Our Young Adult Carers on deck with Sailing Tectona during this year's annual sailing weekend.
Since 1907, we’ve been Plymouth’s go-to community charity, supporting people to live full, happy and healthy lives. If finances, mobility, isolation, health, or anything else is causing you distress, reach out and ask for support.
NHS non-emergency111
Police non-emergency101
Samaritans116 123
Shout (text)85258
VALOUR National0808 1914 218 Opt 6
South West Water0344 346 2020
Gas leak or carbon monoxide0800 111 999
Power cut0800 678 3105
Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, Plymouth PL1 2DA
This year we sailed for the weekend with Sailing Tectona, who were amazing with our young people. They all embraced the weekend, the waves and the challenges and had a truly amazing time.
We had dolphins swimming next to the boat on both Saturday and Sunday, we prepared food together, we ate together, we played games and generally had the best time. Our own Nicolle won the sea sickness certificate!
“Never thought I would love sailing and now I am thinking of doing a beginners course, I'd do it again in a heartbeat”
“I saw in the netting at the front when the dolphins swam underneath, best experience ever!”
Better Futures Summer Party!
Hosted by the Cattedown Social Club
Two awards on the night: the Summer Lovin’ Challenge winners’ certificate and a Heart of Gold Award.
Better Futures, our service for adults with learning disabilities, celebrated a fantastic summer party hosted by the Cattedown Social Club. Debbie and Vince from the Club deserve a huge thanks for making us all feel so welcome.
Performances from the Better Futures Band, amazing food, laughter, and SO MUCH DANCING! Thank you to the Cattedown for a spacious, friendly, and accessible destination. Vince even did a fantastic job DJ-ing, and keeping everyone on the dance floor.
A massive thank you to Debbie and Vince for looking after us so well and creating an incredible atmosphere. We are looking forward to coming back in December!
The party in pictures
Better Futures Summer Party at the Cattedown Social Club
Finishing the day with a toe dip in the sea at Wembury.
We visited Wembury Beach and worked with Coral from the Wembury Marine Centre, talking all things beach and sea.
Along the coast path past the kayaks.
We identified different sea animals from their bones, did some sweep netting alongside the path, saw the painted butterfly trail, watched dragonflies dance along the top of the water, made nature bookmarks, had our lunch together on picnic blankets by the beach and some finished their day with a toe dip in the sea.
Some of our attendees had never been to Wembury before. Not a bad day at the office!
Floating practice at Tinside Lido during one of the summer’s Dip and Dunk sessions.
Our final session of Dip and Dunk, social swimming at Tinside Lido for community members who completed Safe and Sound (the water safety course), has come to a close! We have been blessed with the best summer that has made our swims feel so special for the past 13 weeks. Our final session was a grey and misty one, but we played games and enjoyed one last dip.
We've had around 30 people turning up every week (even back in June before the sun appeared) and asked some of the participants to write their thoughts about the sessions. Read their quotes below!
What people told us
Eight swimmers wrote about the summer. Open any card to read their words in full.
“My life has changed as a result.”
Thank you for everything; it has been amazing. My life has changed as a result. I can cope more with life as a consequence of this. Please do it again for more people!
“I really found a part of myself this summer.”
I found the sessions so awakening. Being able to feel so connected to the water is such a privilege, and to do it with such a welcoming group makes it even more special. I really found a part of myself this summer. I've never felt so grounded and at peace. As someone who struggles a lot with anxiety and depression, I really feel like it saved me. I will miss everyone this winter. Thank you to Anna, Jess, Lyla, and Saffron for everything.
“Now I'm like a little fish!”
I've had an amazing time. I couldn't swim at the start of the year, and now I'm like a little fish! Thank you for organizing these sessions. I have absolutely loved them and look forward to doing them next year!
“Just a lovely, friendly community feeling.”
I have become a better swimmer and was able to use what I learned to get myself out of a difficult situation. I have loved meeting all the people on the course, and the hot drinks and biscuits have been most welcome. Just a lovely, friendly community feeling. Made some great new friends!
“I've conquered my fears and taken the plunge.”
