News from TCDT
for. So we fully expect to see The Orb adapt and change and look entirely different in a years’ time, although if it doesn’t we can live with that as well.
By Billy Hartstein Information & Advice Project Manager
On the 25th February Torbay will finally see the launch of a new online directory of services for all of Torbay and beyond. There has been a couple of false starts (isn’t there always with technology!) but this time we are ready. The directory will sit on a website called The Orb which will provide a platform for community groups, individuals, companies and services to advertise who they are and what they do. How much they cost and when they operate. It will also provide an events calendar and the opportunity to support local or national campaigns and items of interest. The launch of The Orb will not be the end however, in fact to quote Churchill it will not even be the beginning of the end but merely the end of the beginning. We are naturally pleased with how The Orb will look on the 25th February but expect it to change and adapt with how the people of Torbay use it and what they want to see it used
The idea to create a new directory has been bandied about for several years but with never quite enough enthusiasm to actually get it done, what has changed in recent years is two things. First of all (the carrot) is the realisation that different people need different things and that if people can find those things for themselves (self-help I believe it is called) they are more content with the outcomes. So better outcomes. Secondly (another carrot) if people are finding what they want first time without going to professionals etc. then it save a lot of time and time equals money. That does not mean to say that the Orb is not for professionals or others that may support of refer a person on. They are welcome to use as well and perhaps find what a person wants quicker. We are not talking about saving enough money to save the world, but every little bit helps and there should be enough to make sure that the Orb at least pays for itself. Finally the introduction of the Care Act means that each Local Authority and Foundation Trust must ensure that its area it serves has an online directory of services that includes independent financial advice, local offers as well as several
other legal necessities. Fortunately and possibly uniquely both the Foundation Trust and the Local Authority have given the Torbay Community Development Trust a free hand to develop the Orb on the understanding that we would include the legal requirements and co-produce the project with the people of Torbay. When we started this process people told us that they wanted something that looked different, that didn’t look either corporate or public sector. They wanted something that treated them as an equal and didn’t look down its metaphorical nose at them. People also wanted something they would use, contribute to and improve (interesting concepts!). As a result the community of Torbay have chosen or played a part in choosing. • • • • •
The company that has built the Orb. The name The colour and design of the website. Some of the content. How it looks and works
When the Orb goes live on the 25th have a look and let us know what you think by emailing Kelly at kellygivens@torbaycdt.org.uk