A SERIES of informative guides focusing on disruptive life events have been launched by the Advice West Devon Partnership.

The guides look at illness and disability, bereavement, relation-ship breakdown, job loss and having a baby.

Shirley Hooton, project service manager, said that these topics have been chosen as they are amongst the most common triggers for people needing to seek advice.

She said: 'Major changes in people's lives such as losing a long-term partner or becoming unemployed can throw anyone, even the most able, into a state of confusion and disarray.

At such times many need extra help to keep life under control and make the practical adjustments required. These self-help guides help by breaking actions down into manageable steps and providing information on local support organisations, useful information websites and action checklists.'

Project partner Andy Lyle of Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) has distributed the booklets to the TASS befriending team.

He said: 'Our volunteer befrienders are often asked for information of this kind by those they help, particularly as many of those using our service are older, isolated or have physical or mental impairments.

'The booklets will save time spent on research, by providing a range of relevant information in one place. I imagine that both local people and many support workers will find these to be a valuable aid.'

The guides are currently available to download for free from the 'Advice Links' page on the website http://www.advicewestdevon.org.uk">www.advicewestdevon.org.uk. A limited number of hard copies are also available and can be requested by email to [email protected]">[email protected]

The website also provides a self-help advice tool and web enquiry facility which directs requests for advice through to the appropriate advice or support agency.

The project is also currently inviting local organisations to become members of Advice West Devon and benefit from access to an online inter-agency referral system, enabling them to get the appropriate help for their clients or service users more quickly. Details are available on the 'Members' page of http://www.advicewestdevon.org.uk">www.advicewestdevon.org.uk

The Advice West Devon project, led by a partnership of seven local organisations, is funded by the Big Lottery's Advice Services Transition Fund until October 2015.

Funds to continue the project are currently being sought from local companies, grant-making agencies or individuals.