Growing up seeing Tinside Lido closed and derelict, and seeing old videos of crowds enjoying the pool, I've always wanted to go. I've never had the confidence, but with this group, I've conquered my fears and taken the plunge. I love the dynamic weather, and we have been blessed with the weather this year. The sun makes it perfect, but the dull grey days hold just as much excitement. The group chats and strokes are breathtaking.
“The perfect stress reliever.”
I love being in the water as it is the perfect stress reliever. I also love being outdoors so I can take in the scenery. Most of all, I love being around the friends I have made over the years.
“A reason to get out of bed.”
Thank you for these lovely swim sessions, both Swim Safe and Dip & Dunk. The group I've swum with has been super lovely and very welcoming. This experience has helped my confidence socially and with being in the water. I've loved having these Wednesday mornings as part of my routine, a reason to get out of bed. It has also really helped my mobility, easing the pain in my leg muscles and helping me be a little more active day-to-day. Thank you so much.
“Better than meditation.”
Thank you for a lovely, relaxing time. It really made my summer and got me back into swimming outdoors. Floating on my back looking at the sky is very calming, better than meditation. I've met so many lovely people and am even planning some more adventurous sea swimming. Hope to be back next year!
Our swimmers in Tinside Lido over the 13 week course
A poem from a community member
As a result of all the outdoor activities, water sports and swimming etc we have been facilitating this summer thanks to the funding from Sport England, one of our community members has written this poem, which we are lucky enough to share with you now.
The poem as Ambher wrote it, in her notebook.
They say the human body is
made of about 60% water
although mine feels closer to 90
for when I am near something
so vast and encompassing
there's not a cell of me
that doesn't feel its presence.
As if my veins remember where
they came from
like salt has always been my
first language
because every time I hear the waves
breathe, something inside me aches
of homesick.
It kisses at my ankles like
an old friend, calling me by
a name that can't be spoken
aloud, asking whether I miss it too.
Loneliness doesn't exist in its presence
because it's been recognising me
long before I recognised myself.
The ocean loves me quietly,
with the pulling of the
tide and the salt left on my
skin.
And the way it doesn't try
to heal me but just holds
me for a little while.
It has become a keeper of
every version of me and all the
tears and laughter I've shared with
it.
My chest always feels a little
lighter beneath an open horizon.
Because somewhere between
the ocean and my soul,
I became the coastline.
Plymouth Harriers present their Charity of the Year cheque for £550.
A huge thank you to everyone at Plymouth Harriers, who presented us with a cheque for £550 this week after choosing us as their Charity of the Year.
Goalball: players wear eyeshades and track the ball by sound. Photo: paralympic.org
The money is going into developing Goalball at Improving Lives! Training staff and volunteers to run sessions and buying audible balls so more people with sight loss can get on the court and play.
In case you haven't seen it before, Goalball is a fun, athletic, thrilling sport built specifically for people with vision impairment. If you're interested in playing let us know, otherwise check back soon to see our progress, and Plymouth Harriers' donation at work.
The sculpture above the beach at Bovisand.
Tuesday Trekkers walk from Jennycliff to Bovisand
20 minutes walking in a green or blue space can work wonders for your health. The Tuesday Trekkers group experienced the best of both worlds this month by walking from Jennycliff to Bovisand! Plenty of trees and plants alive with butterflies and bees, and when we reached our destination, we sat and had lunch looking out to sea.
The mist rolled in during our walk back, (which was fascinating to watch), and we were treated to a downpour of rain but it was soo warm we dried very quickly.
Our stand at HMP Channings Wood’s first Young Adult Event.
A first for HMP Channings Wood
We had the privilege of attending HMP Channings Wood for their first Young Adult Event. It was a great opportunity to not only network with the different organisations in the room, but raise our profile to inmates who have never heard or come across us before.
We had so many rich and interesting conversations. A great day was had. The prison are hoping to do other events in the future which we are on the list for. Exciting times!
The first Together Time session at Ernest English House.
New group for carers supporting dementia
Together Time, a new place for those supporting someone with dementia to come together, ran its first session. Well done to Sandra, who organised and ran the group and ensured both carers and the people they care for were supported. The sessions are relaxed, with friendly faces, tea and conversation, activities, and time to simply enjoy each other's company, with lots of smiles throughout. Thank you to Dee and Lisa for their support on the day.
