Lighting the way: Happy Diwali
Happy Diwali to all Sikhs and Hindus living in Torbay and South Devon. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a time of joy, colour, and connection. Homes and streets are illuminated with lamps and candles, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and hope over despair.
Diwali was celebrated on 21 October, and it has belonging to family, community and shared values at its heart. It’s a moment to celebrate not just cultural heritage, but the inclusive spaces we create when we honour each other’s stories.
As we mark Diwali this year, let us also reflect on how light can be a symbol of welcome—an invitation to recognise and celebrate the many cultures that shape our shared world.
Help to make healthy food choices
The Atomic Wellness Company CIC is hosting a free community event with The Real Food Reset to support people to make healthier food choices.
The event takes place at the Mercure Hotel, Esplanade Road, Paignton on Saturday 08 November from 10am-12noon where visitors can learn how to take small but powerful steps to improve their health and wellbeing by learning how to reduce ultra-processed foods and embrace whole-food nutrition.
Emma Hague, also known as Switch the UPF on Instagram (@switch.the.upf), will also deliver a motivating talk about how to cut back on ultra processed foods in a realistic family-friendly way. There will also be practical tips about how for balanced nutrition and easy swaps for lasting wellbeing. You can book your free space on the Atomic Wellness Company‘s website.
Living Options Devon’s new name
The charity Living Options Devon has changed its name to Disability Together.
For 35 years, the charity has worked alongside disabled people to break down barriers and create opportunities. More than 10,000 people use its services every year – from wellbeing and peer support, to advice, training and advocacy.
It’s now decided to change its name to ensure disabled people are at the heart of its charity, and to reflect the supportive, collaborative way it works – alongside the people who use its services.
What hasn’t changed is its mission to create access and opportunity for disabled people to live with more choice, control and independence. Details of support and services can be found on the Disability Together website or by emailing info@disabilitytogether.org.uk
Maddy and Marie complete the Big Half in London for cancer charity
Congratulations to our biochemistry department colleagues Maddy Squires and Marie Clarke who successfully completed the Big Half in London, raising more than £7000 for the charity Against Breast Cancer. Well done, Maddy and Marie for this great achievement!
Free mental health support for new and expectant parents
Having a baby can be an emotional and overwhelming experience, but TALKWORKS is an NHS talking therapies service for people 18 and older who want some help to get back on track after giving birth.
Treatment for anxiety, low mood and depression includes one-to-one sessions with an NHS therapist or counsellor either in person, telephone or a video call; interactive group courses and wellbeing workshops and online self-help, available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Everything provided by TALKWORKS is free, waiting times are short and appointments available early morning and evening, Monday to Friday. You don’t need a GP to refer you, just call 0300 555 3344 or self-refer online.
World Sight Day 2025
As part of World Sight Day, which took place earlier this month, we’re encouraging more people to give the gift of sight and help those waiting for a cornea transplant.
More than 4,000 people are waiting for a cornea transplant in England, with more than 500 people waiting more than a year.
The cornea is the clear outer layer of tissue at the front of the eye which lets in light so that you can see. Cornea transplants are truly life-changing, helping people see their children again, resume driving, regain their independence and so much more. Watch Laura’s powerful story and hear about how having two cornea transplants has enabled her to see her two boys.
Did you know?
- Poor eyesight does not prevent someone being a cornea donor
- People with cancer can almost always donate their corneas
- As a cornea donor you could help restore the sight of someone affected by eye disease or injury
There is a national shortage of donors and yet almost anyone can be considered for cornea donation. If you want to give the gift of sight, confirm your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Were you or your family born in our Women’s Health Unit?
This year marks a special milestone, 40 years of our Women’s Health Unit at Torbay Hospital.
As we prepare to celebrate this anniversary, we want to shine a light on the people and families who make our story so special. If you were born in the unit, worked there, or have family members across generations who’ve been born here, we’d love to hear from you.
Whether it’s a photo, a memory, or a story passed down through your family, please share your connection with us. These stories will help us celebrate not just 40 years of care but the generations of lives we’ve helped bring into the world. Please send your stories, photos, or memories to the communications team.