Two local organisations, Dawlish Hub Store and No 1 Café, were presented with 'Outstanding With Loneliness' (OWL) awards at a town council meeting this week for their work combating loneliness in the parish.

The awards come as part of the town council's project of the same name, which provides certificates, badges, and plaques to individuals and organisations supporting the lonely.

Cllr Carole Tamlyn, who is chair of Dawlish Town Council's Mental Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention Working Group, said: "This evening we aim to highlight and celebrate the great efforts of those in the community whether they are a school, an organisation, a business, or an individual who are already or wish to support, help or befriend lonely people in the parish of Dawlish.

"Even though Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, many people will still feel lonely and isolated, especially anxious about the uncertainty of the future."

L: Dawlish Hub Store on the Strand. R: No. 1 Café on Queen Street (Nub News, Will Goddard)

Simon Dunn, accepting the award for Dawlish Hub Store, said: "At the Hub Store, we're focused on the welfare of people in the community, and we're prepared to listen and provide support.

"We provide complimentary tea and coffee and seating and wi-fi so people feel welcome to stay with no obligation. 

"At the back of the store we have a free children's play area and this has been brilliant, a great place for parents to meet and socialise.

"Our support extends to our volunteers, some who have mental health issues, including social anxiety, and we work with other local organisations with people like that to volunteer as a way for them to feel confident in the community."

No. 1 Café was also noted for training its staff to 'go the extra mile' with getting to know and having conversations with customers, many of whom go there alone. 

Cllr Byron Woods, accepting the award for No. 1 Café, said: "I think all our staff would agree, that [the café] is a family. That's how we like to perceive it, we look after them, they look after us. 

"We could put stacks of products up to sell [on the counter], but at the same time we've kept that low so we can have that face-to-face interaction with people."

Individuals, voluntary organisations, businesses, charities, and schools are all eligible to join the OWL project. You can also nominate someone or an organisation for their work.

Click here to download an application form, which you can submit it to [email protected]. Print forms can be requested by calling 01626 863388 and returned to the Manor House, Old Town Street, Dawlish, EX7 9AP. 

Email [email protected] for more information.