New to Devon: Coffee, Cake, and Chat!

We are absolutely delighted to invite you to our new **bi-monthly Coffee, Cake, and Chat sessions in the heart of Devon**! Whether you’re new to the area or simply looking for a friendly space to connect, these informal gatherings are the perfect way to meet other families, enjoy a delicious treat, and access advice from our dedicated family support team—all in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Where:
The Silver Otter Café, 15 Silver Street, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1DB

When:
these are to be held on the following dates at 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• 18th September 2024
• 27th November 2024
• 29th January 2025
• 26th March 2025
• 21st May 2025
• 16th July 2025
  
  

(Our family support team will be available until 2:00 PM for additional advice, guidance, or a one-to-one chat.)

Who’s Invited?
Everyone! Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone who just loves a good cup of coffee and conversation, you’re welcome to join. It’s a family-friendly event, and we encourage people of all ages to attend.

Why Attend?
These sessions are designed to offer a warm and supportive space where you can:

• Meet and connect with other families in the area
• Relax** over a cup of coffee or tea, and sample some delicious cake
• Share your experiences, challenges, or simply enjoy a chat
• Access support from our family support worker, who can provide advice on a range of topics including family life, education, and community resources

Venue:
The Silver Otter Café is part of the Able2achieve Trust, a wonderful local initiative that supports individuals with learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and other associated needs. With its cozy atmosphere and community-minded mission, it’s the perfect setting for our gatherings. Whether you’re here to unwind or seek advice, you’ll feel right at home.

Parking:
Convenient on-street parking is available nearby, and there’s a public car park just a short walk away on Brook Street, making it easy for you to pop in and join us.

How to Reserve Your Spot:
To help us prepare for a fantastic morning, we kindly ask that you complete the simple booking form below to let us know you’re coming. This ensures we have enough coffee, cake, and comfy seats for everyone!

We can’t wait to welcome you—come along, bring a friend, and make yourself at home. We’re here to listen, chat, and offer a helping hand where needed. See you at the next Coffee, Cake, and Chat!

We’re heading out for a memorable Youth Club trip to the Hollywood Bowl in Yeovil!

Join us for a fun evening where we’ll enjoy a game of ten-pin bowling, followed by time to sit together and enjoy a snack and a drink. It’s the perfect chance to have fun, relax, and socialise with friends in a different setting!

Important: Spaces must be booked in advance!

Parents/carers need to:

• Complete the booking form
• Pay the £5 subs online
• Booking deadline: Thursday, 15th May

Don’t miss out – secure your space early and get ready for a fantastic night of bowling fun!

Get ready for an epic day filled with laughter, creativity, and memories! How about gathering your buddies for an absolutely thrilling baking session? Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through the air as you dive into making a scrumptious batch Roll up those sleeves, grab your mixing bowls, and let the fun begin!

But wait, the excitement doesn’t stop there! Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, it’s time to crank up the adrenaline with an exhilarating round of Bingo! Who knows, you could be the lucky one walking away with some fabulous prizes!

And the fun keeps rolling! After the games, there’ll be plenty of time to chill with your friends, swap stories, and dive into even more games. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy each other’s company!

This is not just any ordinary get-together; it’s a session packed with delicious treats, thrilling games, and unforgettable moments.

Don’t miss out on this amazing adventure—join in on the fun and make it an evening to remember!

We are thrilled to announce that this year, our coffee mornings will be hosted at various venues. Our second venue is the Cheese and Grain in Frome.

The Cheese and Grain is a not-for-profit, member owned social enterprise and also a registered charity. Its main aim is to promote and boost Frome’s social, cultural and economic life. The Cheese and Grain has an important role in Frome because they can host meetings, large (with a capacity of 835 standing and 500 seated) and small (up to about 30 people in their mezzanine). The lovely café is located in the centre of The Cheese and Grain and is the perfect space to come and and enjoy a tasty smooth coffee and maybe a slice of cake too!

Join Michelle Bull at The Cheese and Grain on October 10th from 10 am to 12 pm for a wonderful morning of coffee, conversation, and community spirit.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Join Us for a Summer Family Event at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm!

Where: Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, North Somerset
When: Saturday 28th June
Time: Please arrive between 10:30 am and 11:30 am, when the Family Support Team will meet you. The team will be on hand in the zoo until 2pm, but you’re welcome to stay and enjoy the zoo until closing time!

We’re excited to invite you and your family to a fantastic summer day out surrounded by nature, adventure, and plenty of animal magic at the award-winning Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm!

Nestled in 100 acres of peaceful countryside just 6 miles south of Bristol, this special zoo is more than just a fun day out—it’s a place that works hard to support, protect and care for the natural world, inspiring every visitor with a love for our planet and hope for the future.

Originally opening in 1999 as Noah’s Ark Farm Centre, it began with hands-on fun, including bottle-feeding lambs, tractor rides, and play in the hay barn. Fast forward to today, and the zoo now welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually and is home to more than 100 amazing species, including African elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, and even spectacled bears.

There’s so much more to enjoy than just the animals (though they are amazing!) — get ready for:

• Indoor fun in the Rainbow Slide Play Area, Arkiventures Indoor Play, and Under-5s Soft Play
• Outdoor adventures at the Elephant Play zone, Wallaby Hill Wooden Playground (parental supervision required), Sand Pit, and Welly Splash Pool
• Explore the Great British Wildlife Maze and Mini Maze
• Slide down the Termite Mound Slide (parental supervision required)
• Enjoy daily animal talks and displays (check times on the day)
• Don’t miss the Small Animals Meet & Greet at 2:30 pm!

Whether you’re here for the whole day or just the morning, this is a fantastic opportunity to create special memories with your family in a beautiful and inspiring setting.

Food and Drink
There’s something for everyone when it comes to food and drink at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, whether you’re after a hearty lunch, a sweet treat, or a quick bite on the go! The zoo caters to a variety of dietary requirements, so please speak with a member of staff if you have any special dietary needs.

• The Food Barn – Open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., The Food Barn is the central hub for delicious, family-friendly meals.
• Ice Cream Parlour – located next to The Food Barn
• The Bear Kiosk – Located near the Spectacled Bear Enclosure
• The Elephant Kiosk – Located by Elephant Eden
• Picnic Areas – If you prefer to bring your own lunch? No problem! Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm has plenty of designated picnic tables throughout the zoo, plus indoor and undercover spots in:

Arkiventures Play Area
Jungle Den
The Canopy

Directions:
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is well signposted from the M5. The address to enter into a sat nav is: Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG

Charges for this event

• Child with Down Syndrome = £0 (Ups and Downs will subsidise the cost)
• One accompanying parent/carer = Free (see terms and conditions below)
• Additional children/parent/carers = £14.50 per person.

To be able to attend free of charge as a parent/carer, you will need to provide one piece of evidence from the list below:

• Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children under 16 (either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded or the actual Allowance book)
• Entitlement to Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16-64 (either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded or the actual Allowance book)
• Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Allowance letter of award
• A valid Blue Badge

If you would like to attend this Family Event, please complete the online booking form below and make payment when prompted.

Booking closes at midnight on Monday, 2nd June 2025