Exeter Connect

A voluntary and community sector support service, providing advice and training to help community groups in Exeter develop and grow.

What we do

Our vision is to support and connect Exeter’s residents, community groups and organisations in order for them to grow, thrive and feel empowered to achieve their aims, in order to make a difference to their lives and the lives of their communities.

Our mission is to enable and facilitate the development of community groups and organisations across Exeter by providing free, professional and bespoke support.

We champion greater connectivity between groups and residents, and want to celebrate and promote community-led action and grassroots activity.

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Man standing outside holding a drill next to a chalkboard sign on the wall which says 'Welcome to St Thomas Community Garden. Chemical free vegetables and fruit. Every Sunday 11:00. Come and join us.'
St Thomas Community Garden

Our aims are...

To provide bespoke one-to-one development advice and support.

To facilitate the connectivity, networking and peer support of communities and organisations across Exeter who have a shared interest.

To help develop skills, capacity and confidence to better enable communities to achieve their aspirations.

To share and celebrate the achievements of community and charitable action in Exeter.

Have an idea?

Have you had an idea for a group and want some help starting up? Or are you part of an existing group or organisation looking to develop further or make some changes? Whatever stage you are at, Exeter Connect can provide one-to-one mentoring, advice and group workshops and discussions including:

  • Starting up
  • Funding
  • Financial and governance structures
  • Working with volunteers
A woman holding a framed crafted picture of a butterfly
A group of people in canoes on the River Exe, near Exeter Quayside

Training and Events​

We regularly run training sessions and networking events for community groups and organisations.

These have included:

  • Introduction to Legal Structures
  • Writing Winning Grant Applications
  • Sustainable Funding For Your Organisation
  • Getting Started with Social Media

Take a look at what we have got coming up on our Eventbrite.