Torquay Primary Care Network

16/12/2025

Are you struggling this winter? You're not alone. Torbay Council has set up a Warm Spaces scheme; a list of organisations where you can pop in, have a hot drink and a chat, and get some information on local support at any time when they're open.

We've added the list of Warm Spaces in Torquay for you to check out below, but you can follow the link from Torbay Council to find the spaces throughout the bay!

❤️Riviera Life Link, Home Church, 527 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HG, Thursday 8.30am-2pm (but closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).

❤️SPACE Launching Futures CIC, Barton Cricket Club, Barton Road,Torquay, TQ2 7NY, Monday 9am-12pm, Friday 9am-12pm, Closed Friday 26 December, Friday 2 January.

❤️Turning Heads, Social Supermarket, 1B Parkfield Road, Torquay TQ1 4AL, Tuesday to Friday from 9.30 – 2.30pm.

❤️Turning Heads, Turning Heads, Skills Hub, Windsor House, Lime Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5JL, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.

❤️Ellacombe Community Partnership, Torbay Community Café & Help Hub, 4-8 Temperance Street, Torquay, TQ2 5PU, Tuesday to Friday 10am to 3pm, closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day.

❤️Living Room St Mary Magdalene Church, Union Street, Torquay TQ1 4BX, 10am to 1pm Monday & Wednesdays.

❤️Barton Acorn Youth Community & Sports Centre, Lummaton Cross, Barton, TQ2 8ET, Monday - Friday 10am-6pm. Closed from 24 December to 28 December inclusive, and on New Year’s Day.

❤️The Salvation Army, Torquay Salvation Army, 29 Market Street, Torquay, TQ1 3AF, 10:30am-1pm every Monday and Friday (except any bank holidays).

A new Warm Spaces scheme has been launched with sites across Torbay to help local people to have a place to keep warm during the winter months.

Funded by the award of grants to community partners, warm spaces are free to use and will provide hot drinks for visitors. They may also provide food or activities, too, and may be able to signpost people to other support if they need it.

Visit the link in the comments to find out more.

01/12/2025

Winter can be a difficult time, and many people report feeling low in these darker months. It's important to give yourself a bit of extra self-care and find time to nurture your wellbeing. We've included our top tips below, feel free to share your own winter wellbeing tips in the comments below!

🏃Stay Active
It can be hard to keep exercising in the colder months, but regular physical activity can be a huge mood boost and support your wellbeing! If getting out and about is more difficult, try going for shorter walks locally, trying indoor exercise sessions, or giving at-home exercises a go.

🔥Keep warm
Make sure you wrap up warm and use layering, thermal clothes, and move more frequently to avoid feeling cold. A cosy blanket helps too! It's recommended that you keep your home at 18°c, but if you're struggling with heating your home this winter please reach out to the Wellbeing Team at your surgery for information on who can help, or read info on our previous posts.

🌞Get some sunshine
Getting out in the sun during the day can be a great way to improve your mood and regulate your sleeping patterns. Even a short walk in your lunch break can be helpful to give you a boost and can make those darker nights a little easier.

📱Spend time away from social media
It can be easy to spend more time scrolling on social media this time of year, and this can often lead to low mood, comparing yourself to others, or anxiety. Try to limit the amount of time you spend online and find mindful activities you enjoy this winter. You could try out some winter crafts, spend time with friends, explore local events, or get back into an old hobby!

🤝Reach out for help
Winter can be hard, even if you follow the tips above, so make sure you reach out for help if you need it. Whether you talk to friends, family, or a professional, asking for help can be a brave step and can open the door for further support. If you want to discuss your wellbeing with a professional, you can request a referral to the Wellbeing Team from any member of staff at your GP surgery.

12/11/2025

No need to be alone on Christmas day.
Book early to avoid disappointment. 🌲🧑‍🎄

17/10/2025

❄️Are you worried about staying warm this winter? ❄️
This time of year can be especially difficult for so many people, especially if you're struggling with energy costs, have a health condition, or are homeless.

If you'd like a free pack to help stay warm this winter and information on reducing energy costs, you can visit the Energy Advice Centre at Parkfield House in Paignton, Tuesdays 10am to 3pm, and get your pack that includes:
🔥A warm blanket
🔥A hot water bottle
🔥Hand warmers
🔥Thermal hat, socks, and gloves
🔥A home thermometer

15/10/2025

🌟Free eye tests for anyone experiencing homelessness in Torbay 🌟
If you're struggling with homelessness and haven't had an eye check in some time, pop down to Specsavers in Paignton this Sunday 19th October, 3pm to 5pm, for a completely free eye check and free glasses if needed.
Eye health is so important, and an eye check can help spot health conditions early. So if you've been struggling with your vision or just need a quiet, warm space for a check-up, head down to their clinic on Victoria Street this Sunday!