Together Time meets on the second Wednesday of every month, 10:00–12:00, at Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, Plymouth PL1 2DA. It costs £3.00 per session, which includes refreshments.
To book a space, contact Sandra on 07361 249874 or call 01752 201766. You can also find the event on our calendar at improvinglives.org.uk/activities/
The Treasury, where the group met.
First Tinnitus Coffee Morning at The Treasury
Eight members of the Tinnitus Support Group met for a social and catch up, with more mornings and a mushroom walk to follow.
We had our first Tinnitus Coffee Morning at The Treasury on Tuesday the 22nd of September. It was a great opportunity for those from the Tinnitus Support Group to come together for a social and catch up. We had 8 people in total and plan to hold more in the future, as well as mushroom walks on 15th of October for people with tinnitus specifically!
2OctSupport group10:30–12:30
15OctMushroom walk
The Better Futures Band outside Charlton House.
Check out the Better Futures Band!
A lively Wednesday music group at Mannamead Wellbeing Hub, recently performed at Charlton House care home.
Come join a lively music group based at the annex at Mannamead Wellbeing Hub on Wednesdays, from 12:45 to 15:15. We sing, dance, share songs and have a really lovely time!
Earlier this month, we visited care home, Charlton House, where we spent time with the residents. There were many smiles to be had.
A butterfly bath bomb takes shape.
A Lush workshop for the Deaf community
Bath bombs, lip scrubs and massage bars with a BSL interpreter, hosted by our sight and hearing team.
Our sight and hearing team recently hosted a fun and interactive workshop with Lush for members of the local Deaf community, supported by a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter. We were delighted to welcome two families, who attended with their hearing children!
Participants enjoyed making their own bath bombs, sampling a variety of lip scrub flavours and learning how to give and receive a relaxing wrist and arm massage using. As you might expect from a Lush event, the room smelled absolutely wonderful throughout the session!
Only having to tell his story once...
A family facing financial trouble and food insecurity. Here’s how we helped.
1
The call
A father between jobs called us. While waiting for a start date for new work, he had been caring for his wife after an operation and supporting their two teenage daughters. The family had exhausted the financial support available to them, including Universal Credit, and were struggling to buy food.
2
A hard summer
He told our advisor how the situation had affected his family over the long summer. Food vouchers were harder to come by than in previous years, and he found it especially hard not being able to provide for his daughters as he wanted.
3
The next morning
The same advisor arranged to meet him at the EEH the following morning, where he shared more detail about his finances and debts.
4
Food, straight away
Following an assessment, we provided £100 in food vouchers through the Crisis Resilience Fund. As these take time to process, we also arranged a food bank voucher so he could get emergency food immediately.
5
The next step, in his hands
We explored further support and offered a referral to Citizens Advice for debt and financial guidance. He took the information home to discuss with his wife and felt confident about making a self-referral himself.
Step 1 of 5
Next morning
met face to face by the same advisor
£100
in food vouchers, plus an emergency food bank voucher
“This case felt particularly positive as it enabled continuity of support at a time of significant stress and uncertainty. By meeting him the following morning, I made sure he did not have to recount difficult circumstances to different people. Building on what he had already shared allowed the conversation to focus on solutions and support.”
Becki Hall - Wellbeing Advisor
A phone, a meal and a ticket home
Homeless in Plymouth, with no phone and no money, a client came to our Friday drop-in. Here’s how we helped.
Friday morning. A client attended our drop-in service on a Friday morning and informed us that he had been homeless in Plymouth since the beginning of that week, following a relationship breakdown.
Sent back to Cornwall. He had approached Plymouth City Council for support and was advised to return to his home town in Cornwall and seek assistance from Cornwall, as this was the area where he had been living prior to becoming homeless.
No phone, no money. The client had no access to a phone and had no money to purchase food or a ticket to return home. We supported him to contact Cornwall Council for housing advice and to explore support through the Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF).
