt and a black apron, preparing food. The individual is working at a counter with a variety of fresh ingredients and cooked dishes, including sliced vegetables, lettuce leaves, and trays of prepared food. There are also containers of ingredients like eggs and other packaged items on the counter. The background features kitchen equipment, shelves with glass jars, and utensils.

The Benita Project runs a free travelling pop-up café

"In 2024, we served 6,258 free meals," said co-founder Ioni Drake.

The project has also expanded to offer educational courses and financial advice.

In Plymouth, Authoring Our Own Stories empowers young people to shape community safety initiatives.

Project manager Hannah Jordan explained that workshops with diverse youth groups led to the creation of public posters promoting acceptance and individuality.

"It's a positive message… If more people felt that, they'd be able to connect and feel confident in public spaces," she said.

This picture shows a group of eight people standing together in a parking lot, with several cars and greenery in the background. Two dogs are present, one of them is wearing a harness commonly used for guide dogs. Some members of the group are wearing high-visibility vests, and one person is holding walking poles.

The Mid Devon Messenger in Tiverton provides weekly news and entertainment recordings for blind and partially-sighted residents

The Youth Arts and Health Trust in Exeter uses creative therapies — including art, music, drama, and dance movement psychotherapy — to help young people express and manage their mental health.

Founder Laura Blatherwick said: "We can help develop self-confidence, self-esteem and help someone feel accepted. We know it makes a difference."

The project is now expanding into Exeter Central Library.

Meanwhile, the Mid Devon Messenger in Tiverton provides weekly news and entertainment recordings for blind and partially-sighted residents.

Chair Helen McIntosh said: "Our listeners just love it, because they feel they're part of a community now."

The group also organises social activities to help people live independently.

This picture shows a hand holding a black and white photograph of a face with tears. The photo is held above a table that is covered with various other images and artworks, including colourful illustrations, photos of people and animals, abstract art, and scenic views. In the background, there is a green couch.

The Youth Arts and Health Trust in Exeter uses creative therapies to help young people

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