On 25th September, the Torbay Community Builders had the incredible opportunity to welcome Joe Erpenbach and Rebecca Pauls from the USA. As fellow Community Connectors.  Joe Erpenbeck is a consultant and Faculty Member of the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute. Their visit was more…

Each week, we receive a steady stream of people putting themselves forward to volunteer. Some know exactly what they want to do and which sector they want to volunteer for, others are not sure – they just know they want to give something back, and a handful simply want to explore volunteering in…

"The Torbay heat for the Baton of Hope UK was incredible. The community really pulled together for this, and it was awe-inspiring. All those involved in the preparations, delivery and attendance on the day did Torbay proud. What a powerful community we have. "I am here to focus on another event…

Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together – and when the planets align in perfect symmetry, it is easy to forget just how much hard work and planning went on behind the scenes. I am thinking in particular about the suicide prevention initiative, the Baton of Hope, that came to Torbay last…

Over the last couple of years, like many organisations and groups across the country, we here at Torbay Communities have had to seriously up our fundraising efforts. From ABBA-themed silent discos to nautical cream teas aplenty (one at sea during a cruise around the bay, the other accompanied by…

Volunteering offers numerous benefits, not only to the recipients but also to the volunteers themselves. Let’s start with mental health – volunteering reduces stress, anxiety, and depression through social connection and purposeful activity. It also boosts mood and self-esteem by providing a sense…

Does your charity organisation or community group need support with their finances? Have a word with Rosie & Pete, our friendly finance team. www.torbaycommunities.com/charity-fina... #VCSE #Torbay #Torquay #Paignton #Brixham #Charity #Charities #Community

"As always, I am proud to say there is so much going on in Brixham due to the fantastic community spirit, drive and enthusiasm that exists and thrives there!  So much collaboration, networking and working together to make incredible things happen.  It is very special to see..." -Helen Ambler,…

The Baton of Hope is coming, and it is coming soon – next Tuesday. The Baton (think Olympic torch without the flame) has been working its way around the UK since September 1st and comes to Torbay on Tuesday, September 30th, the only port of call in the South West. The Baton is the biggest suicide…

"In my last article, I spoke about empowering people to lead change in their own communities. Today, I want to share a wonderful example — Rose’s story: Singing for Fun on Tour —there's always a solution. "Rose was a regular at Singing for Fun, our monthly music group. Having led a singing group…

"What does Torbay Communities actually do?" A question we are asked often, and a difficult one to answer briefly. In the eleven years we have been operating in the Bay, projects have come and gone, but our principal direction remains the same, and that is to tackle loneliness and isolation in…

"Where do I start? Lots going on, Torquay Place Funding for one, members of the community have already attended a Community Partnership meeting to provide ideas on projects for our area; things like Upper Union St revival, an ‘Info bus’ to help get information to residents in all areas. Art…

The best advice as you get older is to do more, not less. To many, that advice may appear counterintuitive, but it is supported by a wealth of scientific evidence. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of why it's so crucial and how to do it effectively and safely. Retirement has long been regarded as…

Having spent many years working alongside charities, we know one thing for sure: finance isn’t everyone’s cup of tea — but it is the secret ingredient to success. From securing funding bids to reporting with confidence, strong financial management makes all the difference. With our friendly,…

"Did you know that Paignton had a Monastery? Not many people do, as it’s rather hidden away now, behind houses and trees at the top of Berry Drive off Colley End Road, but once upon a time, it could be seen standing silently on the hill, serving as a beacon for seafarers returning to port. There is…

Volunteering is at the heart of so much that we do here in the Bay, and yet we often don't get the chance to pause and thank them, or celebrate their achievements. Once again this year, we will be celebrating the very best of our communities by hosting the Community Champion Awards alongside the…

Volunteering is at the heart of so much that we do here in the Bay, and yet we often don't get the chance to pause and thank them, or celebrate their achievements. Once again this year, we will be celebrating the very best of our communities by hosting the Community Champion Awards alongside the…

"Do you know your community builder?  "If you are a regular reader, you may have come across our articles and seen some of the projects we are involved in.  "Each builder across the Bay works in a different way and is involved in different projects, but our collective goal is to help connect…

"Every week, I have the opportunity to interview someone from the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector (VCSE) for the Volunteer Show on Riviera FM. "More often than not, my guests are nervous as they arrive at the Torquay studios and cannot understand why I will not provide them with…

Young people from across the Bay got together for the first Youth Celebration event in Paignton Held at People’s Parkfield, a day before the start of Children’s Week, the event featured a range of activities and games for all ages, along with Cosplay and an open mic on the main stage. Organised…

"Summer has well and truly arrived in Torbay — with long, sun-soaked days perfect for sea swimming, water sports, and the cheerful buzz of funfairs. On Torquay Beach, it’s a delight to see creative sandcastles and intricate sand art taking shape, while Paignton is alive with the excitement of the…

Fundraising is a key focus for charities and voluntary organisations across the Bay, taking up valuable time and staff resources. Some organisations are fortunate enough to employ a full-time fundraiser to shoulder the burden, but even they have to cover their own salaries before their endeavours…

The Government have selected Torquay to receive £20 million over the next 10 years as part of their Plan for Neighbourhoods programme. The money can be spent on physically improving our neighbourhoods, improving our town centre, on housing, arts, culture and heritage, on crime and safety,…

"I met Flag as a puppy, a few years ago. "Often described as 'a bundle of cheek.' "And there we started our lives together. "I joined the Wellswood Community Builders group, where Marianne asked us if we had ideas for new social groups. "Half joking, I said 'I'd like a dog owners’ group,' and…

Torquay communities have a fantastic opportunity to help spend a whopping £20 million over the next decade. As part of the Government's Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, ideas are being sought on ways to improve Torquay over the next ten years. Submissions are welcome from organisations,…