05/09/2025

Interested in giving pottery a go? There's a new pottery course for men coming up locally! Pay what you can for 3 relaxed sessions to test your creative skills and meet others, and support a charity dedicated to men's mental health. Information below!

This September in Paignton, Alright Mate? CIC are inviting men to roll up their sleeves and get creative with clay.
Join artist potter Stephen Pettet-Smith for a relaxed, three-session pottery course where you’ll shape, decorate and glaze your very own cup - then meet up for a final cuppa together at Gaia Coffee, using the cups you’ve made.
No experience needed, just bring an apron (or old clothes) and a willingness to get a bit messy. Along the way there’ll be tea, chat and laughter.
📅 Wednesdays 10th, 17th & 24th September (10 - 12.30pm) at People’s Parkfield, Paignton
☕ Final meet-up: Tuesday 1st October (10 - 12pm) at Gaia Coffee, Winner Street
For more information please go to the website - https://www.alrightmate.org/

02/07/2025

Are you pre-diabetic or looking to prevent diabetes?
The diabetes prevention programme supported by the NHS, NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme Devon, is starting new groups locally to support those with raised blood sugar, also known as pre-diabetes, or a history of gestational diabetes.
Check out the information below to sign up. You can also self-register online: https://preventing-diabetes.co.uk/referral/ or over the phone by calling 0333 577 3010.

11/06/2025

If you've been struggling to afford food lately, Turning Heads have a brilliant social supermarket where you can access food at a low cost.
Feel free to pop down on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday between 10am and 4pm, or contact Turning Heads for more information!

10/06/2025

It's Carer's Week! 🫂
The 9th to the 15th June is , so we wanted to share some resources to support those who dedicate so much time caring for someone in their lives.

The best place to check out activities for carers in Torquay is Torbay Carers, who post updates each day on all sorts of events going on this week for carers, most of which are free! You can also check out their website here for more detail: https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/services/carers-service/carers-week/

We've also included a few posters below on some local support for carers, and we encourage you to reach out for help if you need it. Caring can be such a rewarding and important role, but also feel intense at times, so it's important to get the support you need.

To all carers in Torquay, we hope you have a lovely Carer's Week ❤️

28/05/2025

Have you been struggling with grief after losing someone? You're not alone.

Grief can feel incredibly isolating, but there is support out there; you don’t have to go through it on your own.
There are several bereavement support options in Torbay, offering spaces to talk, connect, and begin to heal. Whether you're looking for a group to join or someone to talk to, help is available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Bereavement & Loss Support Group
A new weekly group at Barton Baptist Church, set up by community builders.
🕑 Wednesdays, 2pm–4pm
📍 Barton Baptist Church
📞 Contact Beth Upham (07548 704876) or Si Langridge (07821 666322) for more info.

Paignton Bereavement Group
A monthly group for anyone who’s grieving.
🗓 Meets every 3rd Friday of the month
📍 Redcliffe Hotel, 4 Marine Drive (in the room opposite the bar)📞 Contact Nina on 07929 335915 for more info.

The Bereavement Journey
A free 7-session course at Barton Baptist Church for anyone affected by loss. The first 6 sessions are secular, with an optional 7th exploring faith questions.
🧭 Focuses on understanding grief and processing emotions
👉 More info: bartonbaptistchurch.co.uk/bereavement

Pete’s Dragons
Support for anyone affected by su***de loss.
💛 Specialist, compassionate support tailored to your needs
👉 More info: https://www.petesdragons.org.uk/how-we-can-help/getting-support-in-devon

22/05/2025

Evidence suggests there are steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and enhance your physical and mental wellbeing.

Ask us for tips, or for signposting to other agencies that can support you with accessing some of these things!

For more advice, visit: http://nhs.uk/.../guides.../five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/

20/05/2025

Have you been diagnosed with diabetes type 2 in the past year? If so, there's a brilliant free course coming up in the bay where you can learn to cook healthy meals, meet others, and find information about diabetes support locally! Run jointly by Diabetes UK South West and South Central and Turning Heads, this course gives you expert knowledge in managing your diabetes and finding new delicious recipes to enjoy at home.
The next course is starting on the 22nd May and has a few spots left so if you're looking to get involved, email Steph at Stephanie.Davis@diabetes.org.uk or follow this link: https://services.thejoyapp.com/en/listings/21810-living-well-kitchen-torquay