Roots Community Enhancement have been busy putting together 150 Christmas activity packs for children and adults across Dawlish and Teignmouth.

Thanks to a donation from ROC and a grant from Teignbridge CVS, Roots are able to assemble packs for anyone needing a boost during the pandemic struggles. Once completed, the total amount of packs that have been made by Roots since March will surpass 730.

Containing wellbeing tips, helpline details, craft supplies, activities and tiny toys, the packs will be distributed through Helping Dawlish and HITS.

Gill, a director, said: "I lost count of the paper cuts received whilst stacking 7,200 paper chain strips ready for assembly. It's worth it, thinking of people enjoying the packs at this challenging time".

Fellow director Rosie Dawson added: "Like many organisations, we have had to change the way we work in order to continue reaching out to the community. As always, we are driven by community need, and the feedback from packs we have made since March has been really positive.

"It's good to take time out to create, colour or engage in mindful activity when we are experiencing stress. It presses our reset button and this is so important for adults and children alike."

Roots is a CIC which runs not for profit. Prior to Covid, it received a substantial £78,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, who then increased the funding in the summer to compensate for lost opportunities to fundraise. The organisation is a collaborative partner with Helping Dawlish.