CAPTION: The Living Room is staffed by volunteers, including people who have benefitted from the services it offers
Torquay Church’s “Lifesaver” Living Room Cafe Celebrates 15 Years
The Bishop of Exeter was at St Mary Mags church in central Torquay on Sunday 20 September for a service to celebrate 15 years of the Living Room Community Cafe which serves members of the community experiencing homelessness, addiction or loneliness.
The church was packed with guests and volunteers from the Living Room, as well as representatives of local organisations including the Director of Public Health, Dr Lincoln Sargeant and Torbay’s Civic Mayor, Hazel Foster.
The Living Room drop-in takes place in the church serveal times a week and includes tea, coffee, cakes, a hot meal and the chance to chat to the volunteers and take part in a creative craft activity.
Peope shared their stories during the Living Room celebration service
In 2025 the Wash Room space was also created to enable guests to have a hot shower and get clean clothes and use the laundry facilities.
One of the guests at the service said “I love the coffee and the hot food, Bubble and Squeak is my favourite. People are friendly, it’s a lifesaver.”
Chris, who has been both a guest and a volunteer, said “It means a lot, spiritually, mentally, knowing that people will talk to you. I want to give back what this place gave me. They gave me coffee when I needed coffee, they gave me food when I needed food.
“It’s a safe place to come to, especially when you’ve got addictions. You don’t get judged on them. You’re allowed to come in, whatever your circumstances.”
The cafe welcomes everyone, whatever their circumstances
During the service Trina Jones, the Living Room pastor, who has a history of drug and alcohol misuse herself, interviewed some of the guests and volunteers who have been involved with the project over the past 15 years.
Speaking afterwards she said “It’s amazing to witness God moving in people’s lives. We get people that come in to volunteer that have no faith, then end up coming to church, doing Alpha, giving their lives to Christ. It’s a real privilege to be part of that.
“I had been clean and sober a year when I started coming to the Living Room. God has been amazing in my journey and amazing in using my story to help other people as well.”
Rev’d Sam Leach, St Mags Vicar, said “When people come to the Living Room we offer to talk with them and pray with them. It’s a beautiful thing and 15 years is something worth celebrating.”
