Lifehouse Network grows inner & outer resilience

Lifehouses in the UK, is a growing movement to help communities prepare themselves for collapse of local/global systems wherever and whenever they affect us in the "long emergency" we all face. We are hoping to set up neighbourhood “Lifehouses” in the South Devon bio region this year. In the meantime we have been building our vision, and relationships with local councils, parish councils and other community groups. We are also applying for some funding, as there is so much to do, and, as a country, we have not yet realised the extent of the mitigation and strategic adaptation necessary.

We chose to concentrate our February meeting on flooding caused by the prolonged intense rainfall the South West endured this winter. The number of homes, roads, businesses, and farmland suffering flood damage is sadly increasing as the climate crisis escalates. We looked ant the  example of what happened in Totnes and how some of the harm done could be lessened if we were better prepared locally. So our fourth public meeting was about Community Resilience Plans for flood threat and associated power cuts. There was a good turnout of about 45 people, and we got to hear first hand accounts from people affected by the recent flooding in Totnes. Personal accounts were related to the meeting like:

"A couple of weeks before Christmas 2025 there was torrential rain overnight, and for 2 hours the following morning. Rain water flowed under my door and covered the ground floor to a depth of 25mm. Luckily I have great friends and neighbours who quickly mopped up the water and supplied lunch."

Their neighbour, an older man, didn't flood but he did have a fall and injured himself because the electricity went off because of the flooding and he couldn't see.

"The greatest impact was psychological: I dread the forecasters talking about heavy rain. Because I am physically disabled and confined to a wheelchair, barriers such as flood gates and sandbags are of no use - they would simply trap me in the house."

A local business woman reported that stressful events of her premises flooding and her need now to relocate her business outside of Totnes. She said how shocked she was that drivers continued to use the roads, causing waves to come through the flood barrier she had, and flood her business.

Further, we heard from Jacqi Hodgson from Devon County Council, who stressed the importance of upstream solutions that slow water flow and increase water storage in the landscape to reduce downstream flood risk. Natural Flood Management involves tree planting, leaky dams, improved soil management to enhance water retention and wetlands or floodplains to temporarily hold excess water during storms. She also took note of the complaints residents had about the lack of appropriate action by the Council.

Jago Burris, Senior Flood Officer, explained how Devon County Council manages flood risks and that a flood investigation report is being worked on, which will inform flood alleviation measures going forward. He also warned that local authorities had many competing demands for finance.

Then we heard from the Devon Communities Together's Rod Birtles, who stressed that in emergencies, usually the first responders are ordinary citizens like you and me. To that end they've been supporting communities to develop their community emergency plan (CEP), a document that guides community response in an emergency and helps communities to prepare. To get support on creating or updating your community emergency plan contact:  rod.birtles@devoncommunites.org.uk

Finance for equipment up to £1,500 is available.

There is also help to set up "Community Emergency Hubs" - community-run spaces where local people can come together to support one another and take swift, safe and effective action in those crucial early moments before emergency services arrive - this could be developed as one function of a neighbourhood Lifehouse. More info here.

The second half of the meeting was set aside for small groups to discuss experiences and responses, and John Cummings from the local Lifehouse Core Team (and Town Council) initiated a get together of flood affected citizens to draw up a resilience plan. If anyone wants to get involved you can contact John here: cummings.john3@gmail.com.

Where to next

Our meeting on the 24th March turned its attention towards questions of building our personal and collective emotional resilience in preparation for the uncertainty ahead. We know that sharing with each other builds bonds and hope, in the knowledge that we’re not alone.

In April, we're pausing the Network meetings.  The Lifehouse Core Team are collating and working on network feedback, and will be back after April with further Network meeting details. We look forward to seeing you all again then.

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