Community Matters: New job role to help build stronger bonds across Torbay

By Amanda Lynn, community builder lead co-ordinator
Some of you may know me as the part-time community builder for St Marychurch, Babbacombe and Maidencombe, working alongside Jennie Langridge, as well as the being the co-ordinator of the team.
I have now moved into the role of lead co-ordinator of the community builders' team, stepping into the very big shoes of Tracey Cabache, who is now director of Torbay Communities.
I job share with Andrew Wade. My role is to hold the golden thread of what the team is doing and be able to pull this together to support and share the wonderful community work we do in the asset-based community development way, which means harnessing people’s strengths and skills in the community and seeing everything as an asset whether that be people or places.
We now have a full team of community builders due to a recruitment process at the beginning of the year, and you can find them on the website www.torbaycommunities.com/builders. We have a community builder for every area in Torbay.
I work alongside a very diverse set of community builders, all giving their different skills, gifts and knowledge to their area. I stand back and am amazed at what we do and how we do it, and how just knowing your local community and making connections can help so many people connect back into their community or make further connections to produce wonderful things that benefit all.
We will be at a few events this summer so do come along and meet us at Cricketfield Garden event on August 12, Babbacombe Fair on August 13, Children’s Week on August 16 and the Torbay Pride event on September 2.
You may also notice we have had a re-branding from Torbay Community Development Trust to Torbay Communities - this is so it’s easier and simpler for everyone, as our full title was a bit of a mouthful.
We are always looking for people to help us in what we do, looking for people who are natural connectors who know everything that is happening and are always there for a friendly chat.
So, if you feel you are one of them, contact your local community builder, who would love to hear from you. Or contact me on 07548 704 792 or email amandalynn@torbaycdt.org.uk
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