A New Chapter for Caring Town
After more than a decade helping to build one of Totnes’ most collaborative community networks, Caring Town co‑founder Carole Whitty is gradually stepping back from her role. As six new trustees come on board, Carole looks back on how it all began – and what keeps the network strong today.
How Caring Town Began
Caring Town was founded in 2012 by Carole Whitty, Bob Alford (then CEO of Totnes Caring), and Frances Northrop (coordinator of Transition Town Totnes). The three came together at a time when cuts to public services were hitting Totnes hard.
“We were all struggling with how to respond to austerity,” Carole recalls. “We realised that better communication and collaboration across health and welfare services could be a game‑changer.” A community meeting was organised, inviting charities, voluntary groups, and local organisations to imagine a more connected way of supporting vulnerable residents. The message was clear:
We need to work together. We need to know what each other is doing. We need to respond to crises collaboratively.
From that first gathering, Caring Town was born
Growing a Network of Support
Over the years, Caring Town has grown into a network of more than 80 organisations and groups, offering services and activities that support people at every stage of life.
In the last 12 years, Caring Town benefitted from 2 coordinators. Fiona Ward, was with the organisation for over five years and led key projects such as Space to Talk and the Connectors Project. When she left Carole took over the Chair of Trustees role, managing to secure £68,000 in lottery grant funding, which enabled them to appoint a new coordindator – Aydin – to carry through the bid.
Alongside them, Carole has continued her extensive community networking – from the Cost of Living Group to youth networks, rough‑sleeping support, and community discussions on key local issues.
A Team Effort
Carole is quick to highlight the many people who have helped shape Caring Town.
She gives particular thanks to:
- Sally Croft, who has overseen the charity’s finances for many years
- Trustees Mary Popham, Bethan Edwards, and Tony Lopez, who have each contributed significant time and expertise
As Carole and the long‑standing trustees step back, six new trustees are stepping forward to guide Caring Town into its next chapter.
Looking Ahead
The Town Council extends heartfelt thanks to Carole for her exceptional dedication, and warm wishes to the new trustee team as they begin this important work.