By Rosie Fellows, Community Development Manager. 

“One of the things that really appealed to me about this job was working for an organisation that mirrors my personal values about the importance of human relationships and community. I’m driven by a desire to connect people, so you could say this position at Westbank is tailor-made for me!

I have a varied background in social enterprise, community and youth settings and have spent most of my career in some form of youth work, but this role is about developing stronger relationships across the community and across age groups. 

I’m new to this area of Devon so I’m still in the process of meeting people and listening to them. I’m coming in with a fresh outlook to find out what are the real areas of need in this locality. Ultimately, I aim to empower local communities to meet and self-manage certain aspects of their own needs. 

Current activities and social clubs will continue to be supported by Westbank staff and our incredible army of volunteers, but one of the areas I am looking at immediately is the food provision that was set up by Westbank in response to and coming out of the pandemic. At the moment we provide a food larder in Exminster and a similar provision in neighbouring Starcross. The two villages are distinct communities with slightly different needs, but both require fresh produce to supplement the fruit and veg Westbank receives through Fareshare and local supermarkets.  

So, how can we join up the dots? Well, Westbank has a great allotment space at the back of our building in Exminster, but it’s pretty much gone to seed because no one is currently driving it and tending it. If we can grow more food to supply our community larders - not just here on site but through developing a sustainable network with other local community allotments - then we can aim towards greater self-sufficiency. 

I’ll also be looking to develop stronger networks across the various sectors Westbank is involved in - education, health and mental health services and environmental action. All of these are interrelated. Again, it’s a matter of joining up the dots to make best use of available resources.

 A lot of Westbank’s current open-access social activities and clubs focus on older people and that will continue to be the case to reduce social isolation and loneliness, bring local residents together and make spaces for connection. However, the development part of my job is about creating new services and provision, based on need. There’s also a demographic of young adults presenting with low level, mental health issues, serious enough to affect their access to work and their relationships. 

I’ll be looking at whether there’s a need for some kind of supported programme for young adults, a holistic approach, perhaps getting them engaged in the garden and our allotment, accessing Westbank’s Gym and Community Cookery School, having lunch together and just talking to each other. We all need social cohesion and a sense of belonging, young people are no different. They thrive when they can contribute, learn new skills and become more involved. With the right kind of support, they may get to a place where they feel comfortable to engage with us as volunteers or develop the confidence to secure a job. 

Beyond a 6- or 8-week programme, we could look at how the amazing facilities we have here at Westbank in Exminster or at our Coffee on the Corner cafe in the village could be used on an ongoing basis as multi-generational community spaces. There are so many exciting opportunities.”

If you would like to find out more about Westbank’s clubs, activities or facilities or would consider volunteering or supporting our charity by making a donation or legacy, please have a further look around our website www.westbank.org.uk

 This article was first published in Moorlander Magazine