Project Locations
New Steps
Westbank Healthy Living Centre, Exminster
Established in 1986 Westbank 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.
Westbank 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. Day care is provided at the Community Care Centre which also operates as a meeting place and provides meals and bathing services.
Our Healthy Living Centre opened in 2004 and enabled the provision of many more services both in-house and in the community. We aim 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. Our 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.
The Big Lottery Fund Wellbeing Programme is funding our NewSteps project which further helps to fulfil our mission of ‘Providing Care, Promoting Health’. NewSteps encourages people to take new steps towards a healthier mind, body and soul. Through this project we aim to holistically support and help improve mental health, increase physical activity and promote healthier eating. As part of this project our team of friendly, approachable and professional staff offer free lifestyle assessments to people across Teignbridge and Exeter.
The work of the organisation is carried our by 44 paid staff and 220 volunteers.
What is it?
Improve mental health through - access to physical activities with a known impact on anxiety and depression, supported volunteering and rehabilitation back into work, New Leaf Café operating on Food for Mood principles, confidence and assertiveness courses, and improving social contact.
Increase physical activity through - health walking groups, cycling projects, access to exercise classes, fitness suite with disabled accessible equipment, and allotment and gardening exercise
Promote healthier eating through - “Grow, cook & eat sessions”, community allotment, cookery courses and classes, food harvest and awareness days
Who can join in?
Anyone who wishes to make an improvement in their lifestyle, increase physical activity make new friends and have fun
Where does it take place?
Exeter, Exminster and Teignbridge
How do I find out more?
Please contact: Lucy De Garis
l.degaris@westbankfriends.org
Westbank Healthy Living Centre 01392 824752
Please contact: Hannah Jones
h.jones@westbankfriends.org
Westbank Healthy Living Centre 01392 824752
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