About Us
Our Story
Celebrating Diversity
Imagine is a multi-cultural group whose activities aim to benefit people from all ethnic communities. Founded in 2007, with the support of Torbay Council, Imagine began by starting with friendly, social meetings and community activities. Imagine then successfully developed its scope into volunteering, training and employablility as registered as a C.I.C in March 2014. Through championing cultural diversity via: social events, workshops, training and professional/ personal development, Imagine consistently encourages social cohesion and increases individuals' contributions to our community. Imagine has received funding from a wide range of organisations including Torbay council, Devon Community Foundation, the European Social Fund, Big Lottery and many more. Imagine continues to deliver exciting opportunities such as ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) workshops where our directors are fully qualified to offer as many opportunities as we can.
Meet our Directors
Director
Lorrie Layne
Lorrie established Imagine in 2007 with support from Torbay Council. Since then he has been a leading role in the development of the company, with the help of the directors, to shape who we are today. He is a qualified teacher and has worked with children, young people, and adults for multiple decades, both in the UK and abroad. He is a well respected member of the community and received the 'Public Sector Hero Award' which he was presented at the House of Lords (2015), and has been involved in countless community events, companies, and workshops.
Director
Jodie Courtney Gonzales
Director
Emelia Lucyna Sobkowiak-Mozdzer
Location: Born and raised in the vibrant country of Trinidad.
Passions and Interests: From mastering the art of karate to diving into heart-pounding adventures, I thrive on adrenaline. Whether it's hitting the gym, exploring the latest gaming trends, or immersing myself in the world of cars and animes, I'm always up for an exhilarating experience.
Professional Expertise: As a dedicated personal trainer, fitness instructor, and sports massage therapist, I'm committed to helping individuals achieve their health and wellness goals. With qualifications to work with children of all age groups, I blend my passion for fitness with a love for nurturing young minds.
Community Engagement: Giving back is at the core of who I am. Whether it's volunteering at local events, organizing fitness programs for underprivileged youth, or lending a helping hand to those in need, I believe in making a positive impact in my community.
Faith and Growth: Grounded in my Christian faith, I approach life with gratitude and a drive for continuous improvement. I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, constantly seeking to expand my knowledge and skills through ongoing learning and development courses.
Emilia is a Director of Imagine and is an artist and qualified teacher. She is head of Polonia in Torbay and the Polish Saturday School; also based in Torbay.
Director
Masami Harbidge
Masami (on the left) is a Director of Imagine and helped to establish Mirai- Japanese Cultural Group, with Yoko (on the right), which carries out activities for Japanese people and our wider community.
"The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord."