TORBAY UNITED 2024 REPORT
INTRODUCTION: CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
Thank you for taking the time to read our end-of-year report. We are grateful for your interest and hope that this report will encourage you as we reflect on the great work that has taken place in the last 12 months.
Torbay United continues as a registered charity, bringing together our efforts as churches and partners to achieve shared ambitions. We have put in place the necessary systems to serve the people of Torbay, addressing food poverty, supporting young people in schools, and creating inspiring ecumenical events.
We have faced several challenges, but through the grace of God, we have achieved much. Our team has demonstrated the audacious hope we have in Christ, which is exemplified in this report.
Our Yum Bus initiative has been instrumental in addressing food insecurity in Torbay, providing nutritious meals to over 250 people every week.
Our team of volunteers has supported eight schools and collaborated with other school partners to assist many more education establishments.
Our special Christmas carol concerts brought together people from diverse backgrounds and traditions for a joyous celebration of the Advent season, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration within the community.
As we look forward to the future, we are dedicated to building on these successes, prioritising initiatives in food poverty, safety for young people, and collaborative community events that motivate the community to live life to the fullest. You may wish to visit the website to see some of the developments, including a church directory for Torbay – www.torbayunited.org.uk.
On behalf of the trustees, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our team, partners, and supporters for their dedication and contributions to our shared mission.
Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. We are confident that our collective efforts will continue to yield positive outcomes in the future.
Thank you again for taking the time to read our report.
With hope and joy, Rev’d Nathan Kiyaga Chair of Trustees
Giles Fearnley, one of our trustees writes: It is a great privilege to be a member of Torbay United’s fantastic team and 2024 was a particularly exciting year as we have both extended and developed our work further across the Torbay community. We have learnt so much about the needs of those we are serving through the YUM Bus, and coming alongside our schools and young people we are continuously looking to focus our work so that we make a real difference through all we do. Our two Christmas celebrations at Christ Church and the RIC in December were particular highlights of the year, as I am sure they were for everyone who attended.
None of this would be possible, of course, without the tremendous professionalism, commitment, enthusiasm and generosity of all the Torbay United team, including our many volunteers and those who support us financially. Every person, whether involved directly or indirectly, is crucial to our work and gives us the confidence to achieve much more through 2025 and beyond.
Jeremy Aspinall, another trustee writes: This year we are in a better position and have made real progress across our strands of work. We are financially more secure than last year and are so grateful for the support of so many people, churches and organisations, including Stagecoach, Torbay Council, Tesco Stronger Starts and many others, along with those individuals who donate monthly. Of course we need many more and are still so reliant on a small number of dedicated volunteers.
Our carol concert was uplifting and inspiring and for me it was a real privilege and joy to meet all the team at the social event that Nathan arranged in the new year. It was great to meet both existing and new members of the team including Faith and Hannah, who inject fresh energy into our compliance and our schools support team, and to have had the chance to thank Rich for his dedication in helping us get the charity going in the right way.
I am always humbled when I meet some of the people who use the YUM Bus, and recognise the struggle they face daily in juggling work, family and trying to make ends meet. Lisa does an amazing job in providing that helping hand.
I have been privileged to tell others about the work of Torbay United at the Torbay Business Forum, and have been really struck by how our work resonates with so many across Torbay. Our challenge is to convert that goodwill into positive action. Sometimes I am impatient for a bigger step change in our work and funding, but recognise that God is providing each step of the way and our role is to faithfully keep putting one foot in front of the other.
FOOD: YUM BUS PROJECT
YUM (You+Us=More) is a converted minibus that functions as a mobile social supermarket to combat hunger and foster hope within our community. It provides vital food resources to those in need and nurtures a sense of community and care; not only filling empty stomachs but also warming hearts and creating a sense of belonging, tackling food insecurity and spreading love one meal at a time.
Time – reaching people who might find it difficult to access current food support schemes at a fixed location. Goods stocked include food, personal and household items, such as packaged, refrigerated, and fresh produce, along with some items specifically for newborns and family pets.