Funding, the same day. We were able to assist the client in accessing CRF funding. This enabled him to purchase a phone, with the remaining funds used towards food and a ticket home.
Somewhere safe. The client also has several serious health conditions, which made his situation particularly concerning given his homelessness, lack of access to food, and limited means of communication. Cornwall Council subsequently identified emergency accommodation for the client, providing him with somewhere safe to stay while further support was arranged.
1CRF support accessed
2Phone and food supplied
3Ticket home supplied
Six weeks, one phone call, a full refund
A pensioner struggling with his Council Tax bill came to our drop-in. Here’s how we helped.
The problem
July. A client attended our drop-in service in July 2026 seeking advice and support regarding his Council Tax. The client is a pensioner in receipt of Guaranteed Pension Credit and was experiencing difficulty paying his full Council Tax bill.
What we did
We called the Council. We contacted the Council in question on the client’s behalf and explained that we were supporting him to apply for Council Tax Support. As the client had received a final reminder regarding his outstanding Council Tax, we also requested that the account be placed on hold while his application was being processed.
On hold. The Council agreed to place the account on hold. Following approximately six weeks of communication and follow-up regarding the application, the client attended our service again on Tuesday 22 September 2026.
The result
Full support awarded. He informed us that he had been awarded full Council Tax Support and had received a letter from the Council advising him that he was entitled to claim a refund for Council Tax payments he had made since April 2026.
The refund. We assisted the client with completing the application for his Council Tax refund. The client was extremely pleased with the outcome and expressed his appreciation for the support and assistance provided.
Featured events
Cheeky Reaper presents
Murder on the Barbican
Friday20November
A murder mystery evening in support of Improving Lives Plymouth
The year is 1926, and the Barbican Boys run rampant across Plymouth. They are the city's most feared gang, and tonight they gather for a celebration. But before the night is through, a body is discovered. And someone in the room is guilty.
Families, children, students and professionals: services, assistive technology and talks for people with visual impairment
Discover a wide range of exhibitors from across the country showcasing services and resources for visually impaired children, young adults, families, and education. Explore the latest assistive technology with hands-on demonstrations, browse stalls in the Main Hall, and enjoy informative talks from exhibitors throughout the day in the Norman Room.
Where
The Kenn Centre, 3 Exeter Road, Kennford, Exeter, EX6 7UE
When
10am to 2pm
Cost
Free to attend; free parking, refreshments
For further information call 0800 145 6115Talks on support, funding, education and services
Devon Mental Health Alliance, Improving Lives Plymouth and Livewell Southwest
Mental Health and Wellbeing Day 2026
Thursday12November
Everyone is welcome to our free event. Find out what’s going on in Plymouth to support your mental health and wellbeing.
Co-produced by our Experts by Experience, the Open Day celebrates co-creation by having those with lived experience involved in every aspect of the day, including our poster (attached) created by one of our Experts.
When
11:30am to 4pm
Where
Central Hall Methodist Church, Eastlake Street, Plymouth PL1 1BA
Quiet time
Sensory-friendly quiet half hour, 11:30 to 12pm
Cost
Free, no booking needed
Important announcements
Plymouth City Council · Health Innovation Network · Improving Lives Plymouth
Carers: help shape Plymouth's carers strategy
Improving Lives Plymouth, Plymouth City Council and the Health Innovation Network would like to share an opportunity for adult carers to help evaluate the Plymouth All Age Unpaid Carers Strategy.
We are focusing on financial support and information, carers’ voice and partnership working and involvement in decision making processes.
We are inviting adults to a conversation online or in person (venue to be confirmed). It will take around an hour.
WhenSeptember 2026
WhereOnline or in person (venue to be confirmed)
TimeAround an hour
Thanks£15 gift voucher for your time. Reimbursement of travel expenses and or support costs may also be possible.
Contact Rachel and reference ‘Carer’.
UK Government
Armed Forces Covenant duty to be extended
The Government has announced plans to extend the Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty, marking a significant step towards placing the Covenant fully into law and strengthening support for serving personnel, veterans, families, and the bereaved.
Since 2022, the legal duty has required local authorities, NHS organisations and state-funded schools to give “due regard” to the needs of the Armed Forces community when making decisions relating to housing, healthcare and education.