"On a bright and blazing summer day, Shiphay Park, also known as Dart Park, was transformed into a vibrant hub of laughter, colour and community spirit as families gathered for a free event designed especially for children.  With the sun high in the sky and temperatures soaring, the park buzzed…

The countdown is on for the Baton of Hope’s arrival in Torbay. The UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative will see Torbay host the baton walking relay on Tuesday, 30 September. The baton route will go through Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, and thousands are expected to attend during the day,…

Residents and community groups in Torquay are being invited to come forward with ideas to help regenerate the town. The ‘once in a generation’ funding is being given to Torquay by the central Government as part of their Plan for Neighbourhoods’ scheme because of levels of deprivation in the town.…

Community equipment service update – Torbay Council A statement from Torbay Council: NRS Healthcare, a major supplier of healthcare equipment to people who are being discharged from the hospital or need support in their own homes, will no longer be providing this service. Torbay is one of around…

I’m writing this on another gorgeous day in Torbay, and the sun is shining! How lucky we are to live and work in this beautiful part of the world! I am extra lucky because I live on a street where all our neighbours know each other. We share what we have with each other…from babysitting to…

Torbay Communities has been operating in the bay now for eleven years, as of this month. Founded back in July 2014 under our original name, the Torbay Community Development Trust, we’ve since gone from strength to strength, establishing a number of partnerships and projects around Torbay, with the…

"Community isn’t just where we live—it’s how we thrive. "Whether it’s gathering with like-minded neighbours, launching a campaign to inspire change, or simply sharing stories over coffee, community is what breathes life into our towns and streets. Yet many people around us have become…

EXCITEMENT is building across the Bay as schoolchildren start the long summer break. The lucky ones will be going away, but many more will be enjoying everything the Bay has to offer through a whole series of events, mostly organised by and staffed with volunteers...

"I will be working for Active Devon for three days a week and will be remaining as a Community Builder for the remaining two days. I am not leaving community building, just reducing my days, but on the plus side, I have a new addition joining me! Kelly Warner (Bedoyan) will be arriving in the…

Children and young people across Torbay are celebrating their achievements with awards. Entries opened this week for the second annual Children and Young People's Awards, designed by the Youth Council in collaboration with Imagine This Torbay. They are open to young people under the age of 25…

August 16th marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic Swedish supergroup ABBA performing at Abbey Meadows in Torquay. Hot on the heels of their 1974 Eurovision song contest victory in Brighton, ABBA came to the Bay as part of a BBC Seaside special. A special event is being organised in Abbey Park,…

Like many charities, we must raise a significant amount of money to continue delivering our services and providing support to thousands in the Bay each year. We are eternally grateful to the major funders, such as The National Lottery Community Fund, Torbay Council, and the NHS, but we also need…

"I’m enjoying working with the Preston Community, spending time by the beach in the summer is a treat, and it’s truly beautiful. "The Preston Weekly walk is growing, and friendships have blossomed.  It’s on every Tuesday at 12 noon.  We meet at the cliff end of Preston Sands (opposite end to the…

At the core of much of the work we do at Torbay Communities are people who are in danger of becoming lonely and isolated. Until relatively recently, it was assumed that only older people were at risk of becoming lonely and isolated, but that is no longer the case. It is now recognised that…

The Timebank is about exchanging your time and skills with others. It is not a direct swap; you can select an offer from a Timebanker, and there is no requirement to offer something yourself until you want to. Anyone can join, and all exchanges are equal, be it a handyman or a befriender. You can…

For some time, there has been a growing recognition that some of the most meaningful changes in our communities come from the relationships between neighbours. At the heart of this approach is something called Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD). Our Community Builders are at the forefront of…

Torbay Communities is seeking a passionate and motivated Employment and Wellbeing Coach to support asylum seekers and refugees in their journey towards improved wellbeing, employment and independent living Through a peer-led model, together create inspiring and practical wellbeing and…

As our community builders have been active in Torbay for eight years, most of you will have met them, and many of you will have attended groups or events facilitated by them. So, you know what they do, meeting people, talking with them, finding out what interests them and connecting people with…

Our article last week introduced People’s Parkfield CIC and its aims to support the local community and to provide safe spaces in which people from all generations can flourish. This article is an introduction to the organisations that make up the Parkfield community.  Each one is part of the…

Torbay Communities is seeking a specialist provider to deliver the end-to-end design, installation, and educational integration of Sustainable Urban Drainage interventions at Watcombe Primary School, Sherwell Valley Primary School, and St Cuthbert Mayne School.

The good news? Over 100 people have signed up to be Baton Bearers. However, we need a large number of volunteers on hand to support them and ensure this event runs smoothly. If you would like to help out on Tuesday, 30th September, read on...

Now Hiring: Project Oversight Officer – Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDS) Torbay Communities are recruiting for a Part-time Project Oversight Officer, 7.5 hours a week over 4 months. We are looking for someone who has a passion for protecting our natural environment, who has the ability to engage…

"Staying active as you get older can be a challenge, and finding activities that interest you might require some digging, but I have recently been getting in a pickle each Monday evening, having read about the popular new racquet sports of Padel and Pickleball. "Started in the USA, Pickleball is a…

Parkfield House is more than just a historic building nestled in a wooded area near the seafront of Paignton — it's a symbol of community heritage, resilience, and renewal. Thanks to the passionate efforts of People's Parkfield CIC, this once family home is undergoing a transformation with a…

"What an incredible weekend we had with the Torbay Airshow. It was amazing to see areas of the Bay busy with friends and families enjoying the weather and activities going on in and around Paignton, especially. I know a favourite of mine was definitely the Vulcan Bomber (I’m sure everyone in the…