Connecting with other local agencies and organisations to receive referrals, and heavily advertising to raise awareness, has helped grow membership. In June 2025 alone, we supported 289 individuals, including 12 pension households, 69 working households with children, and 25 working households without children.
Members usually face a monthly budget shortfall of several hundred pounds, and YUM offers individuals the chance to choose goods tailored to their household needs, typically paying around 50% of standard shop prices. Impact is reported across households ranging from singles, sometimes retired, to larger families of six with multiple children. More than half of our served members report that one or more household members have a disability or special needs.
A renewable rolling membership, on a means-tested basis, ensures those in most need receive the support they require, and the model seeks to both enhance dignity during difficult times, as well as avoid dependency on a permanent basis.
Below are a few case studies that provide just a flavour of the restoration of dignity and alleviation of some common stigma encountered around use of traditional food banks:
Since finding out about the yum bus I’ve managed better with having food in the house. It’s not just about the great help being able to afford the food; the staff are fantastic and always there to talk and give advice. They have helped me so much.
I have been attending the yum bus for a while now, over a year. I can absolutely say that without the support of Lisa and Yum I don't know what I would have done; they have everything I have needed and it's always fresh. Lisa is a complete asset to the yum bus and always has been very respectful, kind and understanding. I must say I don't know where I would be without the support of Lisa and the YUM bus Team
The Yum bus, Torbay United and being able to access food at a reduced and affordable price has really helped me to manage feeding my son healthy and wholesome meals. The food available has been a great help and support allowing me to survive in a time when I’ve faced some difficulties and transitions with money and running a household on my own. Very grateful this has been accessible for us.
I wanted to say a huge Thank you to Lisa personally for giving me support warmth and love. I didn’t expect you to offer support, kindness and understanding – particularly one day when you gave me huge hugs while I cried. I feel safe to be myself while coming to you. The strength and love from you and all the volunteers have seen me through my days when I didn’t know how I would manage. You run such an invaluable service which is so much more than support with food and groceries.
Thank you for being there and such a good role model with no judgement and giving love and understanding. I feel very lucky to have you and the Yum Bus team supporting us. You bring light and love and really help keep food on the table in a time when the cost of living has become higher.
I hope you are always able to support the community whose lives you make warmer in food, kindness and love.
Thank you again.
Hi, just wanted to say what an amazing help the Yumbus service provides. It's a fantastic life line for myself and others in vulnerable positions. Yumbus not only provides discounted food for people struggling to make ends meet. Lisa
and the team provide a warm, non-judgemental, happy, safe place where I can go and meet new people and just chat, have a coffee and feel normal and not feel embarrassed because I'm struggling. Thank You all you do an amazing job!!
We see the sharp end of the cost-of-living crisis playing out before our eyes. Torbay United continues to explore a range of funding opportunities for stocking the supermarket shelves, as well as to cover costs associated with staffing and vehicle maintenance. We do not anticipate need or demand to alleviate any time soon; rather, our experience suggests the exact opposite! We have a single vehicle, operating across six locations, with a paid coordinator and volunteer driver/assistant delivering the service.
SCHOOLS: SCHOOLS SUPPORT NETWORK
The vision of the Schools Support Network is to enhance pastoral care, safety and wellbeing in educational establishments across Torbay. We do this in partnership with local organisations, churches, charities and individuals. We are committed to breaking down cultural, generational, racial and socioeconomic barriers to cultivate spaces and places of belonging; boosting transformative journeys.
We enhance processes to wholeness that embody the spirit of community and compassion and we seek God’s love and grace to underpin all we do.
Partnering closely with local youth charities already involved in detached youth work and secondary and primary schools, Torbay Council, Devon and Cornwall Police and education establishments provides a positive, collaborative and cohesive platform. Much strategic network building and scoping of the needs of schools, young people, families and teaching staff has provided a solid foundation to grow engagement.
