Community groups spread warmth across Torbay

A special community effort has been launched in Torbay to make sure everybody can stay warm this winter.

Eight community venues will offer 22 sessions per week throughout Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, ensuring that everyone has a place they can go to keep out of the cold.

Torbay Council is using money from the Household Support Fund to pay for the spaces, which will be delivered by Torbay Communities and community and voluntary sector organisations.

Warm Space sessions will be between two and five-and-a-half hours and will also offer socialising, food and support, including how to apply for pension credit.

Cllr Hayley Tranter, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Many people will feel the pinch this winter as fuel bills rise and others become ineligible for the winter fuel payment. We want to ensure no one suffers or is forced to make a choice between heating and eating. Once again, our community partners are pulling together to make sure no one in Torbay is at a disadvantage.”

Tracey Cabache, Director of Torbay Communities, said: “It is really important that we continue to provide Warm Spaces for our more vulnerable residents over the winter period and we are grateful that Torbay Council has been able to allocate some funds to support this vital work. Our message to residents is to embrace these spaces, do not suffer in silence. You will not only find warmth and a hot meal at these venues – but a very warm welcome too.”

Sessions will be held at the following venues until March:

Torquay

Torbay Community Café and Help Hub, 4-8 Temperance Street, Torquay, TQ2 5PU

Tuesday to Friday 10am to 3pm from Tuesday January 21

Riviera Life, Home Church, Babbacombe Rd, Torquay, TQ1 1HG

Thursdays 8.30am-2pm from Thursday January 17

The Living Room, St Mary Magdalene Church, Union Street, Torquay. TQ1 4BX

Wednesdays and Fridays 10.30am to 1pm from Wednesday January 22

Acorn Youth, Community and Sports Centre (newly reopened), 3 Lummaton Cross, Torquay, TQ2 8ET

Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 11.30am-2.30pm from Monday January 27

Windmill Centre, Pendennis Road, Torquay TQ2 7QR

Tuesdays 9am-2.30pm from Tuesday January 21

Paignton

Haven, Gerston Christian Centre, Gerston Place, Paignton TQ3 3DX

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 10.30am-1pm from Tuesday January 21

Foxhole Community Centre, Belfield Rd, Paigtnon TQ3 3UZ

Tuesdays 9am-12noon (not the 18 February) from Tuesday January 21

Wednesdays 12noon-3pm from Wednesday January 29

Brixham

YES Brixham at The Edge, Bolton Street, TQ5 9DH

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10am - 4.30pm, and Wednesdays 1- 4.30pm from Monday January 20.

For more information on the support available if you’re struggling with the cost of living visit Torbay Council’s cost of living webpages: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/benefits/cost-of-living/ 

You can also call the Torbay Community Helpline on 01803 446022.