SEARCH is a network and local action group, with a focus on environmental issues and social justice. We discuss things that are important to us, share views and information (and sometimes rides to events), mount local campaigns where appropriate, and at least have an interesting time and meet new people. Where another local group is involved in some action, we can help promote their efforts. We do not wish to duplicate, rather act as an umbrella organisation. We simply aim to take action on national and local issues that affect our lives and environment in Chudleigh. If we start a project, we make sure that two SEARCH members lead it, for sustainability. Everyone is welcome if they are interested in social justice and environmental issues. We have around 34 people on our circulation list, with another 40 local people involved in our various projects.
Since our inception in October 2015 we have hosted talks, workshops and films on a variety of subjects including refugees, Fairtrade, well-being, self-build, climate change, fracking and TTIP (Transatlantic and Trade Investment Partnership), We usually attract 40-50 people to our events. SEARCH is not affiliated politically, although we are linked to a number of groups including Friends of the Earth, Surfers Against Sewage, Teign Energy communities and HITS (food bank). We are also very well supported by the Co-op and the Town Council as well as the District and County councillors through their community funds.
SEARCH meetings once a quarter online at 5pm on a Tuesday. If you would like to come to a SEARCH meeting or get involved with any of our projects, please email maryannemcfarlane@gmail.com or phone 01626 852002. Look forward to meeting you and hearing your ideas.
Follow us on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/SEARCHChudleigh/
Here are some of the SEARCH related projects
Chudleigh Together
The project aims to link volunteers with local residents (18 and over) who feel a bit isolated. They could be new parents, those recently discharged from hospital, experiencing mental health challenges, finding their mobility is restricted, or a host of other factors that can affect our ability to meet with others. Chudleigh Together has a steering group and we run the scheme in partnership with Volunteering in Health. We accept referrals direct or through ViH. Our volunteers have DBS checks and we run a regular support and training group. We can visit during the day or in the evening, whatever suits the person. We aim to find a way for the person to explore their interests and obtain assistance from relevant organisations if needed. We have 12 volunteers and are currently seeing around 18 residents. If you want to help please contact Mary Anne McFarlane 01626 852002.
CAR (Chudleigh Against Racism)
This group has been running monthly throughout 2021. It aims to support people of colour who experience racist behaviour and incidents. We are also learning how to intervene effectively to challenge racism. We are delighted that Chudleigh Town Council has signed up to the Zero tolerance of Hate Crime Pledge (as have other Devon towns) and will be working with local businesses and organisations to take this forward. We are supported by the Primary and Secondary Schools and TDC. Contact Mary Anne McFarlane 01626 852002.
March 2022: CAR launches booklet to assist awareness of tackling racism in our community
Chudfridge
‘Chudfridge’ was launched in January 2019 and is a partnership with HITS, the foodbank and Chudleigh Town Council. The aim is to reduce food waste. The practical work of purchasing the fridge, building the housing, recruiting and training volunteers, registration and publicity was done by SEARCH and a Chudfridge team. Volunteers clean the fridge twice daily and pick up food waste regularly from the Co-op stores in Bovey Tracey. Chudleigh Co-op also puts food in the fridge. The fridge is situated at the back of the Town Hall, with the kind support of the Town Council. Please contact Mandy Cole if you want to help: 07799303940
Fairtrade
Chudleigh achieved Fairtrade status in 2018 and a sub group with business, community and council members is continuing to work on this initiative. Contact Margaret Parsons, 01626 852740
Plastic Free Chudleigh
For more information, please contact Audrey Compton on 01626 852775.
Action on Climate Teignbridge - ACT
SEARCH members are working actively on the climate emergency. There are several hundred members of Action on Climate Teignbridge (ACT) and plenty of opportunities to get involved. https://actionclimateteignbridge.org/.
Contact Audrey Compton 01626 852775