The Beacon Torbay

17/10/2025

Another update as promised: Many months ago I shared the findings of a Freedom of Information (FOI) related to funding Torbay Council had put Torbay Communities way which was frankly quite shocking as many of you thought. Following that back in August, I submitted another FOI asking for similar information but for another half a dozen ‘preferred’ partner orgs of Torbay Council. The subsequent information received from Commissioning was, shall we say, not extensive and the information for one organisation was missed out entirely. I’ve this week chased again bearing in mind an FOI should be responded to within one month and not over three!

It’s also interesting that the organisation whose information was missing in its entirety was a part of the funding stream distribution which was retracted in recent weeks. Time and further research will reveal all 🧐💕

17/10/2025

An update on my post of 22 August: I’ve still had no response from Hayley Tranter, her muse David Thomas or otherwise. Martin Brook asked me to email him (which I did weeks ago) saying he would look into it but again heard nothing. What exactly do Torbay Councillors do apart from open Lidl stores and pretend to do public consultations? We may as well have had cardboard cut outs shaking hands with Princess Anne 🥴💕

12/10/2025

I was recently interviewed on ‘resilience’ and my own personal journey with that. This interview is an open and honest account of my life, my work and my vision. A vision that hasn’t gone away but in fact has been fine-tuned even more through knock backs, adversity and inept systems. Here I talk with Dee about my personal journey thus far in Torbay, a vision before its time, the true meaning of co-production and lots more.

In terms of ‘the vision’: A platform is in the throes of being launched; wonderful and timely connections are being made and the right team and support is gathering. I give thanks to all who support the vision, my own personal journey and those who hold me with with non-judgement and love. What we are creating is huge 😊💕🙏

SoulPathways · Episode

01/10/2025

Let’s talk funding and a distinct lack of it getting down to the incredible individuals, teams and organisations who are offering real person centred care at grass roots in Torbay, particularly related to mental health support for adults and children. Here are the Director and leadership salaries in Torbay Council. The ones who are arguably too far from grass roots to know what’s truly happening or indeed have friends on the ground whose only intent is to feather their own nest 🧐💕

Read the job descriptions for senior members of staff and the current salaries paid.

01/10/2025

Let’s talk about Jim.

I met Jim last week at a Torbay Local Motion event where Local Motion representatives from across the country came together in Torbay to hear the latest from our local area.

The most striking thing for me from that event was meeting some incredible people from across the country, listening to their stories, passions and hopes for their communities and beyond. Jim was most certainly one of those. The first thing I thought was he was the most incredible respectful, kind and soul-led person you could ever wish to meet. You can read Jim’s background story here but what gives me real hope is that Jim, with his lived experience, his values, drive and courage, is being given an incredible platform in Enfield to share his story, inspire and motivate in making real positive change. As Jim explains in his story, he was listened to as he grew up, he was seen, he was supported. THAT is what is needed in ‘place’. Torbay can certainly learn a thing or two from Enfield.

Jim, you’re incredible. You’re in my heart and mind forever and have NO doubt you are destined for great things. Keep shining brightly, Sir 😊💕🙏

On our Young People's page in this month's Enfield Dispatch we introduce Jim Wasswa, who discusses his experience of growing up in the care system and his plans to invite the people who make the decisions about young people in care to sit down and discuss the reality with care-experienced young people, to bring about positive change.

We are delighted that Jim is now working alongside LocalMotion Enfield as we work to ensure people with lived experience are at the heart of our decision-making.

Photo of Jim by Kaiimages

Deshaun Donaldson's new satirical cartoon reflects on his view of what's happening in Westminter.

Deshaun and Kai are both part of the Enfield Young Creatives
Our Editor is Sangeeta Waldron from Serendipity PR & Media

Pick up the Enfield Dispatch at community venues across Enfield.

01/10/2025

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30/09/2025

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We’re pleased to be working with the Randal Foundation to distribute funding which supports its vision of uplifting communities and fostering a brighter tomorrow.

Thanks to Randal, we have £30,000 to give to grassroots organisations which are tackling the root causes of mental ill-health and supporting significant, long-term mental health improvements. Grants of up to £3,000 are available.

If you would like to be considered for this funding, make sure you are on our database. You can do this by completing our brief Getting to Know You Form. More information on our website.

https://devoncf.com/grants/getting-to-know-you/

30/09/2025

Today I, along with many others, had the honour of walking with the Baton of Hope across Torbay. It was a quietly reflective and poignant time to remember the reasons why we so desperately need better and more timely mental health support for all. So many lives could be saved if funding was spent more appropriately. We need to make it happen.

The organisation of the event, the compassionate consideration shown towards each walker, their positioning and personal needs being met were wonderful, thank you Torbay Council Baton Of Hope UK team and in particular Lu. My stint was perfect through Abbey Park. My ‘tour’ finished with a sound bath with Signature Sound Therapies hosted by the gorgeous Gemma. A wonderful end to the day, thank you all 😊💕🙏

30/09/2025

This should be fab 😀💕