25 Jun People’s Parkfield CIC: A Community Powered Revival

The launch of the Social Economy Hub at Parkfield, February 2024

Our article last week introduced People’s Parkfield CIC and its aims to support the local community and to provide safe spaces in which people from all generations can flourish.

This article is an introduction to the organisations that make up the Parkfield community.  Each one is part of the Voluntary, community, social enterprise sector (VCSE) and offers their services to support the development and well being of local children and adults.

Cycle Torbay CIC

A social enterprise championing active travel, Cycle Torbay delivers bike maintenance workshops, social rides, and the nationally recognised Bikeability training for children aged 7–17, with a weekly session held every Monday morning in our stable yard.

Taleblazers CIC

Taleblazers connect children and families with nature by offering themed outdoor activities—conservation, folklore, geology, art, and hands-on heritage storytelling.  Rich and his team are currently leading operations to return the walled garden into a productive growing space and hosts a volunteer session every Tuesday afternoon.

Imagine This…Torbay

Imagine This is a collaborative initiative aiming to make Torbay a better place to grow up. Hosting impact groups around themes like environment, safer streets, stress and anxiety, youth hang-out spaces, and inclusion.

Firebug

Firebug are a new CIC whose love for the outdoors and traditional wood working and land management techniques has helped to shape Parkfield already.  Currently focusing on scything, they keep our lawn looking trim.  They are putting together a team of volunteers who will form the Parkfield scything team.

Groundworks South West

Working with multi-generations, they are currently leading a project to transfer our woodland and stream into a welcoming and inspiring location.

Torbay Communities

This umbrella charity supports local community development and leads initiatives like Imagine This, providing coordination and funding pathways.  Their Community Builders team are often on-site sharing ideas.

Children’s Society: Checkpoint Drop‑In

The Children’s Society runs Checkpoint drop-in sessions at Parkfield—providing safe, confidential support for young people.  It has been lovely to see how young people have started to build a positive relationship with Parkfield.

SEND Family Voice Torbay

An advocacy group giving a voice to families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.  They have hosted numerous training and support sessions for parents in our Lounge.

New Footings Ministries

Delivering outreach, pastoral support, and volunteering with vulnerable individuals, New Footings offers friendship, mentoring, and signposting across Torbay.

Moor to Sea Music

Moor to Sea are alternative provision providers based in one of our upstairs rooms.  I know when they are in as I get to listen to some very talented musicians.  They offer music tuition and work with home-schooled children, as well as offering SEND provision.

Little Squirrels Forest School

Little Squirrels are based in our rear garden and have worked so hard to transform what was an overgrown garden into a fun, safe, and natural learning environment for children.

Torbay BMX Club

Torbay BMX Club have been a long-standing part of the Parkfield scene, operating from our competition-standard BMX track.  They cater for riders aged 5–60 and offer club coaching sessions and open sessions for anyone wishing to get into the sport of BMXing.  Following the first stage of track refurbishment, the club will soon be reopening their doors.

7th Paignton Rainbows, Brownies & Guides

Meeting regularly at Parkfield, the girls aged 5–14 bring a different energy to the house as they work towards badges, prepare for camps, and community service.

“Parky” Skatepark Community

The skatepark buzzes with energy as skaters practice. Under CIC stewardship, it’s an important space for skill-building, social interaction, and informal mentoring.

Our Patch Volunteer Team

The Parkfield volunteer crew look after the grounds, woodland, lawns, and public areas.  The team are a wonderful bunch who are always looking for new members to join them and are looking to create a multigenerational group who will be happy to get stuck in and share knowledge and experiences.

Wren Music – Singing for Wellness Torbay

Hosted weekly in Parkfield’s events rooms, Singing for Wellness brings together people living with respiratory or similar health conditions for gentle music-making, breathing exercises, and social enrichment

People’s Parkfield set out to encourage collaborations, we know that working together creates a stronger team, bond, and greater opportunities to support more of our community.  We have already seen the impact of successful collaboration.

If you would like to know more or enquire about the spaces available, contact our Centre Manager at [email protected].