Community Matters: Brixham is buzzing with community spirit

There’s always so much happening in Brixham—it seems like a town that never sleeps! There’s so much enthusiasm, community engagement, and positivity here. I’m always in awe of everyone around me and feel extremely proud and privileged to be their community builder, spreading the love and joy wherever and to whomever I can!

Most recently, Men’s Sheds has needed to find a new venue. So I tasked myself with a very important job! I asked around a few places and got very lucky with the folks at Brixham Baptist Church saying yes, they would be delighted to host Men’s Shed! Phew! This very important group in Brixham was going to be lost forever otherwise, which would’ve been tragic to all concerned, and the Baptist Church could not stand by and watch that happen.

Men who have been attending this group over the last few years, headed up by Gary and Peter, have become lifelong friends over cutting, sawing, joining, and painting wood. It’s a lifeline to many of these gentlemen who have suffered significant losses and seek company among other like-minded gents. What better excuse to get out of the house than to build and fix things with wood while putting the world to rights over a brew?

Women can come along too, of course; they’re welcomed with open arms. A handful have been coming along for a while and are integral to the group. Just ring the doorbell next to the blue door by the taxi rank between 10am and 2pm Tues–Fri, and Gary will answer. Any queries, call 01803 883794 or email SUJOAN33@outlook.com. Please do pop along and support them; donations are gratefully received. Watch this space for upcoming fundraising events to keep this much-needed group in Brixham going.

A new bereavement group is starting at The Trawler (in the back room) on North Boundary Road, providing a safe space where you can meet others in a similar position, 1.30pm – 3pm on the last Friday of each month. The first one starts on 28th February. Please contact Carol at 07384 056239 for more details.

A new carer support group has also started recently at The Trawler (back room) on North Boundary Road. Mondays 1.30pm – 3.30pm. Contact Janet for more details at 07935 247066.

With the recent bad weather, it’s important to be prepared. If you are or care for someone who is elderly, very ill, physically or mentally disabled, and relies on power for medical equipment or would be affected if the electricity and water supply were interrupted, you can apply to be added to the Priority Services Register. For water contact, call 0344 3461010. For electricity, call 105 or 0800 6783105. For more information, visit: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-advice-households/join-your-suppliers-priority-services-register. 

Like and follow my Facebook page ‘Helen Ambler, Community Builder for Brixham’ to keep up to date with what’s happening. Please email me at helenambler@torbaycdt.org.uk to receive my what’s on guide or call me on 07469 660873 for a chat.