Winter Warmer sets priorities and solves problems

The best prize could have been the luxury coffee brand. Or the strawberry design cushion earphones. And the youngster who found themselves with a pop up tent was having an excellent explore. The Winter Warmer natter at Townstal ended with a raffle, and it felt like everyone was a winner. There was certainly a buzz.

The natters are a regular get together where the TQ6 community and services share the space to focus on what’s good and what’s not so good about where they live. It’s a chance to make a list of priorities.

But as services – housing; energy; the council; some councillors (town and district); and the Police and Public Health – were in the room. Local issues were being dealt with right there and then.

Outside pizzas were being made. Inside problems were being solved.

What do you like about where you live? Our table liked the town’s library. Of course, the Dartmouth Community Chest hub cafe was high on the list of good stuff. All written down on sticky notes, ready to be sorted. And to help with the sorting were people from Public Health Masters students from Exeter University, and researchers from Plymouth University.

What could be better? The list was long-ish – some were more do-able than others. Themes were collected and priorities made.

Outside, the grey cloud made way for spots of sunlight. Inside, it was the other way round.

LACK OF SERVICE SUPPORT
Family support
Clubs & Groups for Young People
No affordable shops for families
Lack of Police
Lack of Domestic Violence help & Support

ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT
Pot holes
Affordable bus / ferry
Dog Poo
Parking issues

HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Lack of dentist
GPs not accessible
Lack of mental health services
Geographical distance to emergency services

HOUSING
Lack of affordable housing
Repairs taking too long

COST OF LIVING
On going issues not getting any better

The 2026 TQ6 Winter Natter was hosted by Dartmouth Community Chest and took place at Townstal Baptist Church.