We have received over £4million from the government's Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) to tackle the impact of COVID-19.

The COMF funding will enable Torbay’s public health team in partnership with us to provide short-term interventions and support for communities that have been affected by the pandemic.

There are currently 67 projects and interventions totalling over £3.5million underway across Torbay that have been specifically set up to improve outcomes for residents. 

Developed together with local service providers, the voluntary sector and community groups, the projects are taking place across Torbay. The projects and initiatives include support with mental health, opiate addiction, homelessness, support for children and families, education and self-isolation and aim to help individuals and communities recover from the effects of the pandemic.

Councillor Jackie Stockman, Cabinet Member for Adults and Public Health, said: “The purpose of this funding is to provide public health related activities that support Torbay’s most vulnerable residents and communities who have been most affected by COVID-19. Whether that be through providing support to break the chain of transmission by offering a debt advice service to aid isolation, online adult mental health and well-being support, community-based support for those digitally excluded and additional measures for vulnerable children.”

Councillor Cordelia Law, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We know that children and their families have faced lots of challenges over the past year. That’s why through this funding we are providing targeted interventions for our vulnerable children, young people and their families, which range from Educational Psychology Support and enhanced free play provision for 3 to 4 year olds across a range of settings including refreshing community playgrounds.”

Members of Cabinet will be given a full update on the COMF funding and all of the projects and initiatives at the Cabinet meeting taking place at 5.30pm on Tuesday 15 June.