Devon Connect
A county-wide CVS partnership.
Devon Connect is a free platform that helps local people find nearby activities, services, groups and volunteering. Open to all, it is quietly transforming how Devon connects.
Devon's size and rural geography create isolated communities.
People living in rural, coastal and market town communities often face challenges accessing up-to-date information and support. These difficulties are compounded by reductions in public services, increasing social needs and unclear pathways between organisations.
With Devon County Council no longer funding its directory, Devon Connect has stepped forward as the county’s shared platform. Managed by a consortium of VCSE partners, it's grounded in local knowledge and collaboration, with a clear mission: to reduce isolation, improve access to support and help communities thrive.
Connecting what matters most.
Devon Connect helps residents see what's going on, get involved and feel part of something. Key achievements include:
- £320,232 in Social Value created in 2025 alone.
- 40,000+ volunteer hours logged over the last four years.
- Integration with the Joy App (social prescribing software).
- 1,782 activities added and 94,040 unique users in 2025.
- Every £1 spent with Made Open generates £13.34 in Social Value.
Building something together rather than working alone.
Over 1,000 community groups and organisations have shared more than 4,200 activities in the last two years.
In 2025, the platform saw 94,040 unique users (up from 50,083 in 2024 and 31,169 in 2023).
Page views rose to 369,400 (up from 240,267 in 2024). This growth reflects a network that is becoming more connected, more collaborative and more effective each year.
Quietly transforming how Devon connects.
Because Devon Connect is built on trust, partnership and local knowledge, it has grown into a genuinely valued service - fast becoming the digital backbone of community life.
Devon Connect proves that when organisations share their strengths and technology stays human, communities become stronger and more connected.
"Devon Connect is the one-stop shop but with a human touch. It’s been a fantastic journey and we’ve been supported brilliantly by Made Open."
Marie Gould
Chief Officer of NDVS and Chair of the Devon Connect
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