By Leah Whitcher, Community Builder for Torre & Upton Goodness me, it’s been a tough 14 months, hasn’t it? How have you been? What did you do to get yourselves through it? Did you pull together a bit more in your street or neighbourhood? Did you move to participating in Zoom groups or chatting to people on the phone more often? Did you get fitter and healthier … Continue reading Hold on to and nurture that local community spirit – Community Matters

By Gill Knight, Community Builder for Paignton South – Goodrington, Roselands, Hookhills, Broadsands, Galmpton and Churston As we all try to get back to our new normal, your local community builders are getting out into their communities and will be staging pop-ups near you to get your ideas and help you find an activity, group or event that you might like to attend. Organisations across the Bay are working hard to make things … Continue reading Covid-safe activities opening up across the Bay – Community Matters

By Ruth Tshoukas, Timebank Broker for Paignton Although my chief job is running the Timebank in the Preston and Paignton area, in these unparalleled times, we have all had to adjust to a different way of living. I find that I’m talking to people every day over the telephone, people who get in touch via the helpline because they need help. So many people live … Continue reading Exchange your time and skills with others – Community Matters

By Usha Garrattley, Community Builder for Ellacombe & Plainmoor One warm, sunny afternoon, I walked to Brewery Park with Doreen. Sitting in the sun and having a chat with a few people made a big difference to Doreen who, apart from shopping, hadn’t done anything like this for over a year! Like many others, she has lost confidence. It’s going to take small steps and time to begin reconnecting to each other in the community. Before lockdown, I spent my … Continue reading Taking small steps to begin reconnecting to each other in the community – Community Matters

By Simon Sherbersky, Strategic Director for Ageing Well Torbay & Torbay Community Development Trust Last week, I heard some very powerful storytelling to inform better ways of working together to support people in Torbay. The messages are not new but were really moving from people who have struggled with issues of violence, abuse, complexity, mental health and addiction. They showcased the value of local community groups who … Continue reading I’m really proud of the co-operation and human kindness seen over last 12 months – Community Matters