Westbank Community Health and Care
Our objectives
- Our Vision
For everyone to be living fulfilled, healthier, happier lives for longer.
- Our Mission
Westbank is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals.
Our mission is to tirelessly promote and improve the quality of life, through a comprehensive range of health and wellbeing initiatives, ensuring lasting positive outcomes for all.
- Our Values
Caring. We genuinely care about everyone with warmth, kindness, empathy and respect.
Collaboration. We believe in the power that comes from working in partnership.
Empowerment. We support individuals to take charge of their health and wellbeing journey.
Innovation. We embrace creative solutions and continuous improvement.
Integrity. We maintain transparency, accountability, and credibility in all we do.
Representative. We advocate and campaign for change on behalf of individuals and our sector.
Resilience. We foster resilience in overcoming challenges and adversity, empowering individuals to continue to thrive.
Responsive. We respond efficiently and effectively to existing and emerging challenges and opportunities.
- Who We Are
Westbank Community Health and Care has a rich history rooted in a commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Founding and Early Years
- 1986: Westbank was founded by Mary Nesbitt, who recognized the need for supportive health and social care services within the community. Her vision was to create an organization that would empower individuals, promote community wellbeing, and provide compassionate care.
Development and Expansion
- Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Westbank began to expand its services to address the growing needs of the community. This included support for unpaid carers, assistance for the elderly, support for individuals with disabilities, and the establishment of community health initiatives.
- The organization gained recognition for its community-oriented approach, prioritizing inclusivity and access to essential services for all.
Evolution of Services
- Over the years, Westbank expanded its offerings further to include a variety of health and wellbeing services, such as mental health support, community outreach programs, and a focus on preventative care.
- The introduction of award-winning services such as Devon Carers and Devon Young Carers highlighted the organization's commitment to supporting unpaid caregivers and ensuring young carers received the help they needed.
Response to Contemporary Challenges
- In response to emerging societal challenges, including the effects of the Covid pandemic and rising living costs, Westbank adapted its services to continue meeting the needs of the community.
- The Charity implemented innovative solutions to support mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic, showcasing its resilience and commitment to providing continuous care.
Recent Developments
- As Westbank approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026, it has revisited its strategic values, mission, and vision to ensure they align with the contemporary landscape of health and social care.
- The charity remains focused on delivering high-quality services, fostering partnerships, and engaging with stakeholders to promote community health and wellbeing.
Today
- Today, Westbank Community Health and Care stands as a respected Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) provider, renowned for its reliable, responsive, and safe delivery of a wide range of services supporting over 37,000 people across Devon each year.
- With a dedicated workforce of staff and volunteers, Westbank continues to evolve its practices and approaches to meet the needs of individuals throughout Devon and the surrounding areas, committed to supporting healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives for its community members.
- The ethos of our organization extends to our highly valued workforce, who benefit from a diverse array of unique perks and advantages through our 'Great Place to Work' initiative. This program is designed to enhance employee satisfaction, well-being, and engagement, fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment.
Our activities
Westbank Community Health and Care (Westbank) is a well-established charity based in Devon, focused on improving health and wellbeing since its founding in 1986. In 2026, Westbank will proudly celebrate its 40th anniversary, a testament to its impactful support for communities and individuals throughout Devon.
Over the years, Westbank has improved the lives of thousands by empowering individuals and communities, addressing all aspects of health and wellbeing, including both physical and mental aspects. A key strength of Westbank is its dedicated team of staff, supported by our army of hundreds of volunteers who serve as the essential backbone of the organization, helping to connect the charity to rural and urban communities across Devon.
We offer a diverse range of services aimed at combating loneliness and social isolation while promoting healthier lifestyles. These services encompass Devon Carers, Devon Young Carers, the Community Cookery School, Neighbourhood Friends, Patient Transport, Community Activities, Health Walks, the Community Hub, Community Larders, and a variety of gym, exercise, and rehabilitation classes, including GymClusive, which is specifically designed for accessibility. By combining and leveraging all of these services, we can effectively meet the diverse needs of our service users, going beyond just the specific issue they were referred for.
The organization is experienced in delivering services that align with the principles and outcomes of the Care Act 2014 and holds several contracts with the NHS and local authorities within Devon. For instance, its award-winning Devon Carers service supports over 32,000 unpaid carers, providing both preventive and statutory support, along with over 3,000 statutory Carers Assessments annually.
Our Diabetes Prevention service, which offers tailored support to individuals at risk of developing diabetes, focusing on essential areas such as healthy eating, physical activity, mental health, and weight management. Our growing social prescribing service provided person-centred support in both primary and acute healthcare settings, which often lead to improved health outcomes through non-clinical interventions, and prevention of hospital readmissions.
The Neighbourhood Friends initiative is another valuable service that aids individuals who need additional support, helping them avoid hospital admissions or facilitating smoother transitions back home. Practical assistance includes transport for medical appointments, help with shopping, and connecting individuals to community services and activities.
Westbank is committed to innovation in health and wellbeing, developing and attracting funding for programs that meet community needs. Our fitness services include an inclusive community gym, prevention and rehabilitation services as well as GymClusive, which offers state-of-the-art equipment designed for users of all fitness levels, especially those with disabilities or long-term health conditions, enabling them to exercise from their wheelchair or with support.
Additionally, the state of the art Community Cookery School teaches community members valuable cooking skills, enabling them to prepare healthy meals while considering cost-effectiveness.
Regular health walks, catered to various abilities, encourage community members to engage in physical activity while building friendships in a supportive environment. Overall, Westbank aims to ensure individuals can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, and our comprehensive array of services clearly reflects this dedication to community health and wellbeing.