The proposed changes would significantly expand this duty. Rather than applying only to a limited number of organisations and policy areas, the new legislation would place responsibilities on all UK Government Departments and Devolved Governments. It would also extend the duty to cover a much wider range of areas, including social care, childcare, employment, welfare benefits, pensions, transport, immigration, citizenship, criminal justice, and service-related compensation.
The aim is to ensure that the Armed Forces community is considered from the outset when policies are developed and decisions are made. This means Government bodies would be required to actively consider how changes may impact service personnel, veterans and their families, helping to reduce disadvantages that can arise as a result of military service.
While the duty does not guarantee specific outcomes, it strengthens accountability and embeds the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant more firmly across public services. The proposed extension represents one of the most significant developments in Covenant legislation to date and brings the nation a step closer to delivering on its promise that those who serve, or have served, should be treated fairly and not be disadvantaged because of their service.
NowCouncils, NHS and state schools: housing, healthcare, education
ProposedAll UK Government departments and devolved governments
Please make sure your GP practice, and any hospital that treats you, know you have served in the UK Armed Forces.
Not sure where to start? Talk to the Armed Forces Community Team on 01752 201766
It takes one sentence, and it stays on your record for life.
Your service is recognised and related health conditions are taken into account; you can be referred to specialist veteran services such as Op COURAGE, Op RESTORE or the Veterans Trauma Network; and family members can be recorded too.
Not sure if you are already coded? Ring your GP practice and ask: “Can you confirm that Military Veteran SNOMED code 753651000000107 is recorded on my NHS record?”
Veteran code753651000000107
WhoAnyone who has served at least one day in HM Armed Forces, Regular or Reservist
vfhub@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk
NHS
Carers: your flu vaccine is free this winter
Flu can be serious, leading to thousands of hospitalisations and deaths each year in England.
Speak to your GP surgery to find out how to get your free flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is offered to help provide direct protection to those most at risk from the effects of flu.
Carers and those with a variety of long-term health conditions, including chronic heart, kidney or respiratory disease, diabetes, and weakened immune systems due to a health condition or treatment, are eligible to receive a free flu vaccine on the NHS.
Protect yourself and those around you from flu this winter by getting vaccinated.
WhoCarers, and people with long-term health conditions
CostFree on the NHS
Full listnhs.uk, search ‘flu vaccine’
Scan for plymouth.gov.uk/vaccinations, or visit www.nhs.uk
Support us
Be a part of supporting thousands across our community to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Becoming a part of Improving Lives means joining a community at the heart of our local services. Get involved by volunteering, fundraising, partnering or more!
Our impact · 2024 – 2026, ongoing
20,000+individuals supported through challenges or crisis
37,000attendances at our activities and support groups
5,500carers connected with support
£14.5Msecured in benefit payments for locals
Give
DonateEvery gift makes a difference, no matter what
Give monthlyHelp us plan ahead for those who need us most
Gift in WillHelp future generations access support to live well
Get involved
VolunteerSpend some time making a difference
Partner with usCreate meaningful impact and demonstrate your organisation’s values
Fundraise for usHelp us spread the word
Join us
EventsBrowse our upcoming activities and events
VacanciesNew vacancies are always emerging. See the current ones here
Ready to support us?Every way to give, get involved and join us is on one page.
Supporting localAll donations help Plymouth and surrounding communities, and flow right back into our local economies.
Every gift mattersAny donation, regardless of size, is appreciated. We ensure every penny benefits our communities.
We’re transparentTotal openness is vital. We’re happy to discuss how your donations are spent and the difference they make.
High standardsOur fundraisers, volunteers and partner agencies all work to our standards and values. We’re registered with the Fundraising Regulator and committed to the Fundraising Promise.
Community activities and groups run by Improving Lives Plymouth from 1 October to 30 November 2026. Regular activities run every week unless stated. Dates and times can change: check improvinglives.org.uk/events before you travel.
To book any activity, go to improvinglives.org.uk/events, email ilp@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk, or call 01752 201766. Activities marked “just turn up” need no booking.
