DOZENS of organisations from across West Devon have been sharing information about how to help residents in the borough use the services they offer. The West Devon Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) has hosted two meetings of voluntary, private and community organisations in the last few weeks at Hatherleigh Community Centre. The partnership is made up of many organisations including West Devon Borough Council, Dartmoor National Park, Devon Primary Care Trust, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon County Council, West Devon community and voluntary services and representatives from Market and Coastal Town initiatives. With further meetings planned in January, information gathered from these events, each focusing on one of the five priorities of West Devon Borough Council, will be incorporated in a three year action plan for the LSP to be published in March next year. Cllr James McInnes, chairman of the partnership and leader of West Devon Borough Council said: 'The types of issues a partnership like this can tackle include anything that is important to individuals and the community. 'The aim is that rather than agencies tackling issues separately, they come together, with local people, share resources and experiences to make a difference. 'These events are a perfect example of sharing information which will ultimately help every resident in West Devon. 'By improving communications in this way we can reduce duplication of services and improve their efficiency and effectiveness. 'Already, we have found some organisations are starting to work together following these events. I hope this is the beginning of a new era in partnership working.' The first meeting on December 10 tackled how people are able to access everyday services in the borough which is central to the quality of life of residents. Representatives from around 20 organisations took part in the discussions. Community wellbeing was the theme for the second meeting on December 17 and focussed on policing, health and the wide range of cultural and social activities in the borough. The partnership will be discussing the economy at the Ockment Centre in Okehampton on January 30 and a further session about the environment is planned for February.
