This time, our ‘Out Instead’ travels take us to our city of Exeter, and to Park Life Heavitree!

This time, our ‘Out Instead’ travels take us to our county city of Exeter, and to Park Life Heavitree.

At Home Instead, we support clients across the Exeter and East Devon area, many of whom continue to enjoy getting out and about, making friends, experiencing new things and watching the world go by from a different perspective. It’s our privilege to enable them to do so by accompanying them.

For those that want to spend a pleasant hour or two in a friendly and welcoming environment, Park Life Heavitree is just perfect. The registered community charity is based in a beautiful new facility in Heavitree Pleasure Ground, which can be reached easily on foot from the city centre, via car (there is limited paid metre parking along Whipton Lane, or in the public car parks in nearby Heavitree). The A bus route also stops very close by.

Park Life offers a full calendar of regular events including yoga for all ages, baby and toddler groups and dedicated coffee mornings. The events aren’t confined to the indoor area either, as the team organise art workshops, fun days, garden parties, Pizza in the Park and Christmas carol events, which take place in the Pleasure Ground setting.

Kate Wilder and Ben Hunt lead the Park Life team of staff and volunteers, with the aim of making it an inclusive venue for everyone in the community, regardless of age or circumstance – and it’s just that! For the future, the team are looking to create a number of regular activities and events that could appeal to more mature community members and to those that are supported by carers or family members – perfect for Home Instead clients!

Currently, Park Life host a ‘Seniors’ Coffee Cake & Chat’ morning, from 10am-11am, on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, where free tea, coffee and cake is available for the over 60’s.

We are also very pleased to say that the Park Life Team are hoping to become ‘Dementia Aware’ with Home Instead, by hosting our *free workshops, open to staff and hub users too. There are also some exciting plans in place for some dedicated Dementia friendly events too, later on this year. Watch this space…

The entire Hub is completely accessible, with newly laid pathways leading to all entrances. Outside, there are a number of picnic tables, garden tables, chairs and bicycle racks, for use by visitors. Inside, there are ample toilet facilities, including one suitable for wheelchair users or those needing assistance. The inviting communal area is spacious and airy, with low level comfy seating, tables and chairs – accessible to all. The walls are decorated with locally produced art – some of which is available to purchase – and the team are friendly and helpful. Dogs are welcome too, and if you are lucky, you may get to meet ‘Maisie’ who is clearly the four-legged manager of the organisation!

The Café (managed by Renee – Café Manager and Alex – Chef) is open every Tuesday – Sunday from 9am – 4pm and offers a selection of locally produced sandwiches and soups, and light lunches with a modern twist. There are also some traditional tastes to enjoy such as bacon sandwiches, and a variety of freshly baked cakes.

Park Life are an organisation with a heart, offering community members the chance to volunteer and take advantage of mentoring schemes. Plus, café customers can buy a ‘pay it forward’ voucher which the team can pass onto another customer that may not be able to pay for their drink or food. With kindness, comfy surroundings, delicious food and parkland views, Park Life Heavitree is the perfect venue to be included on our ‘Out Instead’ list.