Torch is a community help hub set up and run by volunteers from local churches across Reading with the aim of providing a helping hand to those who otherwise cannot get help and tend to fall through the gaps of existing provision.
This is a completely free service. All volunteers are DBS cleared and where possible come from the local community near the client. Self or agency referrals to Torch can be made by phone, email or via the website contact form where they will be triaged by a team of Coordinators who select the appropriate volunteer from across the churches.
Torch is a project under the auspices of CityLife Community Projects (CLCP), registered charity No. 1117112, and a company registered in England and Wales No. 05881513. The management team at Torch is drawn from among the leaders of the churches involved and they report to the trustees of CLCP.
The work of Torch comprises of three strands:
- Help Hub: We offer free practical help when you need it.
- Signposting: We offer free support to help you live well.
- Community Action: We serve the community through positive action to make it a better place for all.
The scope of activities that the Torch Help Hub strand of work aims to respond to are:
| We provide…. | Examples of what this looks like…. | |
| Urgent Help | Short term support with urgent needs for those unable to get out | Collecting shopping |
| Collecting prescriptions | ||
| Signposting to other charities | ||
| Enhanced Wellbeing | Friendly support to improve emotional and mental wellbeing | Being a sensible friend/befriending |
| Addressing loneliness and isolation | ||
| Chat and prayer | ||
| Confidence Building | Confidence building through “hand holding” to get back on your feet | Help to get out of the house |
| Assistance with social re-engagement | ||
| Support to attend appointments | ||
| Practical Tasks | Practical support to make a difference to everyday life | Odd jobs around the house |
| Assistance with small gardening/outdoor jobs | ||
| Signposting to other charities | ||
| Personal Help | Personal support to help people with everyday life | Help with letters, CV’s and job applications etc |
| Help with IT, form filling and paperwork etc | ||
| Signposting to other charities | ||