We welcome opportunities to foster empathetic, genuine, and consistent relationships—reaching out to the downcast, outcast, and those who come last; to support others in the playground, to cultivate joy at the school gate, to seek peace in our school corridors, and to promote safety on bus journeys.
Opportunities exist during both unregulated and regulated hours, where care, safety and wellbeing efforts can be applied to prayer spaces, transition times, RE lessons, after-school clubs, mentoring and pastoral care.
Team members (typically existing school staff, youth and family workers, other organisations in schools, enthusiastic members of the public, sixth form and college students, church leaders or members, or anyone who loves to pray) are subject to safe recruitment practices and provided full training to provide schools and communities with a non-anxious presence, unconditional positive regard, compassionate and empathetic leadership, faithful and trustworthy role modelling, and de-escalation and active listening skills.
Primary school engagement continues to flourish across multiple sites, with the Emotional Resilience Programme making a measurable difference in pupil wellbeing. The consistent presence of two of our volunteers has deepened trust within schools, while assemblies and teaching sessions have strengthened church partnerships and community outreach. Together, these initiatives are helping children feel valued, supported and connected.
One team member shares her experiences: I've now run three small groups of the Resilience course. Five students at a time explore what it is to be Brave, Unique and Loved over six sessions. They are selected by the school as the ones who would benefit from being more resilient and having some more focused time and it has been a joy to watch young people grow and put techniques of regulation and resilience into practice. At another school she reports: I have been delivering the same programme and have seen great results. Each group brings a new dynamic and learning experience. This term, one student began the course very quiet but gradually gained confidence. Others, who often express that they dislike school, said this group was the best part of their day. We meet on Monday afternoons, which gives them a positive start to the week.
Every group has reflected the same truth — many children struggle with emotional challenges that the programme directly helps them address. It is a privilege to play a part in their growth and wellbeing.
Across all of these schools, we are building connections with organisations such as Good News for Everyone, Youth Alpha, and Kintsugi Hope, creating new opportunities to share the gospel and support young people across Torbay. It is exciting to see the level of collaboration between churches, volunteers and youth organisations increasing, with hearts aligned in vision and purpose.
The work in secondary schools is steadily expanding through strong partnerships and a shared passion for bringing faith and hope into education. The new mentoring programme and growing network of Christian Unions are
equipping young people not only with life skills but also with opportunities to encounter Jesus. The team’s collaboration with local churches and faith-based organisations is a powerful testimony to unity in action.
Continuous expansion of networking with designated safeguarding leads, headteachers, Stagecoach staff, community police, local services and volunteers has allowed coordinated engagement and agreements with schools to meet needs for presence in playgrounds, for warmth and chatter, or a greeting at the school gate, lunch queue or bus stop.
Torbay United and Stagecoach South West have joined forces to create the Safer Travel Partnership in a 'heart-warming display of community spirit'. There is now a shared commitment to address concerns surrounding antisocial behaviour on buses and at bus stops and bus stations and in particular Paignton Bus Station. Torbay United has deployed volunteers to ensure that students have a smooth and safe boarding process at the end of the school day.
Torbay United and Stagecoach have set clear objectives aimed at promoting safer travel and fostering a culture of respect and responsibility among students who use the service. Overall, the Stagecoach support work has had a clear positive impact. The team has not only improved safety and reduced behavioural issues but also strengthened relationships with students through consistent, respectful engagement. Continued presence and communication with Stagecoach will help sustain these improvements throughout the year.
God Moving Across Torbay
Across all our areas of work — from bus stops to classrooms, from playgrounds to assemblies — we are witnessing God’s hand at work throughout Torbay. Doors that were once closed are opening, and genuine partnerships are forming between churches, schools and local organisations. There is a growing sense of unity and expectation as we see young people encountering care, faith and belonging through our team’s presence. The work in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham continues to build momentum, and we are excited to see what God will do in the year ahead. Our vision is to continue deepening these relationships, to empower more students and families, and to see every school across the Bay become a place where hope, faith and love can take root. Together, we celebrate what God is already doing — and we look forward with faith to all that is yet to come.
