Community support and voluntary sector partnerships
Community organisations play an important role in helping people access information, advice and support before their needs become more complex. During 2025/26, we continued to strengthen our partnerships with Torbay's voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, helping more people access support within their local communities.
A key part of this offer is the Community Hub and Community Helpline, based at Paignton Library. The service provides information, advice, signposting and face-to-face support for people experiencing challenges such as financial hardship, housing concerns, poor mental health, long-term health conditions and digital exclusion. Many issues can be resolved through early advice and intervention, helping people access the right support sooner.
Working alongside local partners, the Community Hub connects people to a range of services, including social prescribing, carers support, counselling, recovery services, diabetes screening and falls prevention programmes. This support helps people remain independent, reduce social isolation and improve their wellbeing, while reducing pressure on health and care services.
As demand continues to grow, community-based support remains an important part of our approach to prevention and early intervention. We will continue to work with community partners to strengthen local support networks and ensure help is available as close to home as possible.
Community support can help people get advice, information and practical help before problems become crises. By working closely with local organisations, we are helping people access support earlier, remain independent and stay connected to their communities.