The Big Bash event that brings together people in Torbay with Learning Disabilities and their families and carers with the organisations that support them, is taking place again this year.

This year’s event has been organised by Torbay Mencap and the Bay’s Learning Disability Ambassadors and is on Tuesday 16 June at Torbay Leisure Centre, Penwill Way, Clennon Valley, Paignton TQ4 5JR from 10am to 2pm. It takes place during Learning Disability Awareness Week (Monday 15 June to Sunday 21 June). The theme for the week is ‘Do You See Me?’, making sure that people with a learning disability are seen, heard, valued, and included in all areas of life.

As well as an opportunity to connect and have fun, the Big Bash aims to build confidence, visibility, and a strong sense of belonging, showcasing the voices and talents of people with learning disabilities and providers at the heart of our community.

BASH stands for Being Active, Safe and Healthy and the event will demonstrate lots of ways to get active and stay safe and healthy, and forms part of the longer-term strategy ‘The Big Plan for Learning Disabilities’. 

Entry is free and for more information contact Jom@devonlink-up.org

Find out more about Torbay’s Learning Disability Ambassadors. 

Watch a video from last year's Big Bash event.

Read The Big Plan Learning Disabilities Strategy.

Agenda for The Big Bash

10.15am: Welcome from the Mayor

10.30am: Zumba with Suzanne

11am: Mencap presentation - Helen's cup of courage

11.30am: Tai Chi with New Key.

Other events taking place during Learning Disability Week

Monday 15 June, 12 – 2pm: Dispelling the Myths of Disability and Employment at Tea Leaf Café, 304 Union Street, Torquay, TQ2 5QZ. Lunch, Talks and Networking. There is a £5 donation cost
towards lunch and a drink. For more information, contact: alanrtilley@mail.com

Wednesday 17 June, 10.30am to 11.30am: Live singing at Hollacombe CRC, 386 Torquay road,
Paignton, TQ3 2DW. open for all to attend.

For more information, contact: Emma Ashford emma.ashford@nhs.net .

Wednesday 17 June, 1pm – 4pm: Day Service Games Challenge at Skills Centre, Windsor House, TQ2 5JL. Hosted by Turning Heads. There will be lots of games and activities for people to take part in. For more information, contact: Alan Tilley alanrtilley@mail.com 

Thursday 18 June, 10:15 – 2pm: Music and Movement Festival at Hollacombe CRC, 386 Torquay Road, Paignton, TQ3 2DW. The festival will have musical chair exercises, interactive games and sensory games/movement. The dress code is bright and comfy clothing. For more information, contact: Emma Ashford emma.ashford@nhs.net 

Thursday 18 June, 1:30 – 3pm: SPACE and Co-ordin8 Third Annual Fashion Show at Gerston Christian Centre, Paignton, TQ3 3DX (Drop-off point outside, main parking in Hyde Road Car Park). Join Co-Ordni8 and SPACE for a fashion show with coffee and cake. Please let Co-ordin8 know if you would like to take part so they know your song choice for walking down the catwalk.
For more information, contact: Jenny Aherne, co-ordin84action@hotmail.com or 07928 767 965