During Volunteers’ Week, we took time to say a huge thank you to the incredible people who give their time to support CHAT across Mid Devon. From supporting our foodbank and advice services to helping at events and behind the scenes, volunteers play a vital role in helping us support local people facing difficult circumstances.

Over the past year, CHAT volunteers have generously given more than 10,000 hours of their time to support our work and the wider community.

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“Our volunteers are at the heart of CHAT. Their kindness, dedication and willingness to help others makes such a difference, not only to the charity, but to the people who come to CHAT every day. We simply couldn’t do what we do without them.” Helen Stone, Volunteer Co-ordinator

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Read about Simon Cooper’s lifelong connection to Mid Devon and his passion for giving back to the community. From decades in the property industry to supporting vital local services, read how his experience is now helping make a difference through CHAT.

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I moved to mid Devon in 1987 to work for Stags in Tiverton and have lived in mid Devon since then; firstly in Bampton and since 1997 in or near Kentisbeare.I am married to Kathy and we have 3 grown up children.

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I retired from Stags in 2024 and since then have been looking to see where I can give a little back to communities in Devon, ideally where my experience of over 45 years in the property industry could be of benefit.

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I have been a financial supporter of CHAT for a number of years and in 2020 they were my chosen annual charity for my cycling exploits in the West Country and beyond.

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Though I have known that CHAT have always provided excellent assistance in peoples housing needs in MId Devon, and more latterly in running a food bank, I hadn't realised that they also are passionate about helping people in fuel poverty and also debt advice, along with providing a venue in central Tiverton for other support groups to use.

There are enormous gaps in society, particularly in relation to homelessness, and I hope that my involvement with CHAT as a trustee can help in a small way. I sense I'm afraid that the pressure on housing and poverty in Mid Devon will continue to increase though I am confident that CHAT will be doing everything in its powers and within its resources to help those in need.