Two local organisations and one business were presented with 'Outstanding With Loneliness' (OWL) awards at a Dawlish Town Council meeting this week for their efforts to reduce loneliness in the area.

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

Representatives from Annie's Tea Room, The Hope Centre and The Strand Community Centre accepted the awards on Wednesday (1 March).

Carley Holmes of Annie's Tea Room, third from left, receiving OWL award (Nub News/ Will Goddard)

Carley Holmes of Annie's Tea Room said: "I would say that everything that we do is not exceptional, it's just what you do.

"You get to know people and so, if they haven't been in, [you notice it].

"Loneliness occurs for many reasons: it could be from mental health issues to sickness, to bereavement."

Mark Jones, third from left, and others from Hope Centre receiving OWL award (Nub News/ Will Goddard)

Mark Jones of The Hope Centre said: "We've been running a warm space over the winter.

"We have encountered lots of people who've benefited from a listening ear, free hot drinks, cakes, and a simple meal at lunchtime.

"For some of them, the experience has been life-changing. 

"The new Hope Centre... is going to offer a wide range of ways to connect with vulnerable and isolated people. 

"We are big on healthy relationships and fostering community connectedness. We also work closely with Rock Dawlish and with Helping Dawlish... to signpost people to the help that they need."

Volunteers from The Strand Centre receiving OWL award (Nub News/ Will Goddard)

Local woman Babs Tucker, who nominated the volunteers from the Strand Community Centre, said: "They're brilliant. They're always there and they do so much and sometimes they are rushed off their feet in that place.

"I find myself on my own now after many years with my lovely hubby, and it's nice to have somewhere like this that you can go to and just sit amongst people and meet up with a lot of people that you do know from the town."

L to R: Cllr Mike James, Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury, Cllr Carole Tamlyn, Cllr Val Mawhood of Dawlish Town Council's Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Working Group (Nub News/ Will Goddard)

Annie's Tea Room is located on Brunswick Place, The Hope Centre near Sainsbury's, and The Strand Community Centre on the Strand in Dawlish.