EVENTS: FESTIVE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
The Festive Christmas Celebrations held on 18[th] December 2024, at the Riviera International Centre Torquay were an extraordinary celebration of Advent. With esteemed guests including Philippa Hanna, David Wells and Mike Robins, the events aimed to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds and traditions in a shared spirit of worship and fellowship as well as give an opportunity to those who want to make a commitment to Christianity or reaffirm their faith.
This year it was decided to hold both an afternoon and an evening event with a small charge for attendance (free for under-18s). Families could also enjoy a dedicated Baby and Children’s Play Village.
The seamless coordination and support from The Methodist Church, Compassion UK, Home for Good, and The Church of England played a pivotal role in the events’ success.
The concerts featured a diverse range of activities, including worship sessions led by Philippa Hanna, an established UK singer-songwriter who is recognised as a leading light in the Christian & Gospel scene in Europe, with insightful presentations by David Wells and Mike Robins.
The various exhibitors such as Good News for Everyone, Home for Good, Compassion UK and Choice Words bookshop did a remarkable job. The evening event struck a perfect balance between worship, speaking, and presentations, as highlighted in the positive feedback received.
Attendees expressed appreciation for the event's inclusivity, bringing together individuals from various churches and traditions across Torbay. The wellcoordinated registration process and effective pre-event communication were commended by participants. Moreover, the spirit of unity in Christ was palpable throughout the event, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among attendees.
The concerts served as a catalyst for spiritual renewal, with many individuals making commitments to Christ or reaffirming their faith and a renewed sense of unity.
The following day at Christ Church there was a Worship Night with Philippa Hanna & Lou Fellingham . This special evening was an opportunity to bring the community together for a powerful experience of worship and praise, led by two renowned Christian artists. Philippa Hanna’s uplifting music spoke to
people of all ages, while Lou Fellingham brought deep passion and connection to the worship experience. For families, Mummy & Me provided a “baby village” in Christ Church Hall,
In conclusion, the Festive Christmas Carol Concerts and Worship Night were opportunities to unite believers in joyous celebrations of the Advent season. The events’ impact extended beyond the confines of the venue, sparking a renewed sense of purpose and mission within the community. We look forward to running a Christmas event in December 2025.
Torbay Unlted CIO Charltyno. 1201635 Recelpts andPaymentsAc¢ountfortheyearended 31stDecember2024 2024 2023 Unrestricted Restrlcled Total Recelpts Pre-registration Income DonaJons GiftAid 90990 10205 Grants Interest Events Totsl Receipts 17700 55760 17 2467 95961 17500 li 17 2467 57901 38060 118706 Payments Yum Bus Schoots work Event5 Overheads SulKontractors Consultants Total Payments io 45560 55684 13292 22003 21186 7778 25299 13292 12375 2647 13153 12375 2647 13153 35000 51591 4&560 97151 111266 Deficlvsurplus forthe period Bank balance brought forwar(I Bank batance carried lorwar(i 6310 -7500 -119) 7440 7500 6250 6250 7440 Statement ofAssets andLlablUtle5at31stDecember2024 2024 2023 Cash assets Cash atbank 6250 6250 Debtors Glft aid 2657 2657 1756 Otherassets forthe Charrfrfs use Ninibus-yum Bus 16000 16000 16000 Note I Thetiustees confimi, in accordance wlththe Charitable Incorporated O¢anisations (Generall Regulations 2012. that atthe yearend the CIO did llol have arry outstanding guarantees tothird partles nor any debts secufed on assets ofthe CIO. Approved bythe board of trustees and signed on thelr behalf by Date... ........2025
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Torbay United CIO
Charity no. 1201635
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Torbay United CIO for the year ended 31[st] December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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(1) Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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(2) The accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
I P Barrett FCA FCIE
Barretts Chartered Accountants 22 Union Street Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 2JS 29[th] October 2025