By Jennie Langridge & Amanda Lynn, Community Builders for St. Marychurch, Babbacombe & Maidencombe

As we go into spring, we are really looking forward to better weather, when we can all start to venture out more and enjoy the outdoors, maybe in gardens or just out for a walk.

We have some good news, the new Babbacombe Memory Café for people with Dementia and Memory Loss is starting weekly from Tuesday 5th April from 2pm to 4pm at St Anne’s Hall, Babbacombe Road.

It is just £2 per session with entertainment and refreshments, and they are looking for volunteers to help. For more information on the group and volunteering, please contact Bill Herhlihy on 07958 558066 or Nigel Colledge on 07477 492846. 

Whilst on the subject of volunteers, there are opportunities to help out in your local area. Community Builders have been matching volunteers with those in need in their neighbourhood throughout the pandemic. We are currently on the lookout for people who can:

Visit someone at home for a cuppa and a chat; Take someone out for a walk – Walking Buddy; Accompany someone to the shops; Accompany someone to activities in the community; Provide transport to activities in the community; Provide transport to medical appointments

These are all things people are asking for, somewhat nervously, in order to build their confidence to get back to some kind of normality.

There is no set time commitment for this – we match volunteers with someone who lives near to them and together they organise something, usually on a weekly basis. We call this our Good Neighbour Network. Please contact Torbay Community Helpline on 01803 446022 to sign up.

There is also an opportunity for funding of up to £300, which can be used for community groups or maybe a jubilee event. Contact us if you live in St Marychurch, Babbacombe or Maidencombe: Amanda 07954 8704792 or Jennie 07469 660888.

We would also really like to know more about what is going on in our areas to share with others. Please follow us on our Facebook group Jennie Langridge & Amanda Lynn Community Builders. Or find your Community Builder at https://www.torbaycdt.org.uk/about-us/#community-builders–timebank