A new website has launched to signpost residents to information about health and wellbeing groups in the Sid Valley.

From today (Friday), Sid Valley HELP will be providing the online service and members hope it will be an active resource of information.

The organisation wants to unite the community to support residents in times of difficulty, loneliness or illness by utilising other groups’ expertise as part of its commitment to improve health and care services both online and through a volunteer run signposting and advice service.

The HELP group was the brainchild of the town’s health and care forum and also hopes to tackle the growing issue of loneliness in the valley.

Di Fuller, chairman of the HELP group’s steering committee, said: “There is a lot of information on it and links to other sites, particularly about organisations that support health and care and wellbeing.

“We hope people will look at it and get back to us with ideas, what we want is an active place for users in the Sid Valley.”

She added the site was still in progress and encouraged users to telephone and email what they would like to see.

It follows on from a recent meeting with 31 representatives from local groups, who met to discuss how to improve health and care services in the area.

Ben Feasey from Sidmouth Youth Centre, June Waters of one of the town’s monthly friendship club and Amanda Whitlock of Independent Age told the room about their organisation.

Mrs Fuller said: “There is a continued need to work together and support each other and that is a key part of what we want to do and achieve as a new organisation.

“I want Sid Valley HELP to be seen as an all age support for the community. It isn’t just the about the elderly.”

Helpers will be out in force in the town tomorrow (Saturday) to try and raise money for the charity.

Volunteers will be around Sidmouth between 9am and 2pm.

If you would like to become a volunteer, attend a future networking event, or find out more information about Sid Valley HELP, email di_fuller@hotmail.com.

To visit the website click here.