The Beacon Torbay

31/10/2025

It’s that kind of day! Step into your magic, your witchy and wizard mindset to bring forth a new dawn - one where we can all start to live with our authentic selves, one which supports, uplifts and includes all. One where we can all be seen and heard and the ones clinging on to their last gasp attempts to control grassroots fall on their sword (much like Andrew Windsor!) Happy Halloween all 🧙💕

30/10/2025

I love this! On International Men’s Day (19th November) there is an event happening at Arena Torquay to discuss men’s mental health and the men of Torquay are invited. One of the speakers is Lincoln Sargent from Torbay Council who I thoroughly respect (I know… hearing me talk respect in the same sentence as Torbay Council is somewhat alien but there are some brilliant people trying to support the ship as it goes down 🥴).

Now, I know there’ll be comments about a ‘man’s day’ but when I look at every human being as a unique individual, removing all labels, demographics, etc, we are currently living in a time where the world is asking us to have a more balanced feminine/masculine energy. Along with that are individuals trying to navigate who the f**k they are, where they belong, alongside maintaining jobs, relationships, parenthood, whatever it may be. So when events like this are highlighted I’m joyful as now more than ever the world is waking up to the fact that we shouldn’t look at community as a place but as somewhere where people find their belonging, hope, strength, joy.

I’m leading an incredible initiative which is re-defining ‘community’ and with that radicalizing how we look at healthcare. If you’re interested to know more just drop me an email summarising your interest to hello@sharonnelson.co.uk and I’ll add you to the distribution list for more info 😀💕

International Men's Day 2025 Event – Arena, Torquay, Wed 19 Nov 2025 - Join us this International Men’s Day for an inspiring and supportive event focused on men’s mental health and the power of positive male role models. Come join us on Wednesday Nov 19 2025 at 9:30 AM at the Arena Torquay ce....

29/10/2025

The building that houses Yates and Ephesus on Torquay Harbourside is up for sale. Given the proposed development of this area, I wonder how Torbay Council are involved. Let’s dig deeper… 🧐💕

28/10/2025

😀🙏💕

As keen users of many of the facilities looked after by Torbay coast and Countryside trust, we are saddened by the news that they are being put into liquidation. 😔
We understand that a lot of families have annual Occombe Farm passes that will no longer be usable. 💔

To help those families, we will be happy to honour the annual passes for the next 12 months, at The Bunker here in Torquay. Proof of pass required 🙌

Passes will be valid for general climbing and bambinos entry's.

26/10/2025

The irony given sad recent events in Torbay: I very much appreciate everyone needs down time and to go on a holiday if they have opportunity and I’m assuming from what I’ve been sent here that Torbay Council’s current lead is currently at his holiday home again in America. I can’t help but pick up on the irony that ‘Torbay Dave’ was inviting people to a horror show three days ago - the same time as another brilliant organisation announced it was in trouble or ceasing to trade. It could be argued he orchestrates a horror show at home and clearly likes to do the same on hols. I wonder if he’s aware of what’s going on back home? I guess so as his deputy and fellow ring master, Chris Lewis, is clearly in touch with him. Torbay needs change and fast. Bring it on I say if we want fairness, equity and a chance for all to thrive. Happy Sunday all 🙂💕 Devon Live BBC News BBC Devon

24/10/2025

For any parents out there who are being failed by local mental health services related to your children, this is a wonderful group/support initiative 😊💕

Youth Mental Health Foundation

24/10/2025

My response to Steve Darling MP’s post:

It’s a crying shame but sadly, Steve, your administration are also to blame. Over recent years the council has had ample opportunity to support creative thinking, social value, promote a circular economy and more but you’ve ignored it for fast bucks. Shame on you and all your colleagues within the Council. If you really are wanting to support now then great but actions speak louder than words. I also question your integrity to engage with transparency and true community engagement and I don’t just mean with your friends at Torbay Communities! 😒💕

Torbay Council Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust Devon Live Occombe Farm Cockington Country Park

22/10/2025

The survivors who quit the grooming gang enquiry are courageous in standing in their truth calling out the dismissal, secrecy and institutional protection that plagues it. Failing institutions which are meant to protect need to be held accountable for their actions. I hope the powers that be see sense, sack the current lead and bring in independence. If you add blackmail and bribery into the mix you could be forgiven for thinking we were talking about an institution closer to home 🧐💕

21/10/2025

An urgent assessment is so needed. A complaint has gone in to the CQC with regards its handling of Torbay Council’s recent Adult Social Care review. Concerns were raised that the process in terms of gathering feedback was not inclusive and actually biased with Torbay Council itself directing who the feedback should come from. The concern raised with the CQC was ignored hence the now formal complaint.

A ‘governing body’ not being inclusive doesn’t offer a fair representation and therefore increases the likelihood of ongoing failings and inadequate services. If you want the very best in care for all please do take the time to give feedback. Let’s hope the findings will be reported honestly, truly reflective and positively life changing for many 🙂💕

20/10/2025

SEND provision: If you’d like to add your voice or thoughts on SEND provision please see details of an event being held by Torbay Council on 11th November 😊💕 SEND Family Voice Torbay Sendiass 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 🧐💕