Community events will ‘Beat the Freeze’

A Torbay community hub is hosting a special event in Paignton to help provide local people with energy advice and financial support during the coming winter months.

Paignton Community Hub, based downstairs at Paignton Library, is running the event on Tuesday, November 26, from 10am – 2pm, in partnership with Torbay Health and Wellbeing Voluntary Sector Network and local non-profit community organisation Engaging Communities South West. 

During the event, local residents will have the opportunity to find out about local health, care, and wellbeing support available from the services themselves, including Citizens Advice Torbay, Age UK Torbay, the NHS Breast Screening Team, and local support charities such as ‘I can do that’, ‘What’s your problem', and Devon Clinic, amongst others.

Government and financial support to support people with rising energy costs. People will be able to check if they are eligible for financial support from Torbay Council, with help on hand to fill out Pension Credit application forms. Barclays Bank will also be present to advise on other areas of financial support along with the Department for Work and Pensions.

How to stay warm this winter, with energy advice, guidance, and even a free-to-enter prize draw from Exeter Community Energy (ECOE) to win a ‘Warm Pack', which includes items such as a blanket, flask, hat, gloves, hot water bottle, and more.

Support is on offer at Paignton Community Hub, including from independent healthcare champion Healthwatch Torbay, Eat That Frog, and Libraries Unlimited.

Paignton Community Hub is based on the ground floor of Paignton Library, next to both Paignton’s train and bus stations on Great Western Road, and is funded by a contribution from Torbay Council’s Adult Social Care precept. 

The Hub is currently working with a local GP at Paignton’s Corner Place Surgery to offer Torbay residents free health and blood pressure checks and also offer other free services such as diabetic eye screening and digital support sessions with Digital Health Devon and Eat That Frog.

Dr Kevin Dixon, Chair of Engaging Communities South West, who runs Paignton Community Hub, said: “For many people, it is difficult to find out about these services and the financial support available or to get energy advice. This is why we are looking to host this special in-person event to support those who may not be aware of, or able to, access the support available.”

“Our local community has been hit, like many others, by the impact of the cost of living crisis, and we are concerned how this will affect our local population this winter. We sincerely hope this event helps to support people in Torbay to ‘beat the freeze’ during the coming winter and hope to see many people there on the day.”