Topsham’s newest home care service marks six months of impact for local community

Since its opening in late August of last year, Helping Hands Topsham has already supported 69 individuals and their families in the local area, and created 36 new jobs in branch and caregiver roles, delivering a meaningful impact for the local community.

With an ageing population and an increased need for at-home, personalised care, Helping Hands Topsham – which is based on Woodmanton Farm in Woodbury – is making a meaningful impact by supporting community engagement and delivering compassionate care to those in need in response to growing demand.

Helping Hands Topsham’s launch event (December 2024) welcomed customers, families, and community members for a celebration of Topsham’s vibrant spirit and heritage. Highlights included a lively demonstration from Exmouth’s Town Crier, Roger Bourgein, who has served in the role for many years and originally became a Helping Hands customer at a different branch in August 2023.

He shared:

“I want to thank Helping Hands for what they do – I know it’s in the title, but as a customer I can say I’m completely indebted to the lovely, empathetic carers who help make my life easier. Every one of them that comes to visit me, cares. And I feel it!”

Gill McLean, a representative of Topsham Museum, also attended the celebration, delighting attendees with fascinating details of the area’s rich history. From its origins as a Roman hub for importing goods such as pottery, wine, and olive oil, to its legacy as a fishing hotspot, the audience thoroughly enjoyed a journey through Topsham’s past.

They were entertained by stories including the heritage of the famous Devonshire pub crawl known as the ‘Topsham 10’, and Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper, England player, and three-time FA Cup winner Richard Pym’s humble beginnings as a Topsham salmon fisherman.

Helping Hands Topsham provides tailored home care services, ranging from companionship and help with daily routines, to dementia care and round-the-clock live-in care for more complex needs. The branch is part of Helping Hands’ national network of over 150 services, which have supported hundreds of thousands of individuals and families since the company’s founding in 1989.

Karen Hoskins, Branch Care Manager at Helping Hands Topsham, said:

“Helping Hands is built on the belief that everyone deserves to live well in the homes and communities they love, no matter their circumstances. We are thrilled to highlight the positive impact we’re making here in Topsham. We aim to foster meaningful connections every day – within our team, with our customers, and across the wider community.”

Helping Hands Topsham continues to actively recruit for many caregiving vacancies, building a strong, dedicated team to meet the growing demand for care.

The branch team looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of local residents, offering care that prioritises personalisation, compassion, and a genuine sense of community.