If you are a local resident and would like to get hold of the Community Builder in your area – please contact them via their email or Facebook page. Team members and their contact details are listed below.
If you have a general enquiry contact info@eci.org.uk or 01392 205800.
I have lived in Wonford for 8 years, and as in every place I have lived I always try to be involved in the community. I love to see communities flourish and grow and neighbours become friends, getting back to standing at the garden gate and having a conversation with people as they pass by. I hope that my work as a community builder will help to bring some of that back. I also volunteer as a Wonford Planter which is what led me to this job.
Email wonfordcb@eci.org.uk
Hi, my name is Emma and I am the Community Builder for Countess Wear and Newcourt. I live in Exeter with my three children, who are 18, 15 and 9. I swim most days and I enjoy spending time walking and cycling with friends and, if there is a pub at the end, its a bonus! I have always had an active role in my community and so moving into the role of a community builder seems like an organic move. So far I am very much enjoying the role and I am looking forward to the next 12 months!
Email countesswearcb@eci.org.uk or newcourtcb@eci.org.uk
Community Building has always been a passion of mine, I have always been an active member of my community and it is a natural role for me. It’s great listening to people, finding out what matters and building connections in the neighbourhood helping to make it stronger, strengthening relationships and creating the space for opportunities to evolve.
I love community building, environmental & social justice and using green spaces in communities to bring people together. I enjoy camping with my family and friends in South Devon in my spare time.
Email pinhoecb@eci.org.uk
I came to Exeter in 2009 from a very rich, vibrant and connected community and a big family where I was always surrounded with people whom I love. I decided to counter being in a new country and feeling lonely by connecting with my neighbours and getting the children to come out of their IT devices to play outdoors together. Involving myself in as many social events and volunteer work as I can.
I worked as an early education practitioner for 10 years and I was ready for a change. Working as a Community Builder will allow me to feel more as a part of the community and will also allow me to do what I am already doing in my street on a wider scale in St James and Duryard.
I am so excited to start meeting all the lovely residents, see what interests, passions, skills there are in the area, then find a suitable platform for it to be pursued. By helping the community to thrive and build more connections, will make my dream come true. I would like as much people as I can to experience how amazing it feels to be included and do stuff together within your community.
“Simply smile, have a conversation or say hello, will make my day better and hopefully yours too.”
Email duryardandstjamescb@eci.org.uk
I have two children and enjoy baking and crafting. I am a member of Central Exeter WI group and Newtown Crochet and Knitting Group. In an attempt to try and improve my fitness I have recently started Nordic Walking.
The best things about my job are listening to residents’ stories and seeing new connections happen. It is a privilege to be part of people’s journeys.
Email newtownstleonardscb@eci.org.uk
I'm the Community Builder for St Thomas; I'd describe myself as a 'people person' and a 'networker' which helps me try to bring people together, to build consensus and collaborate. I love live music, art, the outdoors, walking, swimming, keep fit, yoga, cookery, learning languages and travel.
Email stthomascb@eci.org.uk
I once got told that if you find a job that you love, work will never feel a chore again which is exactly how I feel about my Community Builder role. I get to spend my days in an amazing neighbourhood with the most interesting residents plus the views of Exeter Quay surrounding me.
Previously I was a community worker within Children’s Centres for 6 years. I live with my three year old granddaughter and our most recent family member Mabel a twelve week old miniature dachshund so as you can imagine life is pretty lively but fun.
Email stdavidseastcb@eci.org.uk
I enjoy looking after my daughter, Amelia -or rather ferrying her around in Dad’s taxi –and spending time looking after pets. In the summer I paddle about, or more often than not pull - the family canoe along small rivers and tributaries, collecting whatever we find, before then having a picnic and a splash.
Exeter has become a home for me, albeit over 25 years ago, when I went to Art College here. From there I did my PGCE and ended up as an art tutor for 10 years. Unsurprisingly the values of creativity are important to me.
But creativity and relaxation of course don’t solve everything. I have worked in mental health/addictions for five years and appreciate the problems that people, and their families, face. And Covid has also exposed our communities’ frailties, particularly for the elderly and our children. Community resilience matters more than ever.
Clearly, there has been a lot of good work going on in Heavitree, and I look forward to meeting all those involved. I would love to hear about your ideas for projects or support groups. I’m sure I have a lot to learn. I am old school and prefer, where possible, human contact, so please phone me, contact me directly via email, and let’s meet up!
Email heavitreecb@eci.org.uk
Who am I? I’m ‘Papa’ - to 2 lovable rascals called Zach and Killian, both under 3. Before my partner and I moved to Exeter, I spent a few years studying music both at uni up in Leeds and then in France. I’m a social butterfly and love meeting new people wherever I go.
As the local community builder, I’m lucky to do what I love: come alongside and chat with individuals and groups, discover what really matters to them and gently encourage new connections. Everyone has their own unique story and passions in life and it continues to be a privilege for me to have people share these with me. I work on the east side of Exeter, generally to the north and the east of the beautiful green Ludwell Valley.
If we haven’t already said hello to one another in person or online… I’d be very happy to chat- message me when you’re ready, :)
Email stloyescb@eci.org.uk
My name is Claire and I am the new Community Builder for Alphington. I have lived in Alphington for 14 years and feel proud to be part of such a warm and welcoming community. I hope that through this role, I can help enhance what makes Alphington great by supporting those organisations and groups that already exist. I look forward to working with residents to support their ideas into action and create new groups and places for people to connect. Most importantly I look forward to listening to residents and hearing what they feel makes Alphington special.
Email alphingtoncb@eci.org.uk
I am passionate about growing veg and love being outdoors. In the past I have been involved in community food growing projects and have seen the benefits it can bring to a person’s wellbeing, both mentally and physically. The thing I love about Community Building is meeting people and hearing their stories. I’ve met some inspiring people through my work. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing an idea develop, from an initial listening conversation, to someone’s vision growing into reality.
Email exwickcb@eci.org.uk
I am the new Community builder for Cranbrook. I have lived here for 5 years and in Devon for 15 years. I come originally from a small rural community in Finland, however, I have also lived in cities and towns.
Cranbrook is unique! Before moving here I did not realise what a lovely place it is to live. It is such a warm and welcoming neighbourhood. As a Community builder I hope to build on this. I am looking forward to listening to you, finding out what matters, what you would like in our town and build on the connections within Cranbrook. If you fancy a chat please get in touch.
Email cranbrookcb@eci.org.uk
Hello, I’m Sarah, and I’m pleased to introduce myself as the cover community builder for Mincinglake and Whipton. I grew up in North Devon, which instilled the importance of strong communities for both societal and individual wellbeing in me from a young age. After studying and working in Warwick, Cambridge, Venice, London and Windsor, I came to Exeter to undertake a PhD in 2019, and I’ve made my home in this vibrant city. I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life, and I’m driven to make positive changes. Community building is a wonderful opportunity to achieve this, and I look forward to actively helping make Mincinglake and Whipton a better place to live, work, play and learn. Outside of community building, I am an art historian and artist, and, in that capacity, seek to engage communities and diverse audiences with the arts and creativity to improve their wellbeing.