A SOFA has taken up residence in Dawlish this morning as part of an initiative to engage with residents.
The snug, blow-up sofa was launched in Newton Abbot and is now moving around the district to enable anyone, from armchair critics to passers-by, to take a seat and chat to council staff and advice specialists on a range of issues.
Today it’s in Dawlish with Chris Ellis of Teignbridge Community and Voluntary Services in the chair.
He said: ‘It has been well received in Newton Abbot and people have been really engaged by it with lots of people asking questions.’
It’s the brainchild of Teignbridge CVS.
'The Sofa’ initiative responds to research by Teignbridge District Council, which showed that many residents found it difficult to contact them.
Teignbridge CVS hopes ‘The Sofa’, where no appointment is necessary, will help people who might not have the time to seek help in the conventional way.
Residents will be able to grab a seat and access information and advice on issues such as benefits, housing and council services.
The sofa is making a tour of high streets and market squares around Teignbridge to enable passers-by to take a seat and chat with staff from Teignbridge District Council and staff from Citizens’ Advice with any concerns or questions.