After needing somewhere to work from on Thursday (March 11) in Budleigh, and in search of a caffeine hit, I thought of no better place than at Seachange.

I popped into Seachange for a latte and a slice of cake to escape the rain. I opted for a scone, (made the Devon way of course), which was lovely.

The scone was light and fluffy, with lots of cream and jam on top. I also thought the coffee was well-priced, only £3.20, which is given straight back to the charity to help keep their events going. 

While sat there I began to think how much of a great community asset Seachange is to Budleigh, and is more than just a coffee shop (though it was a great latte).

They have a small coffee shop at the front of the building in partnership with Launchpad Kitchen, which is a community cafe supporting adults with learning challenges. They aim to support their trainees by helping them to improve their practical, social and independent living skills. 

Launchpad was set up in August 2017 and currently supports over twenty adults in both catering and horticulture. Trainees are encouraged to set their own goals, and are supported by staff and volunteers in the achievement of those goals.They also have another cafe, Wesleys' at the Temple Methodist Church in Budleigh High Street.

The cafe offers hot drinks, tea and amazing latte, as well as cold drinks, light bites cakes, scones and breakfast, lunch and brunch.

But Seachange is more than just a community cafe, it offers an amazing nursery for young children, which was rated as 'Good' by Ofsted.

Set on the grounds of the former Budleigh Hospital, it is a charity that provides community practical support for all generations, young and old, within its area of Exmouth, Woodbury and Budleigh Salterton.

Seachange's programme of activities, classes and support runs from its base in Budleigh, East Devon. However, its reach extends throughout Woodbury, Exmouth and surrounding villages.

Their programme of events is all designed to increase social cohesiveness, reduce isolation, and loneliness whilst improving the health and happiness of our community.

They provide a nursery and gym to help elderly people keep moving and stay active in the community.

But don't just take my word for it, after working at Budleigh Library for a time, I also overheard residents talking about how much of a great building Seachange is for the community.

One resident said: "I am there all the time, it's an amazing community venue. I don't know what we would do without it."

Another said: "Yes it is amazing, everyone is so friendly and its a lovely place just to sit and enjoy some company."