Ageing Well Torbay ultimately is a test and learn project – trying out methods and means of reducing loneliness and social isolation, and sharing the learning gathered.

Below are a series of reports and videos, reflecting on what has been learned, marking what worked well, where there was room for improvement, and what we may advise others to do if considering similar work.

Click on any of the reports to open as a PDF.

We’ve had many stories shared with us over the years, and a few we’ve had the privilege to make into short films and videos, interviewing just some of Torbay’s residents whose past has led to such an influence on our programme.

About us

Ageing Well in Torbay

Connecting People

Torbay Community Helpline

Extension of Torbay Community Helpline

Befriending with Torbay Community Helpline

Robbie's story

Barrie's story

Ann's story

Eric's story

Charlie's story

Ann's story

Shirley's story

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  About us

  In this film, we hear about the impact the Ageing Well Torbay programme has made on the lives of Barrie and Robbie, building connections between people out in the community.
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  Ageing Well in Torbay

  In this short film, we interviewed some of our friends from around Torbay about their experiences of Ageing Well in Torbay.
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  Connecting People

  Community Builder Nina Cooper tells us about Crafty Cuppa, held at Great Parks Community Centre, Paignton.
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  Torbay Community Helpline

  Torbay Community Helpline opened its lines to the public on March 16th 2020, shortly before the Covid-19 lockdown began in the UK. Initially named the Torbay Community Coronavirus Helpline, staff from VCSE and statutory organisations around the 'bay helped take hundreds of calls from the public, who were in desperate need of help due to being vulnerable or shielding, and/or were volunteering their services to help out. Thousands of calls and several months later, the helpline is still going strong, now aiming to continue on as a one-stop call for help from all of Torbay's community services. You can call the helpline on 01803 446022, 10am-6pm on weekdays, or 9:30am-12:30pm on Saturdays. An online form is also available at bit.ly/torbayhelpline
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  Extension of Torbay Community Helpline

  In this video, Tracey Cabache briefly explains the work that has gone into running the Torbay Community Helpline, and why this vital service will continue running for a longer period of time.
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  Befriending with Torbay Community Helpline

  As part of the Torbay Community Helpline, we set up a telephone befriending service for those who were lonely or suffering with mental health issues. In this video, you'll hear from Jackie Coad, who was befriended by Teresa Cartwright. You'll also hear from Helen Harman, Chief Officer of Age UK Torbay, one of the organisations who helped us set up the Torbay Community Helpline in March 2020. Footage courtesy of BBC Spotlight, originally broadcast/recorded 2nd February 2021. If you require help or would like to volunteer with Torbay Community Helpline, phone 01803 446022 or use the online form: bit.ly/torbayhelpline
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  Robbie's story

  This is Robbie's story - from first contact with the Ageing Well Torbay programme, to how far she's come today.
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  Barrie's story

  n this short film, we hear Barrie's story of meeting new people and making new friends after the loss of his wife. Barry, like many others in Torbay, has been put in contact with new friends through the Ageing Well Torbay programme.
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  Ann's story

  Part of a series of films directed by Nick Fogg for the 2015 Ageing Well Festival Torbay. Watch as Charlie, Ann, Shirley, Ann and Eric talk about their personal experiences of ageing in Torbay.
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  Eric's story

  Part of a series of films directed by Nick Fogg for the 2015 Ageing Well Festival Torbay. Watch as Charlie, Ann, Shirley, Ann and Eric talk about their personal experiences of ageing in Torbay.
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  Charlie's story

  Part of a series of films directed by Nick Fogg for the 2015 Ageing Well Festival Torbay. Watch as Charlie, Ann, Shirley, Ann and Eric talk about their personal experiences of ageing in Torbay.
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  Ann's story

  Part of a series of films directed by Nick Fogg for the 2015 Ageing Well Festival Torbay. Watch as Charlie, Ann, Shirley, Ann and Eric talk about their personal experiences of ageing in Torbay.
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  Shirley's story

  Part of a series of films directed by Nick Fogg for the 2015 Ageing Well Festival Torbay. Watch as Charlie, Ann, Shirley, Ann and Eric talk about their personal experiences of ageing in Torbay.

Through 2018 and 2019, we asked residents over 50 in Torbay “What do you wish you’d known before you retired?” and this is how a number of them responded, reflecting on challenges they’d faced, as well as the skills and knowledge they view as essential to ageing well.