TRIP has announced that due to a lack of funding, they are no longer able to continue to provide their weekly Friendship Hubs in Honiton, Talaton, Dunkeswell and Seaton. 

Matching one-to-one for befriending will also cease going forward.

A spokesman for Trip said: "During Covid, many government grants were available to ease loneliness, enabling TRIP to run Befriending for a few years.  These have sadly dried up resulting in a sizeable financial loss for TRIP in the last 12 months.

"The Hubs have been incredibly popular with transport, food and entertainment each week but, financially, are just not viable going forward.

"The staff who ran these Hubs have been amazing and, it is with great sadness, that we have had to make some people redundant.  The Trustees have not taken this decision lightly but, because of financial pressures, have had no choice.

Trip announced in June that they would be splitting the two offices to open a befriending hub office at no.122 Honiton High Street, where potential befrienders will be interviewed and paired with a like-minded befriendee and befriending hubs. organised. 

TRIP will still be running their very successful voluntary car scheme, outings and holidays, together with their mobility shop in Honiton.  These have always been their core business.  However, they always need volunteer drivers covering Honiton, Seaton, Lyme and all villages in those areas. Volunteers only work when it suits them and are paid mileage to cover petrol costs.  

They will also be hosting a Christmas Fayre at the Mackarness Hall, Honiton on Saturday 25th November from 9am-12.  There will be craft stalls with tea, coffee and home made cakes available.

If you would like to volunteer to help in the office or need more information on any of the above, please ring the office on 01404 46529.