Westbank was established in 1986 and ran as a registered charity for over 20 years until transferring to a company limited by guarantee in 2007. The organisation works to empower and improve the health of communities and individuals across Devon.

The organisation has been providing practical support such as shopping, transport to and from medical appointments and befriending for vulnerable and socially isolated people since its inception. Supporting carers has always been a priority and recently Westbank’s expertise with carers has been acknowledged by the award of a countywide contract to coordinate carer’s services as part of a consortium with East Devon and Exeter CVSs. Day care is provided at the Community Care Centre which also operates as a meeting place and provides meals and bathing services.

Westbank works in partnership with 6 GP practices, engaging volunteers who provide practical and emotional support to patient and ensures that the volunteer’s voices are considered in the new Health and Social Care arrangements locally.
The Healthy Living Centre opened in 2004 and enabled the provision of many more services both in-house and in the community.  The centre aims to empower and improve the health of local people, especially those who feel marginalised in the local rural community and aims to reach socially excluded groups and individuals. The Centre includes a gym with disabled access equipment, after school and holiday club for children, crèche, gymnastics club, an IT suite, conference and meeting facilities.  Fitness classes, smoking cessation, weight management, stress management, complimentary therapies, workshops and training are also delivered both in house and through experts from other organisations.

In 2005, Westbank opened an outreach centre in Starcross in the form of a community meeting place and shop which has now been running for three years as a successful social enterprise.

The Lottery’s Wellbeing Programme is funding the ‘NewSteps’ project which further helps to fulfil the organisation’s mission of ‘Providing Care, Promoting Health’. NewSteps encourages people to take new steps towards a healthier mind, body and soul. Through this project the aim is to holistically support and help improve mental health, increase physical activity and promote healthier eating. As part of this project lifestyle assessments are offered to people across Teignbridge and Exeter.

Westbank is an integral part of the community and develops programmes based on the interests and needs of the community. The work is supported by a team of 44 paid staff and over 200 volunteers. 

Priority Aims
Relieve sickness and preserve health amongst the community
Preserve health and foster independence
Support primary health care through voluntary activity
Support for carers and bereaved people in their homes with practical and befriending support
Meeting the needs of carers of all ages, including young carers

Strategic Objectives
Reach Socially excluded people
Nurture physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing
Early Years Development and Family Health
Practical support and information about choices in lifestyle and care services
Quality Information advice and guidance

Core Values
Encouraging, developing and promoting healthy lifestyles for all members of the community
Providing high quality, appropriate care and support to those who need it
Promoting and ensuring social inclusion
Actively encouraging user involvement in management and development of the organisation
Creating new and developing existing partnerships across all sectors
Encouraging, motivating and supporting local people in their personal development
Recognising and supporting the involvement of volunteers
Inspiring and enabling people to unlock their true potential and that of others
Sharing what we learn amongst local people, partner organisations and at a national level so that others can advance