In 2024, following discussions with the membership of The Torbay Over Fifties’ Assembly and the Torbay Older Citizens’ Forum, it was agreed that a merger would create a stronger platform. In February 2025, the Torbay Citizens’ Assembly was launched, with an updated constitution. You can read the constitution here.

The Torbay Citizens’ Assembly’s primary objective is to provide an independent platform for residents to voice their interests and concerns, achieve change, and make Torbay the best place it can be to grow older.

This will be achieved by:

• Identifying age-relevant issues, developing plans to address them, and acting upon those plans
• Liaise with other organisations as an inclusive, independent, non-party political forum
• Promote policies and practices that benefit residents and ensure that the views of our members are paramount
• Keep members informed of proposed changes, drawing upon their knowledge and experience of Torbay, and encourage their active involvement in consultations
• Challenge ageism whilst raising awareness of and promoting positive aspects of ageing, and valuing people as constructive and contributory members of the community of all ages
• Drive and support actions which support and sustain Torbay’s Age Friendly status and the domains of specific interest to the membership

Origins

Ageing Well Torbay, a programme aimed at reducing loneliness and isolation amongst Torbay’s over fifties, initially worked with people over 50 and organisations across Torbay in the form of The Torbay Over Fifties’ Assembly (TOFA).

Now known as The Torbay Citizens’ Assembly, this platform will enable any Torbay residents regardless of age to discuss what’s important to them, and share those views with peers from around the bay.

The Assembly was a key element of Ageing Well Torbay’s initial bid to the National Lottery Community Fund, and is, therefore, an important feature and legacy of the programme; ensuring a powerful platform for Torbay residents to voice their concerns was established.