Torquay inclusive sports club needs public votes to win £3,000 community grant

Caremark, one of the UK’s leading home care providers, has announced that Torquay United Community Sports Trust has been shortlisted for a £3,000 grant through its UK-wide Community Care Fund, with the final winners now set to be decided by public vote.

The charity, which provides inclusive sports and activity opportunities for all ages and abilities, has been selected as the South West finalist in the nationwide initiative. It is now one of 12 regional finalists in the running to receive funding, with the three projects receiving the most public votes each awarded a £3,000 grant.

Voting is now open via Caremark’s Facebook page and closes on 1st September 2026.

Torquay United Community Sports Trust was shortlisted in recognition of its work to help improve people’s physical and mental health and reduce isolation in the region. Offering activities such as Walking Football alongside activity sessions for disabled adults and juniors, the club gives older people the opportunity to stay active, helps individuals manage long-term health conditions, runs dedicated groups for people with disabilities, and encourages young people who may otherwise face barriers to participation in sport.

If successful, Torquay United Community Sports Trust will use the £3,000 grant to purchase inclusive sports equipment, including portable goals, specialist footballs, agility equipment and disability-inclusive sports aids, to expand and improve the quality, accessibility and safety of its sessions.

The Caremark Community Care Fund was launched earlier this year to recognise and support grassroots projects making a positive difference in local communities. As a home care provider supporting people to live independently in their own homes, Caremark created the fund to celebrate local initiatives that help people feel supported, connected and part of their community.

Members of the public, community groups and local not-for-profit organisations were invited to nominate projects they believed deserved support, with more than 1,600 nominations received from across the UK. From those nominations, 12 finalists have been selected, with one representing each of Caremark’s UK regions. The three projects receiving the most public votes will each be awarded a £3,000 grant to help them continue, develop or expand their work.

David Glover, CEO of Caremark, said: “Caremark’s work is built around helping people live well in the place they call home, but we know that a good quality of life is also shaped by the community around you. It is shaped by whether people feel safe, supported, included and connected. That is why we launched the Community Care Fund. We wanted to recognise the local projects and organisations that are making life better for people in their communities, often with limited resources and without the recognition they deserve.

“To receive more than 1,600 nominations from across the UK has been extraordinary. It shows just how much important community work is happening every day, often quietly and consistently, in towns and villages across the country.

“Torquay United Community Sports Trust is a brilliant example of that. Its work directly benefits a wide range of community members, regardless of age or ability. It now has the chance to receive one of three £3,000 grants. We would encourage people across the South West to read about the finalists and cast their vote.”

VOTING IS NOW OPEN. To vote for Torquay United Community Sports Trust and discover more about the Caremark Community Care Fund shortlisted organisations, visit Caremark’s Facebook page and vote via the pinned post. Voting is open until 1.9.2026.

Further information is also available at www.caremark.co.uk/community-